The Martin County Taxpayers Association is a not for profit Corporation, run by a volunteer Board elected by the members of the Association. The Association was formed over fifty years ago making it the oldest organization of its kind in the state and has over 1200 members throughout Martin County.

Every other Saturday we produce this column for the Stuart News. It is a privilege and responsibility we take seriously and for which we are appreciative. Frequently we are asked who writes “In Your Corner” columns for the News and we try to answer it at least once each year. The column is a compilation of comments and suggestions received from our membership and board members, and are researched and finalized by a Communication Committee. Our President is a member of this committee, but does not necessarily author the article, even though his/her name is included in each column’s by-line. The content expresses the collective thoughts of a majority of our communication committee members. In essence, our column is meant to create and encourage honest discussion and sound thought. We do not endorse any political point of view and are not beholding to any group. We try to look at the big picture and take the long-term point of view. Often our positions are not popular, sometimes even among our membership. This is particularly true when we point out problems in an organization, or address what we see as unfairness in the community.

We also publish a quarterly newsletter called “Assessment” that we send to our membership. Here are excerpts from the topics covered in our December 2005 “Assessment”.

“The MCTA offers an enthusiastic welcome to the new County Administrator and anticipates a productive partnership with his administration.”

“Spending by all government entities within Martin County must be brought under control. It is literally impossible for spending to continue to accelerate (at the current rate) without serious damage to many residents.”

“During times of increased property assessments, millage rates should be reduced.”

“The reliance on consultants should be evaluated.”

“The Martin County School Board and the City Commission meetings should be aired on MCTV. The County Commission meetings have become too long and too costly.”

“We recommend that the County, City and School Board share facilities, avoid duplication and review their capital requirements with an eye toward consolidation.

“Service facilities should be located where they can (better) serve (the county’s residents) …”

We regularly host County leaders and request their input at our monthly Board Meetings. At our December meeting our new County Administrator addressed the Board and answered our many questions on his management style and priorities. We believe the County has a winner in our new Administrator and congratulate our Commissioners on securing his services. The following outline of our presentation seems appropriate to repeat here.

MCTA OBJECTIVES:

Help Martin County’s Governments be the most efficient and effective possible

Keep Martin County an affordable place to live

Maintain an appropriate level of services and infrastructure

MCTA DOES:

Criticize actions that we believe are detrimental to our objectives

Praise actions and individuals that support our objectives

Concentrate on local issues that negatively impact Martin County taxpayers

MCTA DOES NOT:

Endorse any political candidate or party

Criticize individuals by name

Address problems that do not directly effect Martin County residents

ACTIONS WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE:

Reverse the rapid increase in the cost of Martin County’s government

Millage rates that are adjusted for the increase/decrease in property values

Capital Improvements budget that is driven by service level objectives

SOME SPECIFIC ITEMS WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND:

Adoption of a consistent, understandable budget process

Reduce the use of consultants and part time employees

A policy review on overtime for highly compensated salaried/management personnel