IYC DRAFT 21 April 2007

Recently your Taxpayers Association was chastised for always complaining about government spending but never telling government where to cut. We disagree. For years we have offered recommended fiscal policies that, if implemented, would have made spending cuts and efficiency part of the everyday culture of our local governments. We have pleaded for simple and consistent budget formatting that allows any citizen to compare the costs and performance of specific departments year-to-year. Knowing where our money is being spent, who is spending it and understanding the value of what is procured or achieved is step one in addressing the problem – and any new format should not need the Administration’s current 685 pages to do it.

Perhaps an answer might be five-year budgets that are updated and amended each year. The public could then see what our government has in mind and this might help soften the politics involved. It would set visible targets and could be used to measure success or identify failure. Currently many Departments’ Budgets are overrun year after year and yet their next budget is time and again set below what was actually spent during the prior year(s).

We have often weighed in on reducing expenditures for consultants. The County needs to follow this up with curtailing or eliminating paid lobbyists. Why does Martin County need to pay for a voice in Washington or Tallahassee? We have elected officials there, use them. All managers should certainly limit travel and watch out for un-necessary committees and task forces.

Someone should look at how many tax collection offices we need. Most of their functions can be handled by mail. Do we really need satellite offices in Hobe Sound, Palm City, Stuart, Jensen Beach and Indiantown, and a full time Sheriff’s Deputy at each? Perhaps we could do with one major office in the East and a smaller one in the West.

Why not look at how we respond to emergency calls? How many EMS vehicles need respond to a minor traffic accident? Do we need all those fire chiefs, battalion commanders, and special operations? Could the shifts be realigned to avoid overtime?

Does government need as many new cars and trucks each year? Could there be more commonality? Would it be less expensive to contract out construction? Could privatization cut the costs of our utility departments?

Public meetings have a cost. Can a lot of what goes on in those meetings be eliminated or at least be done by staff without dozens of department heads sitting around? How many need to be present for the public comment portion of a meeting? Eliminate or reduce the number of issues that the Boards have to deal with. Streamline the processes.

We have all participated in institutionalizing programs that cost money. Community Coach started as a small venture to transport the indigent and the elderly. That was, and is, a noble venture. Today we have what looks to be an enormous fleet of empty vehicles. Would vouchers for private taxis be worth looking into? How about “feel good” programs like Martin Cares? It is an excellent program, but is it worth the cost? Could it be streamlined? Do we really need a “State of the County” celebration? Do we need Commissioner’s “retreats”? All of this adds up to lot of staff time and costs to the public.

We need to look at everything. How about some simple items like raising the thermostat a few degrees in public buildings? Ever notice how cold it is in the courthouse? The workers are wearing sweaters.

The County Administration already needs support for cutting the budget just 5%. We see the vocal reaction to every suggestion. “Don’t cut my department.” “Why do we have to cut children’s reading programs?” etc. etc. Well, you have to start somewhere to get anywhere.

We are asking our membership for specific suggestions and examples of programs, projects and fiscal behavior that can be altered or eliminated to cut spending in the County’s Schools, Administration, Constitutional Offices and other municipalities. We welcome input from anyone reading this column. Email, fax or write us. If you don’t get involved then don’t complain when others decide how to spend your money.