SULLIVAN'S SALVOS
November 15, 2018
Sullivan’s Salvos 11/20/18
In this edition:
*Happy Thanksgiving!
*Putting Things Off
*Supervisor Special Election
*Budget
*Did You Know?
*Happy Thanksgiving!
Happy Thanksgiving to Salvos readers! In many ways, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. (Imagine that coming from a fat guy, huh?)
Actually, I love the idea of giving thanks. It is a simple act that does not happen enough.
While I am at it – thanks to all of you who read Salvos each week. And a special thanks to those of you who follow up by sharing your thoughts. I appreciate it! Happy Thanksgiving!
*Putting Things Off
All the candidates – at every rally – urge us to “put everything off until after the election.” I took them literally. I did that this fall. And I have been paying for it ever since!
Don’t get me wrong; I have no regrets. I will do it again. But man, it takes a while to catch up!
*Supervisor Special Election
It seems a bit morbid, but County business must go on. So we need to discuss how we will replace my colleague Kurt Friese on the Board of Supervisors.
The death (or resignation) of a Supervisor triggers the meeting of a committee statutorily consisting of the Treasurer, Recorder, and Auditor. Supervisor Friese’s funeral was Saturday, November 3rd, and the committee met on Thursday, November 8th.
The committee had two options: appoint someone to fill the remainder of the term, or call for an election. The committee chose to go to election by a 2-1 vote.
You may recall that there have been appointments AND elections previous times there were openings on the Board. In 2010, the opening was created by the death of Supervisor Larry Meyers. Current Supervisor Janelle Rettig was already running for a spot, as the election was much closer than now. The committee appointed Rettig, but a petition drive resulted in enough signatures to force a special election. Rettig defeated Republican nominee Lori Cardella in that special election, then ran unopposed with Supervisor Stutsman in the general election.
I think it is safe to say that the experience they had in 2010 influenced the committee. They were all reluctant to spend the money – a countywide special election costs about $60,000. But there were good reasons for going to a vote. First, this is a full two years. As Recorder Painter pointed out, that is the length of a House term. The public expects to weigh in when someone represents them for that long. Secondly, if folks were going to force an election for a 10-month opening, they were likely to force one for a two-year long opening. So the committee opted to go straight to a special election.
The election will be held Tuesday, December 18. This means that the Republican and Democratic Parties will hold conventions to choose their candidates ASAP. Other individuals can be nominated by petition, and appear on the ballot without a “D” or “R” behind their names.
Democrats interested in the position will make their case at the Democratic Party Convention on 11-20; Republicans will do the same at theirs on 11-24. Then the two winners face off in the December 18 contest.
*Budget
Johnson County is beginning the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY20), which will begin July 1stof 2019. Here are some ongoing budget issues, and my take on them:
General Fund versus Rural Fund: If you pay property taxes in Johnson County, you pay into the General Fund. All taxpayers do. If you live in the unincorporated area of the county, you also pay into the Rural Fund. The Rural Fund covers expenses specific to rural residents – mostly roads, but also libraries, landfill, and a couple smaller expenses. There are wide variations between counties as to what should be supported by the rural fund.
Any single individual can easily create a budget: It isn’t that hard to support the programs and services you like, then cut the ones you don’t. It is much more difficult to do this for 155,000 people. Similarly, it isn’t that hard to decide how much you think you ought to pay in taxes, then apply that County wide. It is more difficult when you then recognize how many valuable services would need to be cut. Creating a budget that works for 155,000 people is challenging.
Taxes versus services: I had a man complain to me about his taxes. The next day, his wife complained about the condition of their road. They simply can’t have it both ways! Yes, this is an anecdote, but it sums up the fundamental budgetary difficulty- people want to pay less in taxes, but get more services. It cannot be done.
Mandated versus optional services: Some services are required by law. For example, Johnson County is obligated to hold elections. Other services are optional. For example, Johnson County has no legal obligation to fund DVIP. I take issue with things being portrayed this simply. Let’s go back to elections. While elections are mandated, there is no mandate as to the amount of elections staff, computer equipment, or other expenses. The law says we must do it, but it does not specify the amount we must spend. Funding DVIP may, in fact, be a very productive way to work toward Johnson County’s mission.
Conservative budgeting versus low taxes: It is important for folks to recognize that the lowest possible tax rate does not equate to the most conservative budgeting. For example – the most conservative budgeting includes money for maintenance. You need to spend money on upkeep, whether roads, buildings, or vehicles – or you’ll spend more in the long run. And I REFUSE to buy into the idea that taxes are inherently evil! Taxes are the price of supporting a civilized society.
Want to know a government’s priorities? Look at the budget. With that said, I encourage citizens to join us at our budget meetings. (The calendar is on the website.) Meanwhile, what are your priorities? Now is the time to let us know!
*DID YOU KNOW? County Recorder Kim Painter and County Treasurer Tom Kriz have served on five of these committees since they were first elected in 1998: to replace Joe Bolkcom when he won election to the Iowa Senate; to replace Larry Meyers following his death; to replace Sally Stutsman when she won election to the Iowa House; to replace Terrence Neuzil following his resignation; and to replace Kurt Friese following his death.
Anyone interested in learning more about County government should take a look at the County website-
"Sullivan’s Salvos" is sent once per week to any interested party. It will give a brief update on issues of interest to Johnson County residents.
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As always, feel free to contact me at 354-7199 or rodsullivan@mchsi.com. I look forward to serving you!
---Rod
posted by Rod Sullivan @ 4:08 PM
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