No headline

In the Aug. 13, 2017 Daily Bee, there was an article regarding the county’s budget and the possible cuts of $3.5 million from last year’s budget. As we all know, this does not necessarily mean our property taxes will go down. The majority of this cut, approximately $2 million, was from the Road and Bridge Department. With the state of many of our roads this seems like the last place to take such a huge hit. Shouldn’t all the departments take a portion of the cut?

Not only will the 2018 Road and Bridge budget be less next year but this year dedicated funds are being used to accommodate other county departments. The Road and Bridge Department was informed they would work to clean up the manure from the rodeo and county fair. This task was conducted on overtime and the labor costs came out of the R&B budget. Also, it has been reported the R&B department has been told they will be building a new road at the airport. If these tasks are needed then these departments should budgeted them and assumed the costs. Road and Bridge funds are dedicated funds to be used for the maintenance of county rights-of-way, not to spend on other departments. I agree, it is always nice to help out your neighbor but in this case there are way too many roads that need the attention and funds that are to be used for this purpose.

With our wet spring, we had some road issues and are applying to FEMA for funds to help offset the emergency costs. What would their feelings be if they knew we are using our dedicated funds inappropriately? And what about the state and the funds they give to R&B? In governmental fund accounting, each fund has a specific purpose. Activities for each fund need to be accounted for appropriately to show whether resources were obtained and used in accordance with the legally adopted budget. Commissioners are of the mind set they can do whatever they want but not always is it the right thing.

ZALE PALMER

Sandpoint