TAXES: Stick to essentials

Here we go again! Sprinklings of stories from the taxing districts justifying their reasoning's for an increase in budgets when for the past year we have read numerous stories, op-ed pieces and public comments on the excesses of government spending. The outrages expressed, the inefficiencies, and inadequacies in programs and compensation continue. The most recent from our two largest cities here in North Idaho. We're hearing all of the same explanations that have been stated so many times in the past. "Our employees have not seen raises in three years; in order to maintain essential services; our equipment is falling apart; we are a training ground for other agencies; it will only cost X amount of dollars more per year; our levy rate is lower than other districts." YadaYadaYada. Are we tired yet of hearing these same sound bites?

Unless we insist that our local policy makers think outside the box this scenario will continue for years to come. All they have to do is look beyond their borders to see how educated individuals are dealing with similar situations. More explicitly, in the definition of what are "essential services." As government coffers expanded, so too did the wish lists in their budgets. Why not take a step back to when the revenues were less bloated? What services do we provide free of charge today that we didn't previously? What disparity is there between the private and public pay and benefit scales?

We have heard the training ground excuse for too many years from almost all of our agencies. It happens within our border and more often between Idaho and Washington agencies (they're still laughing). Ever consider what the private sector has done to deal with this? It's called an employment contract! Until you get your employees to be vested in their training expenses the ending result will never go away. Try fixing the problem with some creative thinking!

Most people in the WHOLE country haven't seen an increase in their wages or benefits for the past three years. Welcome to the "Great Recession!" Cutbacks in the form of furloughs, outright program eliminations, reduction in benefit sharing and wages have become the new normal. Doing the same with less the new mantra. User fees for services once free for all are apparently more popular. Fewer employees has resulted in increased workloads. Our productivity levels are at all-time highs. Fear of losing your job is a huge incentive in this environment to be more conscientious and grateful.

I wonder if our legislators envisioned the abuse that would transpire when they passed the ability of taxing districts to increase their budgets by 3 percent sans voter approval. Should they have pinned this percentage to the inflation rate? Should they have allowed them go back in time and collect "forgone" taxes? Promoting increased spending without accountability and shortsighted politicians is the unintended consequence.

PETER WARD

Spirit Lake

Small-business owner