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Hearing numbers: have a say in local budgets

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Budget hearings without fail are some of the most heated or most boring meetings a reporter can cover. They are also some of the most important ones.

Budget numbers are a raw set of data that cuts through political rhetoric and citizen complaints that surround criticisms of how our infrastructure is built, our law enforcement responds, and our schools are funded. It provides a baseline look at what our priorities are as a political entity. 

In large cities there is usually some contingent of the population that has deemed themselves the “watchdog” group that will religiously scrutinize every decision of their elected officials down to the last penny. But in small towns in Texas, Louisiana and Montana, I’ve found that there is typically an empty house at budget hearings where local taxes are at issue, and I’m left sorting through the pages by myself. 

Still, I was a little bit surprised when a Lake County Commissioner asked me if I’d like to come in and inspect the budget during listening sessions to be held on Sept. 2, 3, and 4. 

“In six years, I don’t think we’ve ever had anyone come in,” the commissioner said. 

I was slightly appalled, but not surprised. When I had tried to look at the City of Ronan’s budget a year earlier, after it was announced via legal notice that the budget was ready for inspection, it wasn’t prepared. I was told the ad was just a formality, and that no one ever came in to inspect before the document was actually passed by the city council. 

Lake County is facing major budgeting challenges. It is unclear if the federal government will follow through and provide funding for payment-in-lieu of taxes monies that compensate the county for some of the revenue lost because the federal lands within its boundaries are untaxable. It amounts to about $400,000, the commissioners said. 

Another looming question is how the county and local school districts will make up for approximately $1.3 million in lost tax revenues once Kerr Dam is transferred to control of the tax-exempt Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. 

For the past two years development in Polson has increased the amount of locally-based revenue flowing into the county’s overall coffers, but Lake County’s towns, cities and school districts are facing individual revenue challenges. School districts in the southern part of the county have seen some decrease in locally-based revenue as lands are taken off the tax rolls and put into trust. The City of Ronan is struggling to attract police chief candidates with a modest salary. Revenue from citations has dwindled to a fraction of what it once was in the Town of St. Ignatius, where there is a constant question of “Is there enough funds for a second police officer?” 

These funding dilemmas don’t arise overnight, or even over the course of several months. They happen over time when people aren’t looking and paying attention. Elected officials do the best they can to make things work when challenges arise, but without guidance or collaboration with the public, I wonder if they can ever get an accurate read of what their citizenry wants and needs. 

Democracies and republics only function if the people are willing to actively participate, and that participation requires effort when there is not necessarily a reason for outcry. Everyone wants to have a say when water bill rates increase or taxes skyrocket, though they often remained silent and did nothing to keep up with the finances before. This is as irrational as an everyday citizen crying foul after writing a bad check because they didn’t keep an eye on their bank statements. 

Help Lake County’s officials out and come look at your bank statements and check book at local budget hearings. Bring ideas about how to make things more efficient or cost effective. Rally for more spending on the services you absolutely need and let those in charge know if the county is paying an outrageous amount for something that doesn’t work. 

The public works for the money, and should make sure the money is working for them.

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