How should irrigation dollars be spent?
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Editor,
Recently FJBC held a meeting and presented the 2016 actual budget and proposed 2017 budget. In 2016 the actual Assessment Revenue collected from the irrigators for administration purposes was $554,293.35; 2016 Budget $545,313.60; 2016 Actual spent for Lawyers (legal fees with consultant/lobbying) came to $596,691.01. $90,000.00 for legal council will be carried over to 2017 as the lawyer has agreed to take payments. All total the 2016 Actuals came to $677,800.49. FJBC went over the budget by 38 percent in 2016.
The controversy comes when almost 80 percent of the administration funds come from the Flathead District, 14 percent comes from the Mission District and 6 percent comes from the Jocko District. All three districts in the past have voted on the rulings; however, the Flathead District had only two commissioners that support the Compact. The remaining eight commissioners and one commissioner, voted at large, do not support the compact — and there lies the problem. They are the ones who have mandated where and what the administration dollars are spent on. In the 2016 budget, 88 percent went for lawyers.
My reason for writing this letter is to inform the public, and especially the irrigators, where their dollars are being spent. Someone told me they don’t care. It is my opinion the irrigators are unaware of what their administrations dollars are being spent on. I think it is time to let your Commissioners know how you would like them to represent you.
This past week Judge Manley ruled that the commissioners elected in May are to be seated. Hopefully our names will be on the website along with the budget. Take time to go to: www.flatheadjointboardofcontrol.com for contact information. I think you do care. Let us know how you want us to use your irrigation administration dollars.
Janette Rosman
Charlo
