Philosopher Camus wrote “Always go too far, because that’s where you will find the truth.”
Revenue Enhancements proposed for consideration by the White Pine County Commissioners.
1. Increase the sales tax by .25% to fund
the senior center, parks, library and agricultural extension. This will require a ballot vote.
The tax has be agreed to by the commissioners, and will be on the ballet in November. At least one commissioner believes the voters will say no. Gary Perea said if we could say it was for the senior center only, I feel it will pass.
This tax will harm more seniors than it will help. White Pine County has only one senior center located in Ely. How many seniors living outside Ely, come to Ely to have lunch? The seniors living in Lund, Preston and Baker have pot luck lunches.
2. If #1 passes consider reverting $.03 of ad valorem tax now going to the senior center back to the general fund.
So the way this works, we pay more taxes for the senior center and the county takes money from the senior center to fund their spending. Why not just say this tax is for the general fund in the first place. I am slow, but I am catching on as to how this works.
3. Revert $.03 of the ad valorem tax now going to the indigent fund back to the general fund.
Ok I get it, the county has over spent and need some money in the bank. Did we agree to the terms? Can the commissioners spent what ever they want and come back with their hand out?
4. Maintain the electric franchise fee which increases in 2018 and 2020.
Remember telling the commissioners NO on this, did they listen? We do not get to vote on fees only taxes. On fees we expect the commissioners to consider the cost to the citizens, but they only see their needs (wants).
5. Implement business licenses in the county.
This one does need some consideration. Richard Howe does not like this and voted no. This is a fee for doing business in the county. Yes Ely you are in the county. Point, we do not vote on fees. What every fee is set by the commission, can go up by the commission at any time.
6. Continue to aggressively seek out grant opportunities.
At this time every department writes grants. Grant writing does take a lot of time and research. If there was a grant department that knew the needs of each department, maybe each department could run with fewer people.
7. Impose telecommunications franchise fee ordinance.
Another fee. No vote.
8. Impose a $.25 per line 911 surcharge for the of upgrading technology related to emergency communications and service.
This was to improve the dispatch services with gps location. This would assist emergency departments in time saving and locating emergency calls.
Cell phones, land lines and trunk (PBX) lines are included. Trunk lines would be $2.50. I am not sure which way to go on this. If all the money went to the gps only, until the service is in full gear, I like it. Knowing the commissioners, it will go in many different ways.
9. Evaluate the possibility of leasing jail space once jail expansion is complete.
No objection.
10. Pursue a 1/2% leisure tax to support the golf course.
This was called room tax, why the change in wording? I still say we do not need more taxes.
11. Evaluate vacant land owned by the county and sell parcels as appropriate.
The county is holding a lot of land. Selling these even at a loss, could increase the property tax income to the county. I do hope they do not try to get top dollar. Any property held by the county is a
revenue loss to the county.
12. Utilize an online venue to sell used equipment.
13. Pursue additional Medicaid revenues for EMS.
14. Flat fee billing for standard services at the road department .
This has each department pay for services done by the road department. I don’t see the savings, just the user pays.
15. Pursue solar farm at airport.
Although I do not like this, I will not fight it.
16. Evaluate the opportunities of cannabis industry.
Just don’t like this. The commissioners have appointed Sheriff Watts and DA Mike Wheable to look in to the possibilities.
17. Use CDBG funds to provide infrastructure on county owned property that may be resold for economic development .
18. Increase park fees by 10 to 20%.
There is a park fee and a cleaning deposit. The cleaning fees are returned when the park is left clean. The park fee is one of the fees that is frequently waived.
19. Continue to expand programs at the aquatic center.
20. Charge for videoconferencing at the library .
21. Add foot ball at the golf course.
22. Increase golf course fees.
This is a definite.
23. Adjust various building permits fee.
This must mean increase. Remember we do not vote on fees.
24. Update resolution 2007-38 that provides planning fee structures.
Was updated in 2007.
25. Impose penalties for late renewal of home occupation permits.
26. Once fees are imposed, enforce the fees.
Commission’s tendency to allow waivers for fees. Get the feeling there are fees not enforced. Why?
27. Continue proving interagency fire fighting assistance from the fire district.
This generated $19,000. last year.
28. Long distance transport thought EMS.
This service is for stable patients, opposed to life flight. Last year this generated over $12,000 for the EMS service. The savings to the patient is between $30,000 and $60,000.
29. Consider implementing policies related to development agreements and impact fees.
30. Prompt and accurate invoicing for road department services.
31. Increase cost of excavation fees.
32. Additional revenues for Agricultural District.
New construction at the fair grounds. This is for a new gazebo and stalls for rental.
33. Consider leasing fire station if departments combine .
Not mentioned here –
New annual increase of taxes on motor vehicle fuel. Item does not say which fuel, but I am told Diesel. This is a yearly increase for 10 years.
