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4-29-08 Andrew Matthews FORUM
04/29/2008 16:54:39
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James W. Frick said it best and he said it in but a few words: “Don't tell me where your priorities are. Show me where you spend your money and I'll tell you what they are.”
In recent months, the City of Bloomington has had to make tough decisions as budget issues have forced changes. In the midst of the $3 million budget shortfall, ideas such as closing O’Neil Pool and selling Highland Golf Course were tossed around as quick fixes. In the end, the balanced budget was achieved by increasing taxes and fees and making minimal cuts in spending.
During the recent budget discussions, we were told that the city was seeking to ensure the maintenance of services as cuts were made to bring the city out of the red. It seemed that the priorities expressed were right on track. In light of a decision that is currently being discussed, however, I believe that this discussion of priorities is exactly why Frick tells us we should look at the books to see where priorities truly are.
This week, the city council will discuss the purchase of a $30,000 piece of electronic playground equipment called the NEOS. Having seen the system on videos, I admit that it’s a pretty cool toy…for a few people to play at once. It just doesn’t seem consistent with the priorities expressed…and it made me ask what else we could buy with the $30,000. Perhaps a couple thousand footballs, soccer balls and basketballs. Maybe a couple of giant playground sets which can be used by 25 or 30 kids rather than 3 or 4. Or, more in line with the necessary services, a new police cruiser. Still more vital, 2/3 of the salary of a first year police officer. Priorities should lead that money to be spent elsewhere.
I understand that the city has a role in recreation and quality of life However, to spend money on the NEOS after telling the people that money might not be available to operate O’Neil Pool makes the efforts to balance the budget seem disingenuous. Cuts couldn’t be found to balance the budget so taxes and fees were raised. We still don’t have complete information on potential savings from reducing the number of city cars taken home each night. Police and fire pensions are underfunded. It just doesn’t add up when we hear about buying NEOS…a $30,000 video game for the city to drive around from park to park.
Watch carefully as the decision regarding NEOS is made. We have been asked by our council to dig deeper to provide more tax dollars in order to ensure necessary services continue. Just weeks later, some on the council may spend those tax dollars on a luxury item. Priorities are a funny thing. We can talk about them all we want and in the end, a quick check of spending habits reveals the truth. If the NEOS purchase takes place, just remember that its flashing lights were purchased over the flashing lights of a new police cruiser. Priorities indeed.
By the Power of Truth, this is Andrew Matthews with the WJBC Forum.
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