Local government should be measured

In my opinion, there is at least one factor that has directed the blame for all the tax problems in Florida toward county and city governing bodies- the lack of a measuring device to assess the effectiveness of local government. It is well known in our state the standards and methods used to measure academic success in K-12 education. Local government constantly deals with such a variety of public service and citizen needs that it would be difficult, but not impossible, to assess local government effectiveness. We need a way to do this.

This lack of measurable effectiveness has resulted in the legislatures' use of a "cookie cutter" approach to revenue curtailment in order to achieve property tax relief. Lumping local counties such as Santa Rosa with all others in the state is simply not an accurate comparison or measure. In a letter sent earlier this week, I have asked our local senators and representatives to not treat us all the same way. As a sitting county commissioner I can share with you that Santa Rosa County has done a good job toward accomplishing fiscal responsibility. In fact, when you compare our county, including the percent of population not living in unincorporated areas, we offer government services at the lowest cost per citizen, when compared to neighboring counties and the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Hernando, Indian River, Martin and St. Johns, which are of comparable size.

Santa Rosa Commissioners had a unanimous vote this year on the new budget, though it was not an easy process. We all received hundreds of responses concerning cutbacks to many valuable services we have been able to offer in the past. We are preparing to hear more discontent should further cutbacks occur. Most of the concerns I now hear are for legitimate and worthy needs that have been or might be cut, such as law enforcement, roads and woefully inadequate and affordable health care services.

Not surprisingly, very few complaints have come from homeowners who enjoy the benefits of "Save Our Homes." However, for those who are not protected by this constitutional guarantee, it is a different story. The hue and cry about tax relief has come for the most part from these unprotected interests, including business and second home owners. Something must be done to give them needed tax relief!

In every new proposal that has been brought up during this most recent special session, school revenue has been made inviolable. Why is this? The answer is that state government is in the business of levying ad valorem property taxes in every county in Florida the same as we are locally. The states' revenue sources for public education are inextricably intertwined with county property taxes. This can be solved by increasing the sales tax statewide thus eliminating school board local millage.

The real problem heard most often is the huge increase in property insurance premiums. In my opinion, this far exceeds the discontent expressed about property taxes. I urge our state government to find a solution for all the people of Florida.