We have been chronicling how the fiscal conservatives are breaking the bank, now we see it “trickling down” to the Dane County Board.
The right wing of the Dane County Board is attempting to throw a hissy fit which could cost the taxpayers of Dane County hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is not like we need the money in Dane County anyway.
From the Wisconsin State Journal:
A surprise maneuver by Dane County Board conservatives may cost taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dollars by holding a financing resolution “hostage,” say liberal board members and county budget managers.
Members of the conservative minority say postponement — and possible scuttling — of the county’s annual borrowing resolution is the only way they can get answers and influence policy.
“I can’t predict what’s going to happen,” said board member Bill Clausius, District 19. “It depends on how discussions occur in the next few weeks.”
The board’s Oct. 6 meeting is its next chance to pass the resolutions that would allow the county to borrow $24.2 million to cover costs of road improvements, vehicles, 911 equipment, conservation land and more.
By that time, though, the county may have lost favorable interest rates and a bargain on sheriff’s squad cars while risking $10,000-a-day fines if it blows a federal deadline for improving the emergency radio system, said County Executive Joe Parisi.
“My concern is there are some real public safety and fiscal issues that are endangered because of this,” Parisi said.
If the money isn’t borrowed, the county could end up $5 million in the hole for 2011, face financial penalties and litigation as a consequence of cancelling contracts the board previously approved, and see its its bond rating fall, which would mean higher interest rates, county controller Chuck Hicklin said.
10 right wing members of the Dane County Board (the WSJ incorrectly refers to them as “conservatives” – what exactly are they conserving?) think that playing political games and throwing fits is the only way to “influence policy”. Seriously???
I have a better way to “influence policy” – try having some good ideas!
PS: I think everyone should sign on to Brenda\'s letter.
For those in Cottage Grove here is Wiggy’s contact information. Please let him know that wasting $$$ on political games is unacceptable!
David Wiganowsky
608/837-8604
wiganowsky@co.dane.wi.us
