The East County Water Control District staff has recommended to the Board of Commissioners a budget that includs a tax increase from the 2008 rate of $89.80 to a $105.02 per acre assessment.

For the last several months the board has been unable to agree on a new budget. However at the budget meeting on Sept. 8 the board will have to make a decision.

Commissioner John Boardmansaid that “I would like to see some rate hold for several years. Once we set a rate we can leave it for five, six, orsven years. I am assuming we are going to raise taxes.”

Commissioner Mike Welch said he “will not support a tax increase.” Chairman Desmond Barrett previously opined that he was willing to increase the assessment if it was necessary.

“I don’t apologize for raising taxes, or lowering taxes.”

Commissioner Neal Horrom noted that “in general, the majority of taxpayers don’t expect to pay more (taxes).” Commissioner Nathan Stout voted against the budget last year. He has avoided taking a position on the budget proposals.

In other business the board split 3-2 withWelch and Barrett voting against authorizing money for the design of 25 phase 3 critical culverts. The staff has identified these culverts as class 5 having failed or likely to soon fail, meaning they are beyond their useful life.

The next meeting is on adoption of the budget at District Headquarters located off of Lee Boulevard and East County Lane at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 8. This is the opportunity for residents to speak at public comment on the budget and taxes.