The East County Water Control District at its meeting on March 15 by a 3-2 vote approved a resolution to submit an application to the Florida Municipal Loan Council for a $7 million bond issue. Commissioners Neal Horrom, John Boardman, and Nate Stout voted for and commissioners Desmond Barrett and Mike Welch dissented.

The proceeds of the bond issue were designated to replace 25 culverts rated at class V, severe deterioration – failure possible, and to construct five weirs. Additional money was to be used to construct a maintenance building and to purchase an office building for a new district headquarters.

In the course of the discussion it was suggested that if the full amount of the bond issue were not used it could be used for other purposes. This is the mentality of dishonesty. Any unused funds should immediately be used to redeem bonds and reduce the debt.

Multiple recent surveys of public opinion have indicated a major loss of faith and confidence in government.

The district has an ambitious spending program which could exceed $50 million in the next several years. Currently they have no long range financing plan other than increasing the per acre tax assessment rate.

In the last four budget years the district has raised the tax assessment 46 percent. In order to fund the proposed bond issue the comptroller has estimated that the tax rate must be increased 11 percent.

The recent actions of the board raise serious questions of public policy. Across this country communities have encountered increasing difficulties in paying their bonded debt.

Over time the district must replace deteriorated culverts which could fail and cost substantially more if replacement construction had to be done on an emergency basis.

In the past I have recommended that a designated fund be established to pay for a replacement culvert program with replacement scheduled on a yearly basis. This is a pay-as-you-go program.

Over time the interest paid on bonded debt can easily become 30 or 40 percent of the proceeds. The money saved by not paying interest could fund the construction of many additional culverts. At a steady rate of assessment in a 10 or 20-year period which would have to be paid for bonded debt the actual cost to the taxpayer would be much lower.

In reality by paying interest we are taxing ourselves to enrich the bankers, bond attorneys, and tax free bondholders who pay no taxes.

Commissioner Mike Welch’s recommendation that the bond issue be put to a referendum of the people is the essence of democracy. Let us have a full public discussion and debate. Why do you think that your fellow citizens are losing faith and trust in their government? Maybe it is time for the people to rise up in revolt and vote every incumbent out of office in the next general election.

Kevin Shea, a resident of Lehigh, is chairman of LowerTaxesNow4Lee.