To The Editor:

Last week the Board of Commissioners of the East County Water Control District appointed four community members and a board liaison to the Financial Advisory Committee. This committee was charged with reviewing Audit Firm proposals, and full review of the budget.

Several members of the committee are former board members and one is an outspoken tax watch dog. Each of these individuals will bring years of insight of the districts dealings, and a keen eye to watch for wasteful spending.

By having a fiscal watchdog on the committee I know the board will get an unvarnished review of the district. As a member of the Commission I am looking towards the committee to provide a NO NEW TAX Budget for the next fiscal year. A budget that offers suggestions in cuts to administration, chemical bids, and ways to cut cost to the overall budget, yet maintains proper service levels.

I want to make clear again, that a NO NEW TAX budget must be brought forward as now is not the time to deter from the fiscal responsibility that we all have in living within our means. I would encourage the committee to take nothing off the table, and nothing should be limited in their purview of review.

Through a frank conversations and total transparency, I know the committee will be able to recommend a budget that is fiscally responsible and does not increase taxes.

Desmond Barrett

East County Water

Control District Commissioner

Lehigh Acres