PUBLIC PUBLIC VIEWPOINT VIEWPOINT

County Has Enough Cash For Ambulances

Congratulations to the voters of Benton County on an overwhelming “no” vote to the $85 fee (tax) on Tuesday (Feb. 11). I’m glad to see county officials must ponder on how to come up with the funds.

Perhaps they can dip into the lavish new liquor/beer tax revenue that is set to bring in millions of dollars a year? Or maybe use some of the tax revenue generated by the ever-growing county population (one of the fastest in the state, no less)?

County Judge Bob Clinard and Benton County have deep coffers and need to quit pondering and act; they have the funds, but thought they might take a swipe at the locals rather than exercise fiscal responsibility.

Emergency services should take priority over just about every other county service, and right along beside public safety.

Why county officials ever thought it would be appropriate to treat this service as if it’s a luxury to residents is beyond reasonable thought. I hope voters remember this little “stunt” come the next election, when we vote on our officials and not our safety and well-being.

NATHAN MILES

Lowell

Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/18/2014

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