The Kennedy Report
The county commissioners loaned $13.9 million to the county port authority – from the General Fund – to purchase the mall. Coincidence that that’s pretty close to the amount that will be brought in if the new sales tax is voted in to fund the sheriff’s department and jail operations? In effect, off-loading those costs from the general fund – to free up matching funds for the mega-site.
Moore has suggested using this $13.9 million when (if) the mall sale actually closes. And, to use the $20 million that was set aside in 2020 to build the new jail. Recalling, they just spent $1.7 million to draw up plans for jail construction while possibly raiding some of the funds to build it. Appears to be a shell game….
And, commissioners thinking of approving a $10 million Homestead Exemption savings today – when they have stated there are budget issues. Of course, those that would benefit from this could use the break on property taxes, but which is it? Are there budget shortfalls that require an additional sales tax – or not?
If the sales tax is voted down, where will the commissioners get the matching funds for the mega-site? They’d need that $13.9 million from the mall plus another $8 or $9 million from the General Fund to cover the full budget for the sheriff and jail operations.
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