Benton County leaders show they’re not ‘frugal’

I read former Justice of the Peace Robert Anderson’s letter [March 13]. First, let me state all of Mr. Anderson’s facts are correct. Second, I have attended numerous Benton County Finance Committee and Quorum Court meetings. Third, I believe there are numerous important additional facts the citizens of Benton County need to be aware of.

Some of these facts are:

(1) According to the University of Arkansas, from 2001 to 2011, property assessments increased 72 percent. I could not find any data regarding current assessment figures.

(2) The millage rate has increased 58 percent from 2001.

(3) Benton County has the second-highest millage rate in the state.

(4) Total Benton County sales tax revenue went from $20 million in 2002 to $46 million in 2017, a 137 percent increase.

(5) When you combine the state income tax and the state sales tax, Arkansas has the third-highest tax rate in the entire USA.

(6) As of 2015, the average household income for Benton County was $56,239, which is higher than the national average.

(7) The county does not use zero-based budgets, but instead budgets are based upon last year’s budget.

(8) Economy of scale applies to all businesses. Does it not also apply to governments?

The county justices of the peace claim they are very frugal with our money. However, the county never publishes any comparative financial statements showing the revenue received for the prior 10 years nor expenses incurred nor the number of county employees by department. No private enterprise in Benton County gives out “longevity bonuses” nor has a “sick bank.” A “sick bank” allows an employee to give part of his or her sick pay they have not used to another employee who has used up all of his or her sick pay benefit. This policy drives up the total cost of the sick-pay expense for the county. Only in government does this occur.

In addition, the county employees have one of the best retirement systems in the country paid for by us taxpayers. The state retirement system is underfunded by $1.2 billion — yes billion. Do not kid yourself. This will have to be paid by our children and grandchildren. I would call this extremely careless and foolish, but definitely not frugal.

I believe the county should produce a comparative balance sheet, profit and loss, total salaries and total benefits paid by department along with the total number of employees by department for the prior 10 years. With this information the Benton County citizens would be able to make an informed decision. Without this information, the county just wants the citizens to “trust” them.

I believe in “trust but verify.”

MIKE CLIFFORD

Bentonville