Refinancing Comments to Florence county Council, April 17,2008

By Walt Ranson

Thank you for an opportunity to speak before you today. I went through the long agenda and found this proposal and the $4.5 million addition. This should have been made public to the tax payers. Local media will give it publicity if you let them know.

The last time I spoke before you it was about the unfunded mandates facing the County. This is not a good time with a financial crisis facing all of us.

State Government is dealing with an estimated revenue short fall of $90 million next fiscal year. Individuals are facing rising costs as well. I believe this is not a good time to add borrowed funds to a refinancing deal without adequately explaining it to the taxpaying Voters. The Citizens that pay the TAXES are entitled to know how they will be spent and if they are receiving adequate benefits. Thank You.