By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
I am not going to pretend that the contents of this column are going to be popular with everyone. But, I think there is a legitimate matter needing discussion.
Word has been received that Hamilton County along with hundreds of other counties, cities and states will soon receive huge federal COVID-19 relief checks.
Nearly two trillion dollars are going to units of government, business corporations and individuals to presumably compensate for lost revenue during the national pandemic.
Many individuals, companies and governmental units did not suffer greatly in the pandemic. To be certain, many others did.
But, to throw huge amounts of money the government does not have at a problem that only some have suffered is dangerous and foolish.
Many average citizens show little concern over the skyrocketing debt these expenditures bring. But, debt does need to be repaid – with interest. Today, most of our people are not overly concerned about the future and future generations.
Politicians (Democrats and some Republicans) are interested in the here-and-now, and passing out what appears to be free money is very popular.
There is a difference between WANT and NEED. Of course, most folks want to get money anytime. But, shouldn’t need figure into this whole relief matter?
Hamilton County government is scheduled to receive $65,555,158. The county’s entire general fund budget for this year is about $97 million, which will be collected in local income taxes and property taxes.
What is the county going to do with another $65 million? Obviously, we will not refuse it. There are probably plenty of places to spend it, and our officials will find them, although there are projects and places where by law it cannot be spent.
Hamilton County is not alone in this. Many other local governments and some states are financially quite solvent.
We should be able to expect that the money will be invested in those things that will be of lasting value for the future while at the same time benefit the truly needy portion of our population.