Polk County Commissioner Tom Pack drafted his own proposed budget to compete with that prepared by the county manager and staff. He suggested a tax decrease, which would amount to decreasing the property tax rate from 52 to 51 cents. To do so, he would reduce the county’s fund balance, Pack arguing the county has been overcharging citizens. Pack believes 60% of surplus revenue should go toward short-term capital improvements, and the remainder should be set aside in the fund balance as savings for larger projects. Pack would also adjust pay so some public safety officers wouldn’t be earning less than janitors.
Detractors say Pack is crack, and his plan will result in a trainwreck after this year. Pack says the taxpayers should get a refund next year if his peers “don’t try to spend every dime.” Commissioner Renee McDermott’s criticism is telling:
He guts the planning department’s funds for the comprehensive plan and unified development ordinance (UDO) in attempt to cripple that work. He and Ted Owens want to make Polk County an easier place for housing development, even though we have up to 6,000 approved or in the works lots standing idle. He also cuts planning board funds for attorneys’ fees, further crippling the comprehensive plan and UDO.
