True Answers to Current Political Topics.
There’s been a lot of assumptions and accusations thrown around by various candidates and I thought posting the true facts behind a lot of questions I’m asked would help clear up any confusion and set the record straight.
“The Commissioners are considering selling the Courthouse and building new expensive buildings!”
FACT: No new buildings are being planned and the Courthouse will remain a courthouse for decades to come. The recent Needs Assessment Study was commissioned as a pro-active measure to give Boone County Commissioners and Councilors a look way ahead into Boone County’s future needs. The Courthouse and all public buildings were included to help plan for inevitable maintenance and foundation requirements.
“Our Taxes are too high! And the Commissioners voted twice recently to significantly increase our taxes!”
FACT: Boone County has one of the lowest county property tax rates in the State of Indiana. The commissioners and council work very hard to keep our tax rates low.
“The looming expense of the Justice Center project will end up costing taxpayers $72 million dollars – way more than budgeted!”
FACT: The Justice Center project is on budget and on schedule. The commissioners entered a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) Agreement with GM Development that allows the commissioners to plan with a “Not to Exceed Value”. We have a Guaranteed Maximum price of $59,151,323. All cost overruns will be absorbed by the developer.
“The Council and Commissioners don’t work well together and nothing’s getting done!”
FACT: These two groups have been working hard and working together planning for Boone County – more than any other time in memory. We all realize the importance of our stewardship responsibilities and continue to share ideas, opinions, and actions when it comes to providing the best direction for our county’s present and future.