• 82°
franklin county times

County's line of credit proposal a good deal

By Staff
Feb. 17, 2002
Signing a petition gives an individual a voice in their government and circulating petitions is a good way to stimulate debate on a public issue. Those are constructive to the cause of good government.
But in the case of a $5 million line of credit proposal put forth by the Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors, signing a petition may also signal delays or outright abandonment of some pressing county needs. In that, we, the people, still have a choice.
Lauderdale County supervisors have been upfront in their identification of $8.3 million in critical spending needs. Obviously, all of these needs cannot be met with a $5 million line of credit, but the list as announced at a public meeting and published in the newspaper contains worthy items. From our own analysis and discussions with county officials, there is no question the needs are real. The money isn't in the budget now to accommodate the needs and the most logical solution is to obtain funding at the lowest possible cost.
A line of credit with a 2.95 percent interest arrangement through the Mississippi Development Bank, given the circumstances, is a good deal that over the long run should save taxpayers' money. The money can help meet these pressing needs immediately.
If the current petition drive is successful in calling an election, the vote has to be held concurrently with the next general election. That comes in November. The money available through the line of credit will be gone by then, taken by other forward-thinking cities and counties in Mississippi that see the value.
Signing a petition is a deeply personal and political decision that should be reached only after looking inward, asking ourselves such questions as what do we want our community to become and what is the best course to take us there. After a great deal of such soul-searching, The Meridian Star believes the timing of an election in this case would effectively kill a good plan to fund pressing needs in Lauderdale County.

Franklin County

Northwest-Shoals offers Summer Youth Employment Program

News

City of Russellville receives Main Street designation 

Features

Beekeeping is buzzy business

Franklin County

Maj. William Russell: City owes its name to pioneer settler

News

Expect closures for U.S. 43 at Walmart 

Franklin County

RCS, FCS offer seamless summer meal programs

Belgreen

Belgreen FFCLA hosts basketball tournament to help hunger

Franklin County

Phi Theta Kappa inducts honorees from Franklin County at NEMCC

Belgreen

Congratulations to the Class of 2023!

News

PHOTOS: West Elementary enjoys color run

Lifestyles

Strawberry farm offers u-pick fun

News

PHOTOS: RHS Class of 2023 seniors graduate

Belgreen

PHOTOS: Tharptown, Phil Campbell, Belgreen, Vina, Red Bay seniors graduate

Franklin County

Charles Parrish: Superintendent’s love for school system sees stadium named in his honor

High School Sports

Kiel helps obtain funds for TES bleachers 

News

Area residents among those on ICC honors lists

Franklin County

FC chooses new assistant county engineer 

News

Red Bay’s Weatherford Library gears up for summer reading program

News

NW-SCC students to showcase their art at Tennessee Valley Museum of Art

Franklin County

Tharptown High School rocketry team blasts into second place in nation

News

Vina High School holds Spring Spectacular 

News

RES fifth grade chorus presents “RES Goes Country” 

News

Addie’s Flip Tip and Tap holds 18th annual dance recital

Franklin County

Chucky Mullins: Football legend makes lasting impact

x