HAVE WE BEEN SAVED BY THE STATE LEGISLATURE

Dewey R. Wotring

June 26, 2008

It is common knowledge that Judge Duane Murner is seeking an exorbitant storm water tax.  I previously stated that the consultant hired by the county has said that the county needs to collect 3 dollars per month per household to meet the mandates of the federal storm water statutes.  However Judge Murner wants 5 dollars per household per month.  The fact is when the amount which is already being spent, and for which has been budgeted, is deducted the actual amount needed per household would be 1 dollar per month or approximately $250,000 in new taxes.

Alas, we may have been saved by the state legislature.  They will be passing pension reform today that should provide a windfall for Oldham county in excess of the $250,000 needed to meet the funding requirements for the storm water mandates.  Jefferson County has already announced that they expect to receive approximately $5 million this year as a result of the pension reform legislation.

Now we will see it Judge Murner will do the right thing or if he is just plain greedy.  My bet is that he is just  plain greedy.  The answer will be forthcoming shortly.