October 27, 2004

By Staff
About a month ago, I went to the Lauderdale County supervisors meeting where this coming year's budget was presented and heard several county residents voice their opinions, especially the expenditures of the supervisors and the increase in taxes.
One gentleman inquired about the reserve fund that was reported in the budget and the amount that the county, by law, had to have in reserve. He stated that if part of the reserve were used at this time the county would still have more than was required by law and the supervisors would not have to raise taxes. He asked what this reserve was for and why so much. Neither question was answered clearly.
The thing that bothered me the most was that the supervisors gave the Sheriff's Department another $40,000 on top of the budgeted amount that was approved just a month earlier. Where did this money come from?
I try to stress to my students in GED classes I teach that in order to get ahead in life you need to work hard, get a good education and budget your money. The way I was taught to budget is to estimate your expenditures that are not set, such as utility bills, groceries and transportation. Add to that the set bills of rent or mortgage payment, insurance, loan payments and any other expenses that are regular. Then take your total income for the month and subtract your expenditures. If you come up with a negative number, then you have to cut corners somewhere or you have to increase your income. If you come up with a positive number, then you should put it back for emergencies and/or for those things that you want but don't necessarily need at this time.
Why should we not expect our government officials to plan for expenditures and budget our tax money appropriately? Elected officials have been entrusted with certain powers and duties. It should be an honor to be in such a position, an honor that is deserved of a job well done. Our local government is spending our tax money and abusing the position entrusted to them.
Paul E. Gillihan- Meridian
We, the juniors and seniors of Northeast High School, greatly appreciate Joel Payne and Mitchell Distributing Co. for bringing the "Street Smart" program to our school. The program was very enlightening and made a lasting impression on the students about the fatality that can occur when driving without a seatbelt or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The men were very enjoyable, easy to listen to and, at the same time, very interesting. Students our age tend to learn better when it is fun at the same time.
Hopefully, this program will have an effect on the students here to make better decisions. Even if it only saves one life, it is well worth it. We hope they will continue to sponsor such programs as these and continue to believe in the youth of today.
Jessica Love – Senior class president Northeast High School, Lauderdale
My wife has had two magnetic ribbons stolen from her vehicle and both times it was at the mall in broad daylight. When I called the mall security the first time the man I talked to hung the phone up on me, so I called back and inquired if the mall had security cameras outside. I was told that this multi-million dollar facility did not, so I figured it was useless to try to find out whom the thieves were.
I then called the mall manager's office to voice my complaint and the lady I talked to told me that she had three of the same stickers stolen from her vehicle at the mall, so I at least had some company. I requested several times to speak to the manager and I was assured that they would call me back, but they never did.
I suppose this was not a very needy matter worthy of a simple call. I don't want the mall to replace the ribbons, but I do want people who are supporting our troops and showing their patriotism with these ribbons to be made aware of the fact that some people in this world and in many cities don't care about others' property.
I am in the military locally, have served overseas many times and I very much appreciate the support that the good citizens in this area and in the surrounding counties have shown over the years by sending cards, care packages, letters, school pictures and especially prayers while we were deployed. I hope no one else has this to happen to them but you might consider locking your ribbons up when shopping.
And by the way, the person or persons didn't touch the magnetic sticker that said "SHINE" (Spread His Incredible News Everywhere). Go figure.
Andy Vance – Decatur