Fiscal Responsibility & Taxes

Fiscal Responsibility & Taxes

Focus: Ensuring the efficient and prudent use of every taxpayer dollar, maintaining stable and predictable property taxes while delivering the essential services residents rely on.

My Commitment as Your Commissioner:

Your hard-earned tax dollars fund the essential services that make Caldwell County function. As your County Commissioner, I take the responsibility of managing public money extremely seriously. I believe in careful stewardship, transparency, and accountability to you, the taxpayer. My approach will be proactive and diligent, ensuring we get the best value for our community's investment. Here’s how I plan to be helpful:

1. Conduct Rigorous Budget Reviews:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: The county budget is the blueprint for how your money is spent. I won't simply accept proposed budgets at face value. As Commissioner, I will commit the time necessary to thoroughly scrutinize spending requests from all departments during budget workshops. I will ask detailed questions, demand clear justification for any increases, and compare our spending patterns with similar counties to identify areas where we can be more efficient without compromising service quality.

2. Actively Seek Cost Savings and Efficiencies:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: I believe county government should constantly look for ways to operate more efficiently. As Commissioner, I will challenge the status quo and encourage department heads and the county manager to identify and implement cost-saving measures. This includes exploring opportunities for shared services with our municipalities or neighboring counties where feasible, rigorously reviewing contracts and vendor agreements for value, and supporting the use of technology where it can lead to long-term savings and improved service delivery.

3. Prioritize Spending on Core Functions:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Responsible budgeting means prioritizing needs over wants. As your Commissioner, my focus during budget deliberations will be on ensuring adequate funding for the core functions mandated by the state and expected by our citizens. This includes robust support for public safety (Sheriff, EMS, Jail operations), meeting our obligations to K-12 education and CCC&TI, maintaining critical infrastructure like roads and county buildings, and funding essential public health and social services. Decisions on funding for non-essential items will only come after these core responsibilities are met.

4. Champion Financial Transparency and Accountability:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: You have a right to know exactly how your tax dollars are being used. As Commissioner, I will be a strong advocate for transparency in all county financial matters. I will push for budget documents, expenditure reports, and audits to be easily accessible and presented in a clear, understandable format, readily available on the county website. I support open budget hearings and public comment opportunities, and I pledge to clearly communicate the rationale behind the Board's financial decisions to the citizens of Caldwell County.

By applying diligence, asking tough questions, prioritizing essential services, and demanding transparency, I will work tirelessly as your County Commissioner to ensure Caldwell County government is a responsible steward of your tax dollars, keeping taxes stable while effectively serving our community.