Affordability

Gas prices are up, groceries, dry goods, and even necessities like hygiene products, TP and paper towels. Everything on our world cost more. For a county like Adams, this puts people in a real pinch. So many residents live on narrow fixed incomes and have no buffer to stave off increased costs for day to day goods. These taxpayers may own a small home and are retired and content but the tax burden is really starting to effect them. 5 years ago you could buy a small residential trailer home in Dellwood for $100,000. Great place to retire and even though your income is social security and a small pension, you're doing okay. Taxes are affordable and you can look forward to a comfortable retirement. Now, 5 year later and the assessment on your home is up along with the taxes. And those taxes reflect a school referendum that was approved a few years ago. Now, the schools want more money and it seems this is going to be something they ask for every couple years. The last referendum increased your property taxes and you expect this one will too. Why can't government including schools live within their means? You have to.

This is a conversation I have had with so many Adams County taxpayers. Why do they have to live withing their means and the school can take your money because costs are up.

Costs are up for everyone and taxpayers have to go without. Look around Adams. Homes need painting and roofs need repair but who has the extra cash? Add to this runaway inflation, crazy gasoline prices and the knowledge that this may be our new normal.

Adams Friendship schools are asking for more money to operate. They have increased costs and want to put a little money away for emergencies. They have cut positions and trying to make it work. This sounds like every taxpayer in Adams County. We're all trying to make it work. But just like the families they serve, budget cuts mean real sacrifice. Families may have to give up a vacation or better electronics upgrade. Schools may have to go bare bones staffing and use more paper and pen assignments. Whatever it takes to cut costs. Families may have to go to one car and the school may have to do more remote instruction if bus costs are too high. These are all examples and only the families and the schools know the cuts will really help but cuts have to be made.