Taxes, inflation and support for veterans

You may have noticed that our City Council followed the advice of a hired consulting firm and elected to raise water and wastewater fees starting shortly. Gripe and complain might be the response of we taxpayers. Still, let’s think about it a little.

Our federal government of late has been causing inflation of our dollar. You have noticed it especially in the grocery store and at the gas pump. Inflation seems to be addictive to current politicians. After all it allows them to spend money now and then pay it back in future years with cheaper (worth less) dollars.

The water and wastewater enterprises are two of the four enterprises that the City operates that are not supported by your taxes but operate solely on the revenue that they generate. Like you, at the grocery store, everything that they require expense-wise has gone up in price: fuel, supplies, equipment, so to break even it is necessary to raise the fees charged. They also have capital expenses like the badly needed overhaul of our wastewater plant and those are covered by your taxes.

It is interesting that wages haven’t risen enough to offset the inflation that this nation is having to endure. Sure those of us on Social Security have seen a small increase in our monthly stipend but not enough to offset the effect of inflation. Then too each business and enterprise, including our schools, has to raise wages to remain competitive in the labor market. Have you priced a Big Mac or any of the fast food offerings lately? A large part of that increase is a rise in labor costs again forced by inflation. Thank our politicians!

Thankfully, our state of Nebraska does better. Our state constitution requires that our budget is to be balanced each year. No deficit spending—a lot like your personal budget! I could argue that some of what the State spends is unnecessary but then I am not a part of the State Legislature either and can only work on Senator David Murman our current legislator.

Then give thanks that we don’t live in California under the leadership of Governor Newsom and a Democrat state legislature. Their current budget deficit is a staggering $73 billion (according to Google) out of this year’s $311 billion budget. Nebraska’s current 2024 budget is $15.34 billion and I couldn’t find whether it is currently in deficit or surplus status. Nevertheless California about holds the honor of being one of the states with the highest sales and property taxes. Small wonder that record numbers of California citizens are moving out of that state.

It will be interesting to see if the Democrats decide to replace President Biden on the upcoming Presidential ticket with the hopeful Gavin Newsom. I fear that with Newsom in charge, inflation will have a complete runaway leading to a depression like we had in the 1930s. Vote wisely!

Now to happier thoughts. Last Thursday your old columnist was privileged to join in a free breakfast for “Veterans”. Free food seems to appeal to all. Our Community Hospital was the food sponsor and had representatives present to visit with the vets. Also present was the Sheriff, the Mayor, Fire Chief, Veterans Service Officer, a representative from Valley Hope and probably others with responsibilities in this community. The concern is the nationwide problem with Veteran suicide. The program is called “Buddy Check” and was organized by the 988 Coalition. The idea is to encourage veterans of the armed services to touch base with their friends, especially, all veterans who served or any other veteran in the neighborhood to let them know that they are not alone and their service was appreciated. Food is an attraction but most important is the camaraderie with fellow vets and community leaders. Also present with lots of free food items to take home was an organization known as “McCook Cares” with plenty of goodies for the vets to take home and share with family. Well done, an enjoyable event so a heartfelt thank you to all involved.

Actually, the “McCook Cares” group meets every Wednesday from 10-11 am at the ramp entrance of Cornerstone Fellowship with their commodities to share and all is available to all comers as long as it lasts. All is free but there is a box for donations if you are so moved. Pretty awesome community this is.

That is how I saw it.

_Dick Trail_