When he looked at the Intergovernmental Funding Agreement Between the Taney County, Commission (Commission) and the Taney County Regional Sewer District (TCRSD), signed on Dec. 18, 2018, the Ole Seagull thought, “This stinks!”
Capital Improvement funds used for Taney County Regional Sewer District Administrative Costs
How could the Taney County Commission use over $357,000 from the Wastewater Capital Improvement Tax (WCIT) to pay $189,700.00 for the the salary, wages, and benefits of the District’s Administrator and administrative assistant; $80,600 for the salary, wages, and benefits of the District’s grinder pump technician; and $87,100 for the salary, wages, and benefits for the District’s GIS professional? How could the Taney County Commission, or anyone else, call salaries, wages, and benefits “wastewater capital improvements?”
“Seagull, if I may, ‘Because they can.'” “That’s as good an answer as any.”
Taney County Commission Arbitrarily Rescinds Guidelines
In 1993 Taney County voters approved a retail sales tax to be used “specifically for wastewater capital improvements.” The Ole Seagull calls it the “Wastewater Capital Improvement Tax (WCIT.) Although recollecting from quite a bit back, part of the selling of the tax and getting support for it was the specific written guidance that 25% of the tax would be divided between the entities operating waste water plants. Further, it was promised that the tax proceeds would be used “specifically for wastewater capital improvements.” After the tax passed, the Commission back tracked and eliminated the 25% of the tax being divided between the entities operating waste water plants.
Now the WCIT is disbursed at the will and whim of the Taney County Commission. “Wow Seagull, isn’t ‘at the will and whim of the Taney County Commission’ a little harsh? Don’t those that want funds from the WCIT apply to the Commission?” “The answers to the question are, ‘Not really’ and ‘Yes.'”
“When they do request funds doesn’t the Commission then decide on whether or not to grant the request?” “Yes, but there is an important condition precedent. The requested funds must be used ‘specifically for wastewater capital improvements.'” To an Ole Seagull, over $357,000 in administrative and salary expenses doesn’t pass the smell test as a “wastewater capital improvement.”
Taney County Regional Sewer District is Separate Legal Entity
It is the Ole Seagull’s understanding that The Taney County Regional Sewer District (TCRSD) is a separate legal entity governed by an unelected board appointed by the Taney County Commission. As such, it has no more or less rights to the WCIT proceeds than any other entity wanting funds “specifically for wastewater capital improvements.” This would include cities such as Branson and Hollister and others wanting access to the funds “specifically for wastewater capital improvements.”
All Taney County Taxpayers Are Paying Taney County Regional Sewer District’s Administrative Expenses
The WCIT is paid by every person in Taney County as a sales tax. Many of them, such as those living in Branson and Hollister, use city wastewater treatment plants and pay fees for such use. Included in those fees are the administrative expenses of operating costs of those facilities. That does not appear to be the case for the users of the Taney County Regional Sewer District. It appears that the rest of the taxpayers in Taney County are paying a substantial portion of the TCRSD administrative fees in addition to paying their own.
Why Does Only the Taney County Regional Sewer District Get Reimbursed?
An Ole Seagull has a tough time reconciling over $357,000 in administrative and salary expenses as being what the voters voted for when they approved the Wastewater Capital Improvement Tax. It was to be used “specifically for wastewater capital improvements.” Beyond that, if it is authorized, why isn’t reimbursement for similar costs using WCIT proceeds made to entities like the City of Branson and Hollister and others?
This agreement and the huge salaries just don’t pass the “smell test.” It could get even worse as the unelected Taney County Regional Sewer District seeks to expand its authority over local wastewater treatment facilities, but more on that later.