COMMISSIONERS GOOD STEWARDS OF TAX DOLLARS

At a time when public cynicism of politicians has reached record levels, it's refreshing to see good government in action. A national taxpayers watchdog organization lauded Cape Girardeau County government last week as an exemplary steward of our tax dollars.

Citizens Against Government Waste and the Taxpayers Action Network directed its recognition to Commissioners Gene Huckstep, Leonard Sander and E.C. Younghouse. The county was recognized for demonstrating that it's just as important to provide an efficient government operation as it is to provide for the public's welfare. Cape Girardeau County has managed to do both quite well.

That flies in the face of many other county governments that have courted financial disaster. Common sense and conservatism have been the watchwords in Cape Girardeau County. That, combined with sales tax revenue growth, has provided a balanced budget, money in the bank and a zero property tax for the past decade.

Good intentions are not enough. At the federal level, being all things to all people has left the federal government a trillion dollars in debt a sorry inheritance for the next generation. Cape Girardeau County provides a model of frugality that our federal government would do well to emulate.

This achievement reflects cooperation not just of the commissioners but of county officeholders and employees as well. It requires a team effort to hold down costs and reduce waste and mismanagement. But the commissioners provide strong leadership on the issue of spending.

The county approaches tax collection in the most novel way. If they don't need the money, they don't levy the tax. Most governments would have opted to find new ways to spend the money.

Unlike state and federal government, the county commission requires departments to hold expenditures to 92 percent of the total monthly budget. That provides a cushion of safety in case the unexpected arises. Excessive spending requires an explanation and accountability before the commission.

Cape Girardeau County's fiscal good fortune is no accident. It requires conservative spending practices and saving for a rainy day. Citizens will remember that the $2 million county administrative building was paid for in cash the fruit of years of saving. That move saved the taxpayers considerable interest from a long-term loan.

This certainly isn't just another award to gather dust on a shelf. This national recognition is well deserved. Cape Girardeau County provides a breath of fresh air in a land stale with government waste and abuse.