To the Editor:  That's the thought that crossed my mind after reading the story regarding the recent County Commissioner's budget retreat.  At September's County budget hearings, hundreds of citizens tried express to the commissioners what they now seem to understand.

Commissioner's Hawkins and Smith said the taxpayers won't stand for a millage rate increase.  The citizens did not stand still for the last tax increase.  Angry taxpayers filled their chambers, and the over flow room into the hallway.  Many people left because there was no room.  Commissioner Quinones said the county should, "Live within its means."  I am glad he recognizes that.  At the last budget hearings, he proposed that the library system tap into reserves to maintain the current level of service.

I suggested that utilizing the ‘Friends of the Library’ and high school students completing their community service requirements would have kept the level of service intact.  I also suggested taking out the 20 corrections officers that baby-sit the Libraries and privatize the security needs at reduced hours and perhaps less cost.

Commissioner Arrington now says that the county subsidizing fire fees from the General Fund was a mistake.  That is why so many citizens spoke against the methodology used to derive those fees.  Even now, the fire fee advisory board is not allowed to discuss their budget.

On March 15, the Commissioners will be fed another set of numbers that cannot be justified.   The Fire Assessment Task Force has been controlled by County employees and they are not in agreement on what would be fair and equitable.  The Task Force was not allowed to discuss the fire budget.  Several citizens lobbied our Commissioners for a citizen's budget advisory Board, but instead, we got a citizens budget academy.  The Task Force terms are limited to one year, they are not allowed to choose their own Chair, or to provide recommendations.

Unfortunately, the Commissioners sympathy comes too late for too many taxpayers.  The Commissioners unanimous vote to raise the millage hurt far too many homeowners that had tried to work out a mortgage adjustment.  With insurance and property taxes rising, even a lower interest rate did not equate to a lower payment.  Osceola County is in competition with every county in the country for new businesses and the jobs they bring.  Osceola County is also the epicenter for foreclosures.  Higher property taxes, gas and sales taxes will keep it that way.

Tom Long

St. Cloud, FL