Published: May 08, 2008 10:01 pm            

WYMAN: With annexation, let’s study Unigov

One government can serve county

To say the least, there has been a tremendous amount of discussion about annexation since the mayor announced his proposal. As a county councilman, I have had many conversations and e-mails regarding it. To be expected, there are people on all sides of the issue.

Let me first say, there are many parts of the annexation proposal that make complete sense. It almost makes you wonder how it ended up taking this long to make those situations right. There are literally pockets within the city limits that are completely surrounded by city boundaries, but yet reside in the county. The mayor should be commended for making those areas consistent with their incorporated neighbors.

There is also merit to growing the city of Kokomo’s population to more than 50,000 residents. It seems that opens Kokomo up for additional funding at the federal level and reclassifies our city. That could be very beneficial from an economic growth perspective.

There are some areas that I am not sure make sense to annex. Some seem too rural; some seem too costly to extend city utilities and infrastructure. With a proposal of this nature, we will have to wait and see the numbers and cost to taxpayers. The city will present its annexation financial plan on May 12. As the public hearings commence, I think there is a bigger fish to fry than annexation. The answer is simple to me – Unigov.

I have been discussing this over the past year, some in guest columns, some in speeches, and some with other elected officials. It has been a slow ball to get rolling, but every time I talk about it publicly, residents flood me with calls and e-mails saying, yes, this is the way to go. Here is why I think now is the right time.

The City of Kokomo has stated under the new property tax system it will be losing about $2 million in revenue by 2010, and it appears the county will lose revenue, as well. I would suggest that getting rid of duplications in services between city and county government could make up that short fall and more! This would eliminate the possibility of anyone’s taxes being increased to make up the difference.

Here is the bottom line: If the current annexation plan goes through, and 14,000 more people are incorporated into the city, that will mean 71 percent of the Howard County populations will be in the Kokomo city limits. If you take out the incorporated towns of Russiaville and Greentown, do we really need two, full-blown governments with only one servicing less than a quarter of the population? The good news is there is already a law in place that allows local governments to consolidate, as I am suggesting. The same old government system needs to be revamped. It is outdated, period! We always hear how government is short of money. It’s time to get rid of the expensive, unnecessary duplications.

Yes, I am suggesting smaller government. I am suggesting a new way of doing business, and I am suggesting tackling a project that will require a tremendous amount of work and due diligence. We should immediately begin a study to see of Unigov is right for Howard County.

If the study comes back and says it’s not right – great. However, it is my belief that a county our size – 85,000 people – can operate with one very effective and efficient government. In order to compete going forward, we must look at new ways of doing business as a community.

As always, I love to hear from you. Please e-mail me your thoughts on this subject to pwyman8@aol.com. With the appropriate amount of support, we can begin the study.

Paul Wyman is a county

councilman and owner of

The Wyman Group reality firm.

        

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