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| Sunday, August 10, 2008 | (4 comment(s))
Lake County Sheriff Rogelio "Roy" Dominguez is trying to make a case for replacing the two Vietnam War-era helicopters, but that idea is a lead balloon.
Dominguez is trying to rush this through the Lake County Council, because the price will go up 20 percent after Aug. 15, and delivery would be delayed two years.
Give him credit for some creative financing ideas.
The county has made more than $1 million from foreclosures enforced by the sheriff's department, at a rate of $200 each since fall 2006. The sheriff wants to use that money to help pay for the new helicopters, although the County Council is reticent.
He also figures to get a federal grant of about $450,000 and even hopes to get $500,000 to $600,000 from selling the two 37-year-old helicopters for parts.
The balance of the $4.2 million cost would be borrowed through a bond issue.
It's a creative plan, but not wise.
Lake County is in the midst of financial turmoil. County officials are squeezing $15 million out of their budget this year, and Dominguez wants to borrow money.
The county has raised $1 million from $200 fees for each foreclosure, and Dominguez wants to borrow money.
Both the county and its taxpayers are suffering enough as it is. This is not the time to buy new helicopters. That's a luxury Lake County can no longer afford.
It is time to be well-grounded, not flighty.
Your opinion, please
Should Lake County buy two new helicopters for the sheriff's department?
Share your thoughts at http://nwi.com/opinion
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Saddened wrote on Aug 10, 2008 5:54 PM:
If Dominguez wants a new helicopter, he should get one, not two. "
Igor Sikorsky wrote on Aug 10, 2008 7:49 AM:
The feds will be raising EVERYONE's taxes in the next few year to cover for years and years of profligate spending. Just wait and see.
The helicopter funding from the feds is just another example of how those idiots in Congress play fast and loose with taxpayer dollars. The Lake County government is not much different. "
taxeddeath wrote on Aug 10, 2008 6:56 AM:
I think the sheriff just wants a new ride for himself. "
Wet Hen wrote on Aug 10, 2008 5:44 AM:
So let the sheriff get ONE new chopper! "