Fake News

It’s nothing new;

I will add, that the man who never looks into a newspaper is better informed than he who reads them; inasmuch as he who knows nothing is nearer to truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods & errors.

The Laconia Daily Sun reported on the county budget meeting.  If one takes the time to read the source documents they will find that the Sun seriously lacks credibility, their spin on the facts could provide material for The Onion.

Here are the real details:

Representative Sylvia’s proposed budget appropriates approximately $400,000 for spending in 2018 over the actual spending of 2017.  The reader should observe that the year end spending spree, approaching $150,000, reduced funds available to be returned to surplus.  Much of that spending paid for items included in the commissioners’ 2018 budget.

Sylvia’s budget trims $23,211 from the corrections department from their 2017 spending level.

The bloated nursing home budget was reduced by $399,817 from the 2017 spending level.

The sheriff’s department has an increase over 2017 spending by $55,374.

The county attorney receives and increase of $31,854.

The Sun rounded up the cut to county maintenance from $38,954 to $40,000, but who can blame them, we all like round numbers.

Speaking of round numbers, not reported by the Sun, Sylvia rounded up UNH Cooperative Extension to $153,000, B.C. Conservation District to $62,000 and Community Action Program to $48,000.

More fun to come next Monday Jan. 29 at the county complex in Laconia.

33 Percent Tax Increase

The Belknap County board of commissioners have proposed a budget for 2018 which will have a whopping 33% increase on your property taxes payable to the county.  Fortunately, the commissioners don’t have the power to make the appropriation.  The county delegation has that authority, and they will meet on Monday January 22, 2018 to discuss and possibly vote on the appropriation.

You can find your delegation member/s (your state representatives) at the delegation page on the county web site.  You can call or email to let them know how much more you would like to pay in your property tax bill.  If you rent, you still pay property tax through your landlord, so feel free to voice your opinion.

Belknap County

I’m sure the delegation would be happy to see you watching over them as they decide how much to raise your taxes.  The meeting is held at the county complex (next to the nursing home) at 34 County Drive, Laconia.  The meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. so get there early to get a seat before the county employees fill the room.