AG 1993 04 19 - Laserfiche WebLink

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"SCHOOL CHILDREN'S FOOD PROTECTION LAW" A Hypothetical Example of the B. S./L in Action The state has just passed down to the counties a new mandate. This new law states that in the wake of the tragic deaths by food poisoning of two children in a western state, and in the interest of protecting our school children from any similar occurrence, all county school cafeterias, food processing areas, and food tran.qportafion vehicles must meet new high standards of cleanliness. In addition, they must be inspected once a week. No provision is made for funding. Although the food poisoning deaths had nothing to do with the cleanliness of the facilities, the legislators are loudly congratulated by the media and various children's advocacy groups, and are generally seen to be doing ..... some*hlng. Meanwhile, back home in the counties, acting in accordance with the B.S.A., the new mandate is place in the state spending budget_ After some investigation the following estimate is made as to the total cost of implementation: 1. Hire one cleaning person per affected area at an actual cost salary & benefits of $22,000.00 X 20 affected areas for a total of 2. I-lire two additional cleaning people for vehicles also at $22,000,00 3. Improvements to vehicles necessary for maintenance of cleanliness standard 4. Additions! cleaning supplies and increased utilities usage annna]!y 5. Hire two in~ectors, salary & benefits annually of $35,000.00 each 6. Purchase two vehicles for in.qpectors at $15,000.00 each 7. Building for innpectors' offices, including land 8. Hire secretary for in.qpectors' office 9. Paperwork, admin_, implementation of public notification, etc. $+!.0,000.00 44,000.00 15,000.00 28,000.00 70,000.00 30,00O.00 105,000.00 18,000.00 30,000.00 TOTAL COST OF IMPT,F. MENTATION, FIRST YEAR $774.000.00 For our ex_ample, we will say that this will add $35.00 to the average property tax bill. Under Article 117 of the B.S.A., a statement is mailed notifying each taxpayer of the name and title of the new law and the amount of increase in his/her individnal tax bill. When the phones start ridging, calmly explain that it is part of the state mandated spending budget, and quite beyond the control of local County Commi,sioners. ln¢orm the call of which legislators voted for the mandate and provide hi.q/her phone nmnber. When the outcry becomes so great that it can no longer be ignored, then tell the people that if they will stand "shoulder to shoulder" with you, you will fight it. With all counties in the state banded together, and with the people rincng the Raleigh phones offthe hook, we should be able to "ask" that the mandate be funded or repeale& By supporting passage of the B.S.A. in their county, the cornmi.qsioners can be seen to be fighting again~ new taxes. Then when mandates come down, comml.qsioners can be seen to be taking on those irresponsible lawmakers who are actually raising taxes. Best of all, this will place the responsibility and accountability where it belongs, scpmrely in the laps of the lawmakers.