Before discussions on the additional aid even began, Mike
Nardino made a motion to NOT use all the remaining aid for tax relief. Marc
Capizzi had a long, descriptive, prepared resolution based on what Nardino
said. It was a backroom deal. It was a done deal. They wouldn’t disclose when they discussed the
matter or who else was involved.
Six Board members voted against using the full amount
for tax relief. Like last year, only
Jeff Telep and I voted to give the taxpayers the full amount.
This year’s budget is padded to the extreme as it is
every year. Lodi’s additional aid will
likely be there next year as our aid has never declined. The district should be in good financial
shape next year because of all the additional aid. The only threat to our finances are scheming politicians that
do stupid things, like raising taxes so they can stash away 8 million for an unnecessary administration building or paying someone $200,000
for unused sick days when everyone else is capped at $15,000.
Everyone that
voted against giving more tax relief tonight also voted to raise your taxes
2.08% just a few months ago.
