With the threat of closing Judge James Riddel Boys Ranch, to save $1.2 million, some have been calling for an increase in property taxes. Instead of asking for higher taxes, we should look at some choices Sedgwick County has.
Some of the $12.2 million going to “Economic Development” (tax money for private profit of preferred businesses) could be reprioritized to the ranch.
Perhaps, instead of cutting services, the county could be creative and find cost effective ways to operate that eventually add up to real money.
In 2011 the county paid out $4.2 million in OVERTIME. One EMS lieutenant collected $63,007 in OVERTIME. Three Sheriff’s Detention Deputies split $119,405 in OVERTIME. $25,843 in OVERTIME went to one mechanic. Two zoo keepers took home a combined $31,883 in OVERTIME.
If Sedgwick County wants to retain the Judge James Riddel Boys Ranch, they seem to plenty of options to do so without taking more money from taxpayers.