Editorial
What the taxpayers want

Antrim Township is in a state of flux right now. The Board of Supervisors doesn't seem to have firm footing yet as to its general goal for the year. Members often state they are doing 'what the taxpayers want' as they discuss spending.

This includes what to do for a municipal government center. The board won't make a commitment to size or location until a time management study of staff is completed. The supervisors budgeted $15,000 for the consultant, who is supposed to determine how efficient the employees are and how many will be needed now and in the future.

One supervisor has stated he would like to eventually eliminate the two mill tax rate citizens are assessed. So the board certainly is looking at dollars and cents, but sometimes in ways that stall momentum.

Perhaps the board could ask the consultant for ideas on how they themselves can move along more efficiently. They spent weeks deliberating whether to replace a carpet that was a trip hazard to employees. They have been debating road conditions since October. The government center has been stalled since last summer.

One way to save dollars for the citizens of Antrim Township though, takes no time. The board could look into closing the loophole which provides health benefits to supervisors. The option was likely enacted because supervisors are fulltime employees in some townships. Then, of course, they should be entitled to the benefits allocated other employees.

But Antrim supervisors are not employees. They are paid $3,250 yearly to attend meetings and represent the best interests of their constituents.

However, in a noble gesture, they could refuse the free health insurance. Sometimes elected officials do not take advantage of every perk available to them. By not using taxpayer-funded health benefits, each supervisor could save Antrim Township $15,600 in premiums for family coverage, plus another $1500 in health-related reimbursements.

All told, taxpayers spend approximately $20,000 per supervisor per year, so any reduction there might be 'what they want'.