Tracking code caldwell guardian

Friday, May 29, 2020

Concerned Citizens Ask for Budget Restraint Due to Covid Impacts

The Following is a letter sent to our Canyon County Commissioners today by the Concerned Citizens of Canyon County Committee:

"As the budget year begins for 2021, we would like to suggest that due to the Covid 19 pandemic and records unemployment, that the County take a major step in reducing budgets and showing responsible considerations for the citizens of our County.

We acknowledge the wise use of taking the new construction property tax, since that only pays a small portion of the costs of having more homes and more demands on the County resources.

During the recession of 2008 and 2009, the Commissioners took responsible cuts to alleviate the need for more taxes.  It was a time when budgets and taxes were cut.  Holding the line at last year's budget levels may not be enough to alleviate the tax burden on the citizens of Canyon County.  Unemployment is much higher now than it was during the recession.  Taking a 10 percent reduction would save over 10 million dollars, and may not be enough but it's doable.  Giving salary increases during a pandemic is not a good use of taxpayer moneys.

Holding the line on salaries and freeze on any new employees would be a good start.  Perhaps retiring some early would be a possibility.  This is a time to think outside the box and limit spending.

We encourage you to be responsible and wise with the limited resources of the property owner.  We realize that sales taxes will be much lower as well.  It's time to quit spending and start reductions in the budget.

Thank you for your time.

CCCC Committee"

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Destination Caldwell Running on Financial Fumes

It has been reported to the Guardian the financial resources of Destination Caldwell are nearly depleted.  In short, they are operating on financial fumes.  Time will tell if they are really short on cash or not.  CEO Keri Smith-Sigman has stated that all is well with their financial situation and they expect grants and other cash infusions in the near term.

It is worth noting CEO of Destination Caldwell, Smith-Sigman is running for Canyon County Commissioner.

Destination Caldwell runs the Caldwell Plaza and is a 501 C-3 nonprofit organization.  They do not share their financial statements with the public nor do they share them with the very people who are members of the BID (Business Improvement District) who fund the organization based on a percentage of their property tax assessed values up to a maximum of $5,000.00.