Greeson: Budgeting season starts, smelling expanded discretionary funds and taking shots for taking shots

Jay Greeson
Jay Greeson

Well, happy budgeting everyone.

Yep, the Hamilton County budget process - an arduous process managed by county Mayor Jim Coppinger and his staff - is here.

And, as expected, there are some familiar faces who already are staking out a claim for more funding.

photo Jay Greeson

That starts with the school system, which has asked for an additional $34 million. We'll get to that request - 15 new truancy officers? Seriously? - in coming weeks.

Gang, know this: If there is a part of county government that you value or think is worth keeping and even expanding, now is the time to make your voice heard.

You can find your school board representative or county commissioner and his or her contact information at hamiltontn.gov.

Speaking of the budget

Not surprisingly county Commissioner Tim Boyd is again trying to figure out a way to turn public money into potential cash for pet projects that could not only re-establish the rightly eliminated discretionary funds, but also more than double the cost to the Hamilton County taxpayer.

Boyd has always been a big supporter of the $100,000 in slush funds commissioners were given annually that Coppinger did away with a few years ago. Earlier this week, Boyd suggested that $2 million be pulled aside after capping the tax money given to the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Boyd made some political hay by raising questions about the workings of the CVB and how much money it was spending. No one will deny that the CVB is important - especially as we continue to need tourism to continue to grow in our local economy.

Capping the money sent that direction makes sense, but Boyd loses me and every other right-thinking taxpayer with his idea to create a $2 million kitty that commissioners can simply hand out to whomever they please.

Not only is this an end around, it's an end game fraught with potential conflicts and controversy.

"You vote for my deal, I'll vote for yours."

"You scratch my back, I'll fund your press box."

It was a terrible idea when it cost us $900,000. It's a much worse idea when it could cost us $2 million.

Plus, as the school system is asking for more, more, more, I personally would hope that all of the commissioners are figuring out ways to fund those requests (at least the ones that make sense) before they have to a) tell the school system no or, even worse, b) raise taxes.

Stay tuned.

Quid pro throw

Earlier this week I shared my opinion in this space about vaccinations.

Some folks liked it. Some folks didn't.

Here are some of the folks who are not going to be charter members if there's ever a Jay Greeson Fan Club. Enjoy. (Hey, if you are going to take shots, you have to be able to take shots, right?)

» This man is a sports writer and has no business writing on this topic. This is only to bring clicks and views. ... What a joke.

» I absolutely hate when people talk about children as if they are less than human. We vaccinate but that's besides the point. His wording shows me exactly what kind of person he is.

» Does this idiot think that vaccination means you cannot carry germs???

» The stupid is strong with this one. If the vaccines work, why would we be concerned about somebody catching something.

» I'm sorry, who is this clown?

» Wow ... the ignorance ... can't believe they even published this ... what a waste of time ...

» Name calling, bullying, where are the mature, educated news pieces?

» Greeson, do you ever have a twinge of anxiety that you'll be held accountable someday for all your subservience to a fascist regime?

» You lost me at "I voted for Trump and I would gladly do it again"

» You are an (BLEEP)HOLE!

Enjoy the weekend, gang.

Upcoming Events