Discussion of bond, addition to stormwater fees raises questions

Editor:

The appetite for taxpayer money never ceases ("County commissioners look at effects of bond," The Augusta Chronicle, March 28). Recently, after a record-shattering 19-minute meeting, residents in three more Columbia county subdivisions were brought under the flood fee (tax) on their water bill.

The stated purpose of this fee is to provide funding for flood control, however, in the above-referenced story, Commission Vice Chairwoman Diane Ford is quoted as saying a bond could be helpful in speeding up such projects as drainage improvements in the area of Ridge Crossing at Wheeler Road near Funsville. "The whole area floods."

Why aren't the fees that have been collected since 1999 being used for that purpose rather than asking for a possible bond, which could increase property taxes for years?

I'm curious as to how this poorly developed drainage system, in a commercial activity, was allowed to operate over all these years. Was it never inspected? Why and how did the county engineers approve Funsville if it continually floods? How about holding someone accountable for permitting these facilities to operate and drain public funds? Who is in charge of managing or performing oversight of these engineering activities for the county? Who is in charge of protecting the public's funds?

Every time a sub-par or shoddy building, facility, road, installation or drain field gets by a county employee, it costs the taxpayer time and time again. There appears to be little concern for ensuring that standards are met.Columbia County employees are hard working, I'm sure, and are often under pressure to meet deadlines to "get the job done." Well, I for one want the job done right.

Standards and codes must be met and enforced.

Floyd Brown

Evans