Betty Culbreath

	Senior Tax Freeze Fiasco	8/18/7
Betty Culbreath

Commissioner Maurine Dickey did not know what hit her Tuesday morning. Mrs. Dickey wanted a tax freeze for Senior homeowners over 65 and was led to believe she had gotten her wish.

But, behind closed doors, the County staff did a number and got the vote.

Commissioner Price was well aware of the catch. I do not think Mrs. Dickey realized what had happen until people started to call her after the fact.

I could be wrong, but, after 20 years at the County, I can smell the handiwork of staff and pinpoint the staff member. In fact, I called him and said "you sure did work your pencil on that freeze proposal". All he did was laugh.

The Dallas Managed News keeps reporting the County's proposed tax increase is due to State and Federal requirements related to the Jail. That is biggest lie in Texas.

There are no present requirements from either branch of Government that cost any more money. The Federal government investigation was on Civil rights violations in the medical care of inmates. After UTMB messed it up, Parkland has assumed responsibility, and it is working.

Sheriff Jim Bowles never failed a jail inspection, so it is up to the New Sheriff to correct her problems. Sheriff Lupe Valdez has been given staff and money to do it. The Jail Health budget went from $7 million in 2004 to $14 million under UTMB. It has gone up every year until now it is close to $25 million for about 1500 ill inmates.