Ask Mr. Answer Person: How can we save money on highway maintenance?

HB e-mails Mr. Answer Person: "I'm just wondering if there is a possibility of sharing an engineer with one of the adjacent counties to free up some money for maintenance of the road and bridges. I know there are counties in Illinois that are doing this. Maybe Iowa too, but it would be a good way to trim some fat and get more money to the roads where it is needed. It seems to me the Winneshiek County Engineer likes to put the blame on not having enough money for doing what's needed every time he is questioned about it. In my opinion that is just an excuse. Maybe a new point of view and a new way to approach the issues would be a good way to go."

Mr. Answer Person responds: "I appreciate that HB is coming up with suggestions on ways to make Winneshiek County's highway budget go further.  My comments are not directed at him, but at the general issue of highway funding.

You can say, "Keeping taxes low is important to me, so I'm willing to live with roads that are in poorer condition," or you can say "Keeping roads in good condition is important to me, so I'm willing to live with slightly higher taxes."  Either statement is a fair choice.

But I get frustrated when people say "It's important to me to keep taxes low and keep roads in good condition."  That's not possible.  There is no "magic solution" or way to "cut fat" that will allow you to spend less money while getting the previous level of service.  In short, "You pay for what you get."

If people are upset about the condition of Town Line Road, the solution is to talk to their state legislators about passing an increase in the state gasoline tax.  This is the only way Winneshiek County's roads and bridges will get fixed.  That's probably not the answer some people want to hear, but my name is "Mr. Answer Person"--not "Mr. Answer that People Want to Hear Person."