Lean Local Government

Elected officials should be familiar with government functions and not be dependent on consultants or staff. Their job is to control expenditures and keep costs under control. Government should avoid borrowing and Bond selling. Planned maintenance of critical infrastructure should be handled through accrual accounts.  Functions that can be handled by the private sector should be allowed to remain in the private sector.

Government Priorities

Local governments typically operate several critical functions. These are expensive operations, require maintenance and good management and are the most important operations.  All managers of these functions should be employed by the local government. These functions should be funded first, audited, inspected and certified.

1. Clean water distribution system, a sanitary sewer systems for waste, a sewage treatment plant to treat waste water.  Funding these systems should be by a separate water bill and paid by users
2. A separate storm sewer system for rain run-off to prevent flooding is normally required in high population areas.
3. Roads, bridges and road maintenance are required for local populations to function and for commerce.  Asphalt roads should be kept free from pot-holes and cracks.  If they are not, water seepage destroys the base layer of the road.  If this happens and the base deteriorates, it is twice as expansive to repair.  Concrete roads must also be repaired and replaced as needed.  Bridges need to be inspected and repaired as needed.
4. Rural areas should be able to use septic tanks, water wells and LP gas.  Roads should be provided to connect farms.  Farmers should be able to provide their own well water for irrigation.
5. Counties keep land records necessary to provide proof of ownership of land and buildings.  These are critical and should include maps to identify underground pipes, wells and springs.

Utility Companies typically provide electricity to all areas and natural gas to high population areas.

All Other Functions

Municipalities should have reasonable zoning and building codes consistent with the needs of their high population and commercial areas.  Farms should have more freedom to reject municipal services. Permits, inspections and fees should be minimal and reasonable.

Local governments also provide tax collection, garbage collection, police and fire which should be supplemented by volunteers and staffed as necessary. Municipalities should have courts as necessary.

Unnecessary Functions

Public transportation should be provided by independent operators, private bus companies and not subsidized by tax dollars.

Recreation should be provided by the free market and private sector. Parks should be maintained by subdivision associations.  Parks in commercial areas should be maintained by the commercial districts.

Economic development should not be subsidized by tax dollars.

Wildlife preserves should not be subsidized by tax dollars.

Healthcare and education should be provided by the free market.

Land Use Planning is not a function of government. Land owners should control this within the confines of normal zoning.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader