What’s Where Got to Do, Got to Do with It?

When Town Council is discussing funding and what things to spend money on, the comment is often made that we should realize the vast majority of our approximately six million dollar budget comes from tourism — as though that should impact how to spend those funds.

I have no idea why where our budget comes from should impact how it is spent. The last time it was brought up (the recent Special Town Council Meeting on May29), was in regards to potentially spending millions on the medical clinic, which option, I am sure you recall, was decided against.

I fail to see its relevance. Town Council member, Kyla Topham, specifically said something to the effect that just because most of our budget didn’t come out of our pocket doesn’t mean we should spend money irresponsibly. So, then, what does it mean?

The fact that we have so many visitors certainly dictates many things: parking, shuttles, etc.

In a town of about 600 residents, we have an average of about 13,800 visitors per day. That’s 23 times our population. That’s 23 times more water usage, sewage usage, main roads usage, and well over that, ZNP usage since most of us do not go into the park daily.

It’s easy to calculate our property taxes but impossible to calculate how much of the total 6 million budget we pay in addition to property taxes. Everything we buy here is taxed and is, therefore, part of that six million. So, here’s a guess based on minimal estimated resident spending and with several forays into different AI’s: we contribute probably a measly $200,000 to 450,000 of that 6 million.

Interestingly, then, those who are here in numbers about 23 times as great as residents pay about 23 times as much tax. Sounds appropriate.

And, admit it, sometimes the traffic, congestion, graffiti, and general inconvenience of so many in such a small town is easily 23 times as annoying. Although, in addition to paying much of Springdale’s bills, it pays much of the individual bills of local business people.

That was just some fun number play, but, it’s largely irrelevant. The money in Springdale’s coffers should be spent with wisdom and for Springdale. Period.

Other takes on this welcome. And encouraged.