Mosquito Commissioners Up from 3 to 5?

[rapunzel]

Recently, I learned that the Mosquito Control District Commissioners would be increasing in number from 3 to 5. It seems odd that in a time of so much budget slashing, we'd be adding Commissioners.

I couldn't find much online to explain the decision beyond this document -- http://www.co.walton.fl.us/administration/CommissionMeetings/januarytwentyseven/e.pdf I can't find anything that addresses the reasoning.

Does anyone else know anything about this? Why it is necessary?

 

[John R]

I wonder how those seats will be filled?

 

[30A Skunkape]

I told you to stop the insanity and vote Florida Girl onto that council-she wouldn't have stood for this madness!

 

[Interested Girl]

If the change is approved through the local legislation , the, two new seats would be on the ballot in 2010. Write your local House and Senate reps to object.

 

[Susan Horn]

Recently, I learned that the Mosquito Control District Commissioners would be increasing in number from 3 to 5. It seems odd that in a time of so much budget slashing, we'd be adding Commissioners.

I couldn't find much online to explain the decision beyond this document -- http://www.co.walton.fl.us/administration/CommissionMeetings/januarytwentyseven/e.pdf I can't find anything that addresses the reasoning.

Does anyone else know anything about this? Why it is necessary?

Did you ever notice how wobbly a three-legged stool can be?

 

[Interested Girl]

As you drive North on 393 you will pass the Headquarters of the South Walton Fire District on the first Monday monday of each month stop and count the 7 fire commissioners cars in the parking lot. Can you give us a reasonable answer why they need seven?

 

[rapunzel]

The question of why seven fire commissioners is best left to another thread.

I'm seriously just asking the question...can anyone point to an article or public statement about the reasoning? I was speaking with a friend this morning who claimed the commissioners each receive full benefits and $400 per meeting. Given all the cuts to education and other vital services going on right now, the timing seems odd. On the other hand, the people that usually rail against growing government and burdens to the taxpayer are silent on this issue.

Given the lack of controversy over this, I feel like I must be missing something.

 

[Interested Girl]

The DeFuniak Herald has printed two articles concerning the proposed change in the Board composition. In both of those articles there were reports of "railing" over the change by the Walton County Taxpayers Association.

Guess the normal "railers" are still trying to shine the light of day on excessive spending.

 

[Susan Horn]

I've attended a few SWMCD meetings with a three-member board. With a three-member board, it is entirely too easy for two members to hijack the agenda, and I've seen it done. A 5-member board would offer a better chance at balanced decision making.

I've served on a number of boards, nonprofit and gov't, and never heard of one with less than 5 members till I started paying attention to SWMCD. It took me one meeting to grasp why I'd never before seen, heard of or served on a 3-member board. Because it's a bad idea.

 

[scooterbug44]

If a 3 person board is not the best way to do it, I am all for changes - but find it VERY odd that mere months after an official election for Mosquito Commissioners, we are suddenly adding more seats.

And I can certainly think of better ways to spend our limited funds than by ADDING commissioners when we are having to make tough decisions about school budgets etc. Especially since 3 commissioners can steer the agenda of a committee of 5 pretty effectively.........and that's just one more person than the current majority.

P.S. What exactly do Mosquito Commissioners do?