THE VOICE OF THE TOWNSHIP
The Cost Effectiveness Of Accountability
Lately, Government reorganization has been a hot topic in the community. Township’s have been subject to unfair criticism that neglects to understand the importance of a complete and thorough examination of applicant financial needs. The criticism that Townships are not a cost effective form of government compared to other agencies that provide assistance sadly overlook the effectiveness of its role in government assistance programs. Townships are the gatekeeper of accountability for most other agencies and government offices that provide assistance to those in need. The importance of accountability is this week’s topic in the Voice of The Township.
On several occasions we have spoken about the dual role of the township as guardian of the taxpayer and advocate of the poor. This is not just a mission statement, but a legal obligation. Indiana statute requires the careful investigation of client’s circumstances before tax dollars are spent. Unlike other tax-supported assistance programs, eligibility for township assistance must be determined each and every month. Other government programs may only investigate a client’s situation two or three times a year while spending the taxpayer’s dollars. Township government requires recipients to use their income on basic needs before allocating any taxpayer money in assistance. Many government programs that provide assistance don’t have such requirements, and actually know very little about how recipients spend the money purportedly given for their necessities. Our Township goes to great efforts to ensure that the taxpayer’s dollars are used according to the statute and are effective to accomplish our mission of providing temporary assistance to those truly in need.
In a perfect world, recipients of public assistance would use all their income on their basic needs first, but reality paints quite a different picture of those spending habits. Drugs, alcohol, and lottery tickets often absorb the public assistance money intended for diapers rent and utilities. Predatory lenders often take advantage of those with poor credit and make them pay outrageous interest or weekly payments on sub-standard merchandise. Townships not only make recipients account for all of their income, but also the money given by other agencies to help support those in need. The Township requires verification of income and expenditures (monthly) before providing assistance. Townships also pay only vendors, so that no cash benefits are ever given to clients. Rent money ALWAYS goes to landlords, utility money ALWAYS goes to utility companies, and money for prescription medicine ALWAYS goes to the pharmacist.
Every penny of assistance granted by the Trustees goes exactly where it is supposed to go and there is a higher administrative cost for that guarantee. Also every penny of your tax dollar is audited and published in the newspaper, at least once per year. There is an old saying “you get what you pay for”. Accountability costs and is cost effective, as it costs more than simply hoping your tax dollars go where they are intended. As trustee I will always make sure I treat your hard earned money exactly like I treat my own. I want to know what happens to every one of my dollars and as your trustee I’ll always make sure that you know what happens to every one of yours.
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