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I was amazed that three members of the Freeborn County board were unable to say “no” when voting on the new levy. No is just two letters, and one of the first words we learn as children. But instead of saying “no,” commissioners Forman, Kaasa and Eckstrom voted 3-2 to increase the preliminary 2025 tax levy by a whopping 8.92%.

How many taxpayers, farmers, businesspersons and homeowners would like such an increase in their budgets? By contrast, those constituents have had to cut their budgets in these economic times. Instead of a huge levy increase, could commissioners say “yes” to cutting?

Ideas for county cutting: 1) Look at options for the jail. It is cheaper to house our prisoners in other counties, as Dodge County has done for years. 2) Combine our Public Health with another county.

Freeborn County’s population is such that the state would allow it. 3) Have department heads cut 1% from their budgets. 4) Cut funds from every non-mandated service the county is providing.

I urge the county board to be fiscally responsible to their constituents. When a huge levy increase is proposed, please just say “no” to the increase and “yes” to finding ways to cut, as your constituents have done.

Dan Belshan
Glenville