On Jan. 6, I attended the public hearing during which the 2005 Androscoggin County budget was adopted. County Commissioner Elmer Berry has since called for its rejection. I agree.

The budget reduces rural patrol service by the county sheriff’s department. Eight communities rely on the sheriff for law enforcement, while six have their own police departments. The six larger communities object to funding a service they do not use, which, on the surface, is reasonable. But before the Budget Committee whittles away at this inequity, let’s look at another one.

For 2005, $3.42 million is budgeted for the county jail. Based on the budget formula, Livermore will pay 2.15 percent of that, or $73,500. When based on inmate population, however, Livermore’s contribution should be about $10,300. The easy conclusion is that Livermore overpays its share by more than $63,000 – more than the $42,000 requested by the commissioners to maintain existing rural patrols.

County government is a regional system of providing services that each community cannot reasonably provide on its own. Regional systems almost always contain inequities that we learn to accept for the greater benefit of all. County government is not perfect and is long overdue for updating. The Budget Committee is right to call for updates. It is not right to reduce a vital service before that process is even begun.

Kurt E. Schaub,

administrator-treasurer, Livermore

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