Of Budgeting and Funding

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How much will that be? Cambrians MUST take this opportunity to see the pros and cons and an accounting of the full costs the “ideal” Cambria – desal, recycled water, money available to purchase and retire lots,  custom software, full staffing with benefits, beautiful parks, great restaurants, clean and safe accessible beaches, and all prepared for any disaster.  Where the conflict arises is at the intersection of ideal and real.

There are 3,884 housing units in Cambria, 2,937 of which are occupied (743 of the remaining 947 are listed as “season, recreational or occassional use). Our estimated population (based on 2004 IRS data) is 6,522. About a third of the households in Cambria are parents with children.  About 92% of us are American citizens, raised with the notion that government owes us the best protections, services and staff available. I’m no exception. What is easy to forget is that WE have to pay for whatever projects or services the CCSD provides for the community. We are the government. Or at least we are supposed to be. The CCSD exists for our benefit. We pay for those benefits with rates and taxes and fees. They do not have a blank check or a bottomless wallet from which to pull any money they want.

Just Accept It. Something Joan said in her interview on KTEA (103.5 fm) a few months back has really stuck with me. Director Cobin said, “People are just going to have to accept that it’s going to get more expensive to live here in Cambria.” It really bothered me. I’ve still got the transcript of it. She said it so casually as if to say, “what’s the big deal, we just want a little more money.”  She compared the rate increase to the cost of a pizza in town.

Here’s why it worries me and why it should worry you too: It is based on the assumption that we should all fork over whatever money the CCSD GM deems necessary and be glad to do it. It bespeaks an attitude that leaves no room for a policy of working within a limited revenue and prioritizing projects. Obviously, some people in our community might be able to afford the luxuries contemplated by the district. If money were no object, of course I would pay whatever was asked and not even think twice about it. Especially when it’s been repeated over and over that its an emergency. An accident victim doesn’t quibble about price in the emergency room.  But my funds are quite limited, so I’m thinking about cost quite a bit. I depend on the Board to balance the priorities of important community needs and services and to set priorities and policies that take best advantage of our resources.  Our Board seems to consider money a limitless resource that needs no management or control. The per capita income in Cambria in 2005 was $29,105 with a median household income of $45,243.  A town of 6,500 cannot expect to have the level of service that is available when more people pool their money for services.  Many vocal Cambrians don’t agree with the CCSD’s current policies and the way funding is appropriated and spent. Perhaps there are many Cambrians who support the CCSD’s quest for the ideal. To them I ask – please speak up! Your District is in crisis and needs your show of support. If no support materializes, I expect the current status quo will be upset. 2,266 Cambrians wrote letters of protest to stop the rate increase last fall. Today we have more information available and better informed Cambrians. The CCSD should stop treating us like ignorant children and start treating us as intelligent adults with a stake in the decisions being made for our community.

It really is a matter of setting priorities, goals and limits – then sticking to them. An assessment of our current system’s state and what it will look like when it is completed should be shared and repeated over and over as changes are made to the current and planned reality. There are many ways to involve the community in developing priorities, goals and limits for our village. Communication is a key element in community involvement. Many other communities are moving to a more participatory model of democracy. It’s time for Cambria to be a leader, to set an example of what can be done in a community. Honest information and transparent decision-making will lead to a more relaxed and trusting community.

Last 5 posts by Amanda Rice

• Gail Robinette Chosen to Complete DeMicco's Term as CCSD Director on Unanimous Vote
• California Coastal Commission Unanimously Denied Army Corps Desal Tests
• Cambria CSD Agenda for November 27, 2011 Meeting Includes Water Conservation & New Tank Project
• Sunken Oil Tanker Off Cambria's Coastline Will Be Checked Again Soon