Editorial: Economic downturn delays bond election

The Pima County supervisors say taxpayers are in no mood for additional borrowing this year.

The sentiment effectively scuttles attempts by local groups to convince the county to include projects in a bond proposition for 2008.

The decision was not some backhanded slap at Green Valley and Sahuarita, an area being encouraged by some to consider secession from Pima County.

Bond projects throughout the county — from Catalina to Ajo to Vail — will be delayed until 2009 at the earliest, not just here. The decision is not fuel for former legislator Randy Graf’s push to consider joining Santa Cruz County.

Though we would like to see money approved for a library expansion, Community Performing Arts Center funding, local ball fields and local parks, the climate’s not right, according to the experts.

The Pima Association of Taxpayers asked the supervisors to wait until the economy improves. The housing crisis, food and gas prices and the steep rise in assessed property values were reasons a past president of the association cited in opposition to an election.

“We especially want to caution the Board of Supervisors against putting another bond-issue request on the November ballot in these times of hardship,” Mary Schuh, past president of the association, said in a statement. “As stewards of all Pima County their responsibility is to choose the wiser path and do no harm to their constituents, whether small business or big, and the individual citizen, all of whom are in need of tax relief.”

Local groups have been making pitches to the Pima County Bond Advisory Committee since last year, trying to make it on the list of projects. A 2008 bond package was supposed to be in the range of $750 million to $1 billion.

In separate interviews with the Green Valley News, all five supervisors said they would not support a bond election. County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry has said he’s reluctant to have a bond election this year. He said the bonds will not be sold until 2010, at any rate, whether the election is in 2008 or 2009. The county needs to retire old debt before taking on more.

Local groups have been frustrated by the prospect of waiting. We understand their concerns. Price tags for projects will rise. Folks dedicated to campaigning for passage of the bonds, undoubtedly, will lose interest.

There’s little hope of turning around the decision. The Bond Advisory Committee will meet at 8 a.m., May 23, at the Manning House in downtown Tucson to discuss the future of bonding. But the supervisors will decide when to have the election.

The economy is tough for families and businesses across Pima County, but they’re equally trying for county government. Pima County’s recommended 2008-09 budget is about $22 million less than the $1.48 billion current fiscal year budget. It includes spending cuts to all departments. No raises for the county’s 7,000 employees are included in the budget. There’s no funding for additional deputies for the Sheriff’s Department or expansion of programs and services.

Belts are being tightened everywhere. If bonds have to be put off until 2009, let’s say we’re disappointed. But we hope local advocates keep the faith.

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