(Photo Source: U.S. Army Website).
The Cortland County Finance and Administration Committee voted 6-1 to further an effort to set up roadway signs in support of highly decorated veterans, a measure that has been supported by veterans and county officials.
The measure, which would support installing signs on county roadways displaying county veterans who have earned a Purple Heart Medal, will now be voted on by the county legislature at its meeting on Feb. 24. The commendation is presented to military service members who have been wounded or killed as a result of enemy action while serving the U.S., according to the United Service Organizations (USO).
Legislator Linda Jones (R-LD-9) voted against the measure. The resolution was advanced through the county’s highway committee and if approved could cost the county up to $5,000. Jones noted she supports veterans “100 percent” and alluded to her family’s military background, but said she would like the figure to be fundraised instead.
“This was not in the budget,” she said. “I believe when someone is approached with something extra that is not (essential), it is a responsibility for us to say that it is not in our budget but maybe if they come back the following year we can try to put it in the budget.”
Jones noted that in her four terms serving as a legislator, she has seen county authorities spend money out of contingency accounts even when items have not been accounted for in the budget.
“I believe this money would be easily raised,” she said. “I would like to see all 17 legislators start the donations and start a fund to get this money.”
Republican Majority Leader George Wagner (LD-15) said that while he was on the fence, he agreed with Jones.
“We have certain projects and the funds are raised fairly easily,” he said. “The problem is marketing this (project).”
Jones noted “legislators have a hard time saying no” to funding requests.
“I don’t know if it is because we are afraid of the next vote, or if it is something that really hits our hearts, but we never say no,” she said.
Democratic Minority Leader Beau Harbin (LD-2) called budgets “living documents.” He alluded to the county having fiscal flexibility.
“(Budgets) are not 10 commandments from up high written in stone,” Harbin said. “We adjust our budgets every year to meet the requests of the community as they come forth. As a community we support our veterans by putting forth these signs. I think it is a great idea.”
Harbin added the county has recently received additional sales tax revenue that was not accounted for in this year’s budget.
“For us to say on one hand we are going to receive this money that is currently not allocated, and on the other hand to say ‘no we are not going to spend $5,000 for some additional signs to show our support for our veterans’ seems like a slap in the face.”
