Let's set the record straight

Now to explore the real honest facts, it is by far a fact that every commissioner was and is in favor of the new Dodge County boat ramp. It is a true fact, as you stated, that the board voted unanimous to proceed with this project. You were correct to state that the board voted to go forward with this project even after Mr. Walthall’s attempt to stop it. You were also correct to say there was little discussion about the construction cost for this project.

However, after sitting through both of these meeting you failed to remember or just simply ignored to tell the fact that this board was lead to believe that construction would be done by county labor with county equipment. We were also told this would be done as workforce was available. With these facts in mind, we would have spent a minimum amount of taxpayer’s money. You also failed to tell that it was brought to the attention of the commissioners that private businessmen were working away on this project and being paid to do so. Upon research on this matter, it was found that county funds of more than $37,000 had been paid with very little progress. Only a small amount of this money had been authorized by this board. Our bid policy, which was established by the General Assembly, has been violated numerous times. Not a single person involved in our county government would come forth and say that he or she had authorized any of this spending. As to this day, no one will be honest and take this responsibility.

Mr. Editor, you have sat through numerous meetings held by this board, and you have to know that this board believes in utilizing our bidding process to obtain the best value for our taxpayers. How could you possibly attempt to lead the taxpayers of this county to believe “The board never worried about cost before! Why now?”
The real fact, should you decide to print this is: This board fully intended to finish this much needed boat ramp, but we simply won’t allow this to be done in a foolish wasteful manner. We are also making the finding by our attorney as to where the funds were spent a part of this letter, as well. We request these documents be made part of this letter.

William Howell
Carl Hosford
Brian Watkins
Archie Dupree

Red Wing Environmental on 6-6-2008 was paid $652.00 for site visit, wetland delineation and coordination with Statewide Engineering.
DNR-EPD on 6-13-2008 was paid $240.00 for land disturbance fees.
Statewide Engineering on 6-25-2008 was paid $3,500.00 forerosion and sediment control plan.
Mike Kondracki on 4-24-2009 was paid $5,700.00 for pipe and hauling.
Red Wing Environmental on 8-21-2009 was paid $1,560.00 for preparation of Corps PCN and state buffer variance.
Carter Engineering on 8-15-2009 was paid $4,859.96 for permitting documents for boat ramp.
J & B Landscaping on 7-21-2010 was paid $10,000.00 for erosion control.
J & B Landscaping on 8-25-210 was paid $5,000.00 for erosion control.
Danny Williams on 8-25-2010 was paid $4,150.00 for dirt work.
Danny Williams on 9-2-2010 was paid $1,720.00 for dirt work.