An open invitation to bring the real numbers
Dear Editor,
Since the publication of my recent letter, “When Small Numbers Get Scrutinized, and Big Ones Get Ignored,” several community members have reached out. Many expressed the same reaction I had when compiling the information — surprise at the magnitude of the gap between Grant’s legal service costs and those of other Nebraska towns.
Others have shared appreciation for bringing these figures forward, noting that the public deserves to understand how their tax dollars are spent.
At the same time, a few individuals have suggested that the information in that letter was somehow inaccurate or misleading. I want to be clear: every single number cited came directly from lawful Nebraska public-records requests — either from the City of Grant or from comparable municipalities across the state.
These are not estimates, assumptions, or opinions; they are official figures obtained through the process set forth in the Nebraska Public Records Statutes.
For those who attempt to dismiss these findings, I extend a standing invitation: bring the “real numbers” to the table. If the data I’ve shared is wrong, then let’s see the documents that prove otherwise — not speculation, but verifiable records.
My only goal has been to place the publicly available information in one place so taxpayers can see it for themselves. The issue here is not one that I created; it already existed within the City of Grant’s own records. All I did was gather and present the numbers.
This discussion shouldn’t divide our community. It should unite us around a shared principle — fiscal transparency and accountability. Whether the totals are higher, lower, or the same, the taxpayers of Grant deserve clarity, and they deserve confidence that the budget they fund is being managed responsibly.
As stated before, the next City Council meeting is Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 PM MDT. I encourage everyone — supporters and skeptics alike — to attend, ask questions, and participate in the discussion. The facts will speak for themselves, and that’s all any of us should want.
Respectfully,
Marlin Wendell
Grant, Nebraska