The boring truth about Grant’s municipal government

As we celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States this Fourth of July, I’ve been thinking  about something that has come up several times over the past few months here in Grant.

I’ve heard questions and concerns about the library budget. Some have asked why the City  Council didn’t simply raise property taxes to provide additional funding. 

The answer is actually pretty simple.

The Boring Truth is that I believe the people of Grant should have a voice before their property taxes are increased.

When the library budget was presented to the City Council last July 22, 2025, I suggested in that meeting to the Library Board that additional funding be placed on the ballot so the citizens of 

Grant could decide whether they wanted to increase support for the library. The library currently receives funding through a voter-approved levy, and this is the level of support the tax payers have authorized the City to spend. If additional tax dollars are needed beyond that, I believe the taxpayers should once again have the opportunity to decide.

The same recommendation was made again earlier this year in February while there was still time to put it on the Primary Election ballot. Rather than asking voters, the request brought to the 

Council was to simply increase property taxes through the budgeting process.

Reasonable people can disagree on funding levels.

That isn’t the issue. The issue is who should make that decision.

Our form of government works best when the people have a direct voice on questions that affect their tax dollars. I believe that voice should be respected, and the Library Board has until September to put something on this year’s ballot for the General Election if they want.

I also want to make something else very clear. Supporting the taxpayers’ right to vote is not the same as opposing the library.

Quite the opposite.

I’ve spoken with the Library Board President, and I have even personally offered to volunteer my own time to help cover weekend library shifts if needed. Our library is an important part of our community, and I want to see it continue to succeed.

I simply believe that success comes from working together, not automatically asking taxpayers to shoulder a larger burden without their approval.

That brings me to why this seems especially appropriate as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

Our country was not built by a government that tried to do everything for everyone. We don’t actually want a government that can give you everything, for a government that can give you everything can also take everything away. The American Government was instead built by our 

Founding Fathers who were citizens who took responsibility for their communities. They were business owners who invested, church members who served, volunteers who gave their time, neighbors who helped neighbors, and philanthropists donating to funding projects. These new American citizens stepped forward to solve problems together.

I believe that the founding spirit is still alive in Grant.

If you’re interested in serving your community, we need you.

Perhaps one of the several City boards and committees is interesting to you?  It is always good to know who is willing to serve. Our boards include the Airport Advisory Board, Cemetery Board, Economic Development Committee, Housing Authority, Library Board, Planning 

Commission, Parks and Recreation, Tree Board, Community Redevelopment Authority, and Public Works.

If a public board isn’t your calling but you’re looking for employment, we also have opportunities available with the City. We are currently seeking a groundskeeper, a cemetery assistant, and an assistant city clerk. These positions offer an opportunity to serve your community while building excellent job experience.

Finally, if you’re a business owner, philanthropist, or volunteer looking to invest in Grant’s future, or simply someone with ideas for making our community better, we would love to hear from you at the city. If you are wanting to partner with Grant I want to talk to you.  I plan on being at the park on the Fourth of July under an American flag pop-up tent. Please stop by and introduce yourself.

The strength of America has never rested solely in Washington, Lincoln, or City Hall. 

It has always rested in ordinary citizens who chose to become involved.

May God bless you, may God bless Grant, and may God bless the United States of America.

Happy 250th Birthday, America.