Dredge project boondoggle

I am amazed at the county's consideration of increasing the payment for the dredge project by an additional $425,000, to a "total" of $2.3 million; this project started at approximately $297,000.

Where were both the county attorney's office and the purchasing director when the requirements for the Hernando Beach dredge project provided for the request for quote? Where was the county attorney's office when the contract was entered into for the dredge project? Weren't there requirements included initially in the contract that the vendor needed to meet Florida Department of Environmental Protection requirements for sea grass mitigation? Weren't there requirements to meet state and federal DEP guidelines included in the contract?

The Hernando dredge project is fiscal irresponsibility at best and misfeasance at worst. And now the county is contemplating adding an additional 2 cents to the gas tax to fund additional projects.

The county needs to be more fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars. Commissioner Jeff Stabins stated that the county needs to reduce the size government and cut spending first. Well, I would look at the county attorney's contract and the purchasing department as some places to begin cutting since they have cost the taxpayers and the county an additional $2 million on this project alone.

Anne Kraus-Keenan

Spring Hill