We live in a "borough", which is the smallest municipal govt in Peeay: +3,000 people living in about 1 square mile area. It's small enough to really have a "community feeling and spirit"...a great and walkable place to live.

This thread and poll came to mind b/c of an experience that I had on Wednesday Morning: Pulled up in front of the small Municipal Bldg/ with attached 3-bay Firehouse. Put on my flashers while I ran into the office on first floor.....to drop off payment for my 2010 Real Estate taxes The PT tax collector got up from her desk 5' away, took my check and stamped my bill "PAID".....while I chatted with another staffer. Bill, the Borough Manager for at least 20 years, saw my S outside his window (he has a Miata), came out of his office and commented to me that "it will be top down weather tomorrow, Jerry." I agreed and headed for the door. As I left, he called out "Say hello to Kathy".

Amazing that a story like this ^^ can be told in 2010. I had a pleasant feeling as I put the top down and drove home...a few minutes away.

Wondering how many others have a "up close and personal' relationship with the government that sucks up a large tax bill for most of us? I'm guessing that my experience is pretty unusual, but I'll be happy to be surprised by your responses

 

Nobody?

 

We are in the city of Denton with a population of a little over 100K. City govt. is good. Looking to improve the city. Pushed light rail connection from Dallas about 32 miles to the south. Should be done in about 2 yrs.
Our county, on the other hand, is the pits!

 

You do live in an unusual area, Jerry. I'm glad you get to enjoy it.

As far as me? I don't deal with the local government. How would I know?

The streets are in good repair, the roadside plants are kept trimmed, the street lights work. The county automatically reduced my property taxes, without me having to ask, since I bought in 2008 and property values decreased after that. I'm happy with Orange County.

 

I must add here. Years ago when I worked at my University's Bureau of Business and Economic Research, we were tasked by the National Association of Counties, to perform research on County revenue from various sources and their relative expenditure.

This was a census survey, and we aimed to reach all counties nation-wide. The bigger counties were unreachable and bureaucratic. We had to make several calls and build a chain of communication for data. The smaller counties (small by population and land) were very responsive and eager to give us the info.

One of the surveyors even reached this county manager in Arkansas, who was out fishing in her boat somewhere in the Ozarks. She not only was not dismissive or upset but gave us all the info the best she could. She also set up a time when we could reach her in the office for data she could not recollect or had to verify. Yet another County official (again from the South) asked for a fax number, called to ensure the fax had arrived and said we could reach him anytime for more info.

So when it comes to what kind of an administration is better, hard data would lean towards the smaller forms of Government. But any Local Government that is approachable and tuned in to the needs of the people is good.

My $0.02. Hope you guys dont mind me chipping in, but this topic brought back memories of that marathon effort

 

I think I speak for all when I say we are very happy to have you chipping in! I thank you for your addition and encourage more posts in Vintage.

 

^ Thank you. I think Vintage is a great group and I keep stopping on here for front page fodder often

I'll probably apply for my Vintage badge in 6 years time

 

Good sized county but small population. All municipal offices are in a square in a small town near by. They get it done in a typical inefficient manner. However, if it was raining cats and dogs and a pregnant woman with a baby in a backpack and another child holding one hand while she was pushing her mother's wheelchair had let her car doubleparked with flashers on even for a minute or so, she would be greeted by a ticket if not a tow. This is afterall Ohio.

 

Is Orange County the smallest municipality that gets your taxes and provides services, Patty

Maybe that's the way it works in Cali, but not in most states back here in the NE..... original 13 Colonies and all that

 

Similar to you Jerry, but our town covers many more miles (probably 180 square miles). We have about 5500 in the winter but many many more in the summer.

Out daughter used to live in small community with around 1000, near to us. The town road she was one ended just before her driveway which was pretty long. She used to drop of work gloves at the town shop in the fall and cookies once a month through the winter. For that the plow would come down her driveway and turn around in the winter. She just needed to shovel her sidewalk.