Does the price of something ever really matter? Not always when you sit on a government board in Chautauqua County.
More than a month ago, the village of Silver Creek had a building demolished at 205-207 Central Ave. As of last week, the cost of that job was still unknown.
"Has anyone had any conversation with the owner to repay taxpayers for the demolition and debris removal?" resident and former board member Anna Frederickson asked at a recent meeting. "Do you know how much it was for the demolition?"
Normally, residents and business owners actually get a quote or two on a project before having work done. It seems as though Silver Creek officials, who have no clue on what the total cost will be, are still waiting for the bill.
But they do not seem to be worried about it, especially those who do not pay property taxes in the village.
The situation typifies small government at its worst. React first, then pay later - no matter what the cost to a fiscally challenged municipality.
That is bad business. Shame on the board.
