GOLDFIELD - How are people's tax dollars being used?

This is the central question that led to the formation of the Wright County Taxpayers Association.

The group started about a month ago after some property tax hikes and the county proposed constructing a new county maintenance shed in Eagle Grove for around $800,000.

"I've never been really involved in politics," said Ron Siemens, a Goldfield resident and co-chairman of the association. "I think it's important to help elected leaders make wise decisions and make sure people know what their tax dollars are being spent on."

Siemens said the association is about obtaining facts and relying those facts to the people through monthly meetings.

"People need to get informed, which they can do, but it takes time to research and gather the facts," Siemens said. "That's we want do."

According to Wright County Supervisor Larry Maasdam, the group is more than welcome.

"There are some things that need to be shook up," Maasdam said. "A lot of things need to change. At least the public will know more about what's going on. There are a lot of dollars being spent."

Brent Smith, the association's other co-chairman, said plenty of Wright County residents are interested in the actions of their local governments.

"We had nearly 50 people show up for the first meeting," Smith said. "Everyone is concerned about the spending of their tax dollars. I guess you could say we're on the conservative side spending-wise, but really, we want everyone (elected officials) to be aware that they're being watched. Holding them accountable was our No. 1 concern when we started the group."

So far the new group has focused on the supervisors, but they plan on attending city council and school board meetings as well.

"People are the only way to affect change," Siemens said. "You've got to have the facts and people. But you need to be careful about you say. It needs to be correct. Just because you think something, doesn't mean that's the way it is."

The nonprofit group is incorporated and recognized by the state of Iowa.

It's next meeting will be Feb. 15 at 7 p.m. at the Pizza Ranch restaurant in Clarion.

"When we get together we discuss the meetings we've attended, and we visit about different things on the agendas," Smith said. "We just keep an eye on different groups that have control of tax dollars."

Siemens said the groups goal is not to create animosity, but rather to work with elected officials.

"Most things aren't cut, set and dry, but if no one says anything, they will be," he said. "We want to help them make the best use of our tax dollars. Sometimes they do, other times, you've gotta ask questions."

With the federal and state governments buried under massive budget deficits, Smith said being complacent is something citizens literally can't afford to do.

"The economy is headed off a cliff, and we really need to hold everyone accountable," Smith said. "The state of Iowa is in dire straights and because of that the county will probably receive fewer dollars. They're going to have to get by with less, and we want to keep an eye on that."

Contact Lindsey Mutchler at (515) 573-2141 or lindsey@messengernews.net