02-14-2020, 08:10 AM
taxes ... spending ...
I have a related thought: compare the cost ratios against similar counties or townships. For example, how many building permits does a staffer process? How much does a mile of road cost?
Granted our numbers will be inflated because costs are higher -- but that difference can be quantified when comparing to non-island municipalities.
Sometimes I think "Hawaii is expensive" becomes a built-in excuse for price increases and invoice padding that wouldn't be justifiable otherwise.
I have a related thought: compare the cost ratios against similar counties or townships. For example, how many building permits does a staffer process? How much does a mile of road cost?
Granted our numbers will be inflated because costs are higher -- but that difference can be quantified when comparing to non-island municipalities.
Sometimes I think "Hawaii is expensive" becomes a built-in excuse for price increases and invoice padding that wouldn't be justifiable otherwise.