Loading
We can't wait to read the third installment of Lee County Clerk of Court Charlie Green's audit of his county's government land-buying programs.
So far, the first two parts of the wide-ranging audit reveal Lee County government overpaid for land and buildings in recent years, sometimes by millions of dollars. Those of us in the real estate business may not be surprised, but it's still pretty damning stuff. (You can read the audits at LeeClerk.org, click on the 2011 audit reports under “Internal Auditor.”)
But the most interesting report will likely be the forthcoming third installment, and Green has already given us a taste of what's to come. That's because Part Three will delve into the Lee County commission's sacred cow known as Conservation 20/20.
Lee County has already spent an astounding $309 million to buy conservation land under this special program, records show. Voters in 1996 approved a special tax to raise money for Conservation 20/20. But if Green's first two audit reports are any indication, any more shocking conclusions may spur voters to scrap it if it's on next year's ballot.
It will be a good lesson learned: Never give government a blank check.
Your free article limit has been reached this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited digital access to our award-winning business news.
Join thousands of executives who rely on us for insights spanning Tampa Bay to Naples.
