The Gadfly is a series of letters offering commentary on local issues and published in the Warrensburg Gazette.

Dear Editor

I am honored that someone thinks enough of my opinions to send, anonymously of course, a copy of Dr. Elliott's post-presidential professional service contract - the one that has created a lot of stir up at the University. It appears that, in addition to his direct salary as a professor, that he will receive about $92,000 plus 30% of his pay for investment purposes, use of a car, an office with total budgets of $25,000 plus secretary and equipment. He'll also get to keep his computers, phones & cell phones. I trust that Dr. Elliott's fundraising abilities will more than recompense the University for his salary & perks.

Speaking of salaries, the Warrensburg Area Economic Development Council has budgeted $75,000 in salaries for the new fiscal year, plus another $11,500 in benefits and salary-related costs. This is out of a budget of around $125,000. Again, I trust that the WAEDC will generate more than its cost in new tax revenues.

While visiting City Hall, I picked up an AMTRAK schedule and a GWACC&VC (Greater Warrensburg Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center) calendar of local events. Unfortunately, both were outdated. The GWACC&VC's Old Drum Days fall festival runs tonight through Saturday. Now that they finally eliminated the conflict with Concordia, everyone ought to be able to attend some part of it.

I checked the Missouri Division of Tourism's website Monday morning; the GWACC&VC still hasn't obtained a free link to their warrensburg.org webpage; all they need to do is contact the Division of Tourism by phone or email!

I stopped by the Courthouse to see all the property tax rates. Taxes on my property within the City limits will go up by 7.5% and my country taxes by 8.2% on the same assessed base. Better put aside some extra money for December. As you read about federal & state & county & city & school budgets, remember that it's YOUR money they're spending - take an interest in how your money is used.