Sigh.  From the KeysNet.com:  County capital-project costs skyrocket by $38 million.

This is what happens when you’re allergic to math and to reality in general.  Remember that thing I said about capital projects.  It’s true!  It’s really, really true.

Capital projects are definitely a “reality-driven” area.  If you’re screwing up it’s going to show in the finished product.

The saddest part – Monroe County never learns.  They repeat the same mistakes over and over and over again.  When they get stuck, they look around to see who’s going to bail them out.  Key West?  Key Largo?  The State?  The Feds?  Santa Claus?  The Easter Bunny?

I would love to see a list of all capital projects completed in the last ten years – the estimate, the beginning contract amount, the final contract amount.  If even one came in under budget I would be in shock.  I actually have asked for something like that before.  Got no response.  Maybe I’ll try again since I’m on such great terms with county staff right now.

What a mess.  An occasional screw-up is understandable and forgivable.  But we’re talking about a repeating pattern that has major consequences for the taxpayers.  Somebody has to pay for all this or the taxpayers do without.  If you’re Key Largo, you get to pay for it AND do without.  Both.

At what point will the county clean this shit** up?  Honestly.

**A trusted adviser told me not to use profanity on the blog but sometimes I can’t fucking help it.  This is one of those times.  So excuse my French.