Letter to the Editor: Demand Accountability from Manderson Town Council

Dear Editor and residents of Manderson

For eight years, I stayed quiet and trusted our local government to do what was best for Manderson. But after watching most of our town council operate with a complete lack of transparency regarding our hard-earned tax dollars, I have found my voice. I will no longer back down, and I am calling on my neighbors to join me.

The council repeatedly claims that Manderson is broke, yet their spending habits tell a completely different story. In the last four years, the town has acquired a new tractor, two “house rollers,” and just approved a new lawnmower costing $16,000. They even found $500 in the budget for flowers. Meanwhile, the essential services we pay for are being entirely neglected.

Consider the following issues affecting every resident:

The “Mosquito Tax” Without the Service: Every household pays an $11 monthly fee for mosquito spraying—a fee charged year-round, even through the winter. With roughly 68 taps in town, that totals nearly $12,000 a year. We are paying for a service that is not being rendered. 

Water bills and hidden fees: Residents are noticing bizarre charges and unjustifiable late fees on their water bills. Proper protocol for a service shutoff should involve multiple steps—including a mailed letter, verbal notice, and a hand-delivered notice to the door. Instead, the town simply mails a notice demanding the past-due amount, the current month’s bill, and multiple late fees all at once. They also charge a $50 reconnection fee for work that employees are already on the clock to perform.

Out-of-Town spending and gatekeeping: The town hired an out-of-town bookkeeper, paying her travel expenses to and from Manderson on top of wages. She then gave herself a raise. Now, despite claiming the town is broke, the council is discussing giving the new town clerk a raise. 

Records: When I requested public financial records, I faced blatant resistance. A copy of the 2026–2027 budget was provided. When I asked for the 2025–2026 records, the bookkeeper said “I don’t know what good it’s gonna do you.” The mayor & clerk informed me that I would have to pay for the copies & the bookkeeper’s time. She is already on the clock to assist town residents with public records. Why is there an additional charge? 

Neglected septic maintenance: We pay the town to maintain our septic tanks. Filters that are to be changed twice a year are being ignored. It took nearly four years of my system backing up just to get someone to look at mine. The filter clogged to three times its size. Local sources indicate that independent septic contractors have been told they cannot service our town without council approval. Is this right? 

We deserve answers. What is the actual budget for the town? Why is the town being audited? Why won’t the council show the public the itemized expenses? The current council hammered the previous administration about having this documentation available at each council meeting. Yet they are not doing it. When asked about it, the major has said they are working on it. This administration took office in 2023. Here we are 3 years later. They still aren’t doing it. 

Why are residents during public comment periods silenced especially when the mayor and some council members don’t like the comments? 

If you want transparency, honesty, and a town council that works for all its residents come to the next town meeting on July 6th at 6:30 PM. It is time to demand the truth and make a change.

Sincerely, Katlynn Herrera

Concerned Resident of Manderson