We Can't Blame It All On The Economy

Utility service thefts are on the rise in parts of Calhoun County, Alabama. Is it a sign of the economy, or something deeper?

Anniston Star writer Patrick McCreless recently wrote an article about the increasing number of Calhoun County utility thefts. Based on interviews with local water and electricity providers, the notion of the article ties the nationwide economic downturn as the culprit of these thefts. Further into the article, however, these thefts do not appear to be some widespread pandemic as Weaver Public Works Director Rickey Steele was quoted saying “it's not anything out of the ordinary.” Oxford also seems to have been spared in part because of its heavy retail population. The thefts are reportedly occurring in Anniston and Hobson City, instead. McCreless also points out the county unemployment rate sat around 8.7% in December—0.4% lower than the state average and 0.3% lower than the national average. With the information broken down in this sense, one would have to ask if and why the recession has only now prompted these types of thefts.

According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2005-2009, Oxford and Weaver both have around 10% of their residents under the poverty line; 24% of Anniston residents live in poverty; a staggering 38% of Hobson City residents do the same, and these numbers don't seem to be falling as the days of America's manufacturing dominance become hazier with time. Calhoun County unemployment may be slightly lower than the national average, but underemployment seems to run rampant in our area. Average pay in the area doesn't reflect the cost of living, by any means. Alabama's tax rules don't make bills any easier for the working-poor to pay, either. Aside from the unfriendly tax burdens on the working poor, the state's 4% sales tax might seem relatively low. However, adding local taxes to every item bought, including groceries and medication, leaves upwards of a 10% sales tax on almost any purchase—no matter how frugal or how necessary.

The topic of conversation can (and should) take any number of roads from this point. The future of Calhoun County's economy, the continually growing gap between “wealthy” and “poor,” or Alabama tax reform would be some great avenues of exploration. The topic should not end with a simple “blame it on the economy.” Living in a nation of consumers, we are the economy.

Median Household Income	Natl. Average: $51,425
Oxford	$46,977
Weaver	$41,596
Anniston	$32,208
Hobson City	$23,152

Source: U.S. Census Bureau

2005-2009 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

-MDS