It’s not often that politicians – or anyone, for that matter -will give up “free money.” But Brookhaven’s aldermen did just thatlast week, and we couldn’t be more proud.

In an act of fiscal responsibility, officials voted to send backto Washington $2.5 million more than was needed for construction ofthe city’s recently approved multimodal transportation facility.The funds were allocated before plans to renovate an existingbuilding (a less expensive alternative to constructing a new onefrom the ground up) were finalized.

Some may criticize the city’s decision to give up such a sizablesum as looking a gift horse in the mouth. Others may argue thatfailing to spend the money makes the city look bad and could shutus out from future federal allocations. Such criticism isunfounded.

Much to the contrary, the board’s vote – no doubt a painful oneto cast – should reflect well on our city, setting it apart as ashining example of financial restraint.

We often tell our children that money doesn’t grow on trees, anadmonishment many politicians would do well to remember today asgovernment budgets at all levels balloon out of control andpork-barrel spending runs rampant. In much the same vein, there isno “free” federal money. These funds come from somewhere – our taxdollars, to be precise – and the further they can be stretched thebetter off we all are.

We congratulate the Brookhaven aldermen for doing right by theAmerican taxpayer and setting an example for government officialseverywhere.