GIVEN ALL THE INVESTMENT Greater Rome has been doing in the past 25 years or so in tax-paid public improvements/additions it is probably remarkable how comparatively rare it is that “design flaws and installation” issues crop up later. The most recent is the leaking roof at the Thornton Recreation Center at North Floyd Park, a very-new addition. In this case taxpayers are on the hook for the $10,250 needed to keep mold, etc. from devouring the structure as the contractor and roofer are both no longer in business.

Fortunately the company making the “melting” special surface atop the new Barron Stadium track is still around so there’s a warranty that will kick in on that replacement.

Perfection is not a human trait, of course, and “stuff happens.” However, it might be worthwhile for the stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars to catalog all such “whoopsies” and then ask how they might be reduced.

Is on-site inspection by the investors (government) not intense enough? Is the “low-bid” awarding of work itself prone to causing problems in craftsmanship and durability?

In the same general category: Should there be “contingency funds” and “reserves” built into not only SPLOST proposals but also everyday facilities? A new roof and air-conditioners at the County Jail — or as routinely wind up as items on school construction SPLOST lists — are hardly surprises or design flaws. They are entirely to be expected.

And, as any home (or car) owner can tell public officials they also have a tendency to appear at the worst possible times when the checking account is at its lowest point. That’s what saving accounts are for (not credit cards, by the way).