We must admit our unofficial lack of surprise regarding rising government costs. In this case, the top story in last weekend’s OBSERVER focused on the growing expense for Pomfret of its new town hall.

During its meeting last month, Supervisor Dan Pacos told the town board the estimated price tag now stands at $3.46 million. That’s more than double the last reported estimate, and more than eight times the original $400,000 estimate that Pacos said was made “years ago.”

And just how did Pomfret get the funds to acquire the former church on Chestnut Road? American Rescue Plan Act funds that continue to penalize governments and schools nationwide due to a mandate to overspend.

Once again, that free federal money has brought huge consequences.

In this case, Pomfret was hoping the town of Dunkirk would join forces at the location. It was a good idea, but town officials backed away.

Now, Pomfret is complaining about a challenging list of requirements for a new town courtroom. “They were really ridiculous in what they were asking for,” Pacos said. “They’re just used to dealing with large municipalities.”

This corner, when the idea was proposed, was quick to criticize it. With population declining, area governments need to look at downsizing — not purchasing new locations.

Come to think of it, we said the same thing when the city of Dunkirk bought the Stearns building before the COVID pandemic. How has that worked out?

As we all know, the city is swimming in red. Not because of the purchase, but years of bad financial decisions.

At the moment, Pomfret’s buy isn’t looking so swell — especially when considering the bottom line for the town and taxpayers.