Public education and other school-related issues have been voted Best Use of Taxpayer Dollars in nine out of the last 12 years. This year is no exception, with voters expressing support for public spending on everything from from early childhood programs to advanced degree granting universities. The second-best use of taxpayer dollars, according to voters, was the down-to-earth fixing of potholes, which seems a never-ending task. Coming in third place is the Eau Claire City Council’s controversial decision making the fine for marijuana possession $1. (Court fees will still boost the penalty to upwards of $100.) The motion was based on the results of a November advisory referendum that asked for citizens’ opinions on marijuana legalization. — Barbara Arnold