At the time I suggested a quick referendum to buy. 

Regardless, that property has probably appreciated in value substantially. Not to mention, it was also our last good chance to solve some serious drainage flooding at a reasonable cost. To solve it now is probably $20 million or more.(My apologies. The amount a decade ago was $4 million, not $14 and the cost today was estimated to be around $8 million.)

Here's another saying for you and Marty:

Don't be penny wise and pound foolish...  as used for being very careful about unimportant matters and careless about important ones.