What are you doing?

In response to numerous articles on Route One Finance and several concerns brought up during this budget season, I would like to deal with the misconception that your city councilmembers are not working on these concerns:

I can’t speak on behalf of all of my fellow councilmembers or on behalf of the city or council, but even though it does not look like there is a lot “getting done,” the fiscal health and responsibility of the city is something I and other councilmembers take seriously.

Last budget cycle several of us expressed our concerns with how the budget was presented and about the budgeted general fund drawdown, even though it was predicted that we would not spend the budgeted funds. I and others are not happy about the lack of progress on that account this budget cycle, nor the accounting errors in the documents that we have been provided. Councilmember Schaible and I have brought our and residents’ questions about the budget and audits to the council meetings. This last budget cycle I was the only councilmember to propose cuts to the budget. I believe there has to be a willingness to work toward a balanced budget and if there arises circumstances that require greater expenditures, then it needs the 8 votes required for a budget amendment. 

First of all, I have already put forth a motion for an city audit committee. That motion is currently under revision before it comes to council. I and other councilmembers have been researching Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) best practices to update city budgeting and financial policy. We have been reaching out to other experts for advice. 

In short, we have been working on solutions and are willing to discuss them with you. Please do reach out. What we are not doing is panicking. The city is not in danger of default. We have assets and cash reserves. We just sold $15 million in bonds at a competitive rate and are able to service our debt. Is it concerning that those documents may not have been completely in order? Yes. Can we continue to budget shortfalls? No. 

Again, please reach out with any concerns or suggestions.