NeonTaster
06-05-2009, 04:28 PM
http://www.herald-citizen.com/index.cfm?event=news.view&id=69326B82-19B9-E2E2-678ADCF74E327500
Monterey budget nowhere near ready
Laura Gwinn
Herald-Citizen Staff
Friday, May 22, 2009
MONTEREY -- The figures in Monterey's budget are not balancing and shows underfunding in every department, according to Ted Sheckler, budget committee chair, Wednesday night in the board's first budget worksession.
Sheckler has been working on Monterey's budget for the last three months and says it should have been submitted at the beginning of the month.
"We're spinning our wheels," he said. "We're running way behind. Our new mayor will not increase taxes, water, sewer and sanitation. If we can't increase any of these, then I can't finish this budget.
"I am going to recommend that the mayor and Ron Williamson figure out the budget," he said, indicating his frustration by saying he's had it "up to here" with it. "You have the program to work out these figures."
Monterey Mayor Richard Godsey, who was not present at the meeting, said Friday morning that he's approaching this budget while looking at the economic situation in general.
"It's a board decision whether or not to increase rates," he said. "I don't think it's right, with the way the economy is."
He said everyone has to tighten belts and not spend out of capital expenditures if we don't have to.
"We have to look at increasing our revenue," he said. "I want us to be good stewards of the money."
He noted that the board will try to meet with department heads next week sometime. No date has been set yet.
"In tough times is when good leadership emerges," he said.
Ron Williamson, Monterey's project manager and volunteer to work on the finances of the city, was also present at the meeting and said he received the top-five budget priorities from three different department heads.
"There were two items that came up that I thought were significant," Williamson said. "Of course, you've got people asking for raises and stuff like that, but the other thing is that we heard from the water department that they're three years behind inspection and maintenance of the water towers. He (the water department director) gave us a number for that. (The water purification department) also said that there's a filtration system they need to get and if they don't get it, the state will require a letter be sent out warning citizens of the water quality."
City hall also submitted a list of its top five budget priorities. Ella Dishman listed a five percent raise for herself and another employee and a time clock system. The time clock system has an estimated cost of $7,269 and says that half of it can be taken out of the general fund and the other half out of water and sewer.
Dishman also listed handheld meter reading devices that if they tear up within the next three years that they'd have to be replaced.
"They are in good shape at this point, but may last one month or 10 years," she wrote.
Williamson recommended that at least two more meetings are needed before the budget is submitted, one with the department directors to justify their budget.
"You are the ones who set the priorities and then try to work out the bucks," Williamson said.
"I can't find ways to cut anything," Sheckler said. "I am stuck."
Williamson also addressed the fact that no money is being set aside for depreciation with regards to the water/sewer infrastructure.
"My recommendation is to at least have a multi-year plan to start making those dollars end up in an account to set up for infrastructure."
The committee's next meeting has not been yet been set.
Somehow this seemingly inane story is hysterically funny..
Monterey budget nowhere near ready
Laura Gwinn
Herald-Citizen Staff
Friday, May 22, 2009
MONTEREY -- The figures in Monterey's budget are not balancing and shows underfunding in every department, according to Ted Sheckler, budget committee chair, Wednesday night in the board's first budget worksession.
Sheckler has been working on Monterey's budget for the last three months and says it should have been submitted at the beginning of the month.
"We're spinning our wheels," he said. "We're running way behind. Our new mayor will not increase taxes, water, sewer and sanitation. If we can't increase any of these, then I can't finish this budget.
"I am going to recommend that the mayor and Ron Williamson figure out the budget," he said, indicating his frustration by saying he's had it "up to here" with it. "You have the program to work out these figures."
Monterey Mayor Richard Godsey, who was not present at the meeting, said Friday morning that he's approaching this budget while looking at the economic situation in general.
"It's a board decision whether or not to increase rates," he said. "I don't think it's right, with the way the economy is."
He said everyone has to tighten belts and not spend out of capital expenditures if we don't have to.
"We have to look at increasing our revenue," he said. "I want us to be good stewards of the money."
He noted that the board will try to meet with department heads next week sometime. No date has been set yet.
"In tough times is when good leadership emerges," he said.
Ron Williamson, Monterey's project manager and volunteer to work on the finances of the city, was also present at the meeting and said he received the top-five budget priorities from three different department heads.
"There were two items that came up that I thought were significant," Williamson said. "Of course, you've got people asking for raises and stuff like that, but the other thing is that we heard from the water department that they're three years behind inspection and maintenance of the water towers. He (the water department director) gave us a number for that. (The water purification department) also said that there's a filtration system they need to get and if they don't get it, the state will require a letter be sent out warning citizens of the water quality."
City hall also submitted a list of its top five budget priorities. Ella Dishman listed a five percent raise for herself and another employee and a time clock system. The time clock system has an estimated cost of $7,269 and says that half of it can be taken out of the general fund and the other half out of water and sewer.
Dishman also listed handheld meter reading devices that if they tear up within the next three years that they'd have to be replaced.
"They are in good shape at this point, but may last one month or 10 years," she wrote.
Williamson recommended that at least two more meetings are needed before the budget is submitted, one with the department directors to justify their budget.
"You are the ones who set the priorities and then try to work out the bucks," Williamson said.
"I can't find ways to cut anything," Sheckler said. "I am stuck."
Williamson also addressed the fact that no money is being set aside for depreciation with regards to the water/sewer infrastructure.
"My recommendation is to at least have a multi-year plan to start making those dollars end up in an account to set up for infrastructure."
The committee's next meeting has not been yet been set.
Somehow this seemingly inane story is hysterically funny..