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Concern over expenditures draws mixed responses |
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Wednesday, 28 February 2007 |
Benton Alderman Doug Stracener received mixed reactions when he expressed concerns about over-expenditures in some departments, but also pointed out that some departments are under their budgeted amounts.
Stracener said in his Finance Committee report Monday night that he used $1,000 as the threshold for his evaluation and pointed out that the total budget has not been affected because the under-budgeted amount is higher than over-budgeted areas.
He mentioned overtime in the fire department, which traditionally is over budget. He said this area is under the budgeted amount because of additional employees that were hired, and commended Fire Chief Ben Blankenship for this situation.
In noting areas that were over budget, Stracener mentioned the mayor’s travel expense, which exceeds the amount budgeted. He also said he found some items, such as funds for temporary help at City Hall, that were not approved in the budget.
He asked the council to approve requesting the administrative services department to produce monthly exception reports when the expenditures exceed the budgeted amounts in any department.
Although some of the aldermen raised objections to this, the plan was approved.
Alderman Charles Cunningham pointed out the importance of accountability, but said “some things fluctuate” and he objected to “looking at every line item.”
Sparks said requiring exception reports gives the appearance that the council is “trying to micromanage departments,” and Alderman Joe Lee Richards called the process “childish.”
Responding to Richards’ remark, Stracener said, “I don’t think this is childish. This is the people’s money.”
Holland pointed out that some councils in the past have required the departments to come to the council before “buying a $250 toolbox” and a $40 item in a $33 million budget and said he hopes such a procedure will not become necessary.
The following day, Holland said his travel expenses also include the cost for aldermen to attend the Arkansas Municipal League Conference each year. As vice president of the league, Holland said he attends additional league meetings where legislation is discussed that directly affects the city.
Voting against the motion regarding the exceptions reports were Cunningham and Sparks. Abstaining were Richards and Alderman Bill Donnor.
Although Alderman Jerry Ponder voted for the motion, he said he has since rethought his position and considers the action flawed. He said he plans to present a motion to rescind the council’s action regarding the exceptions reports.
“Perhaps if the motion had come through committee or been included in our packets or any other advance notice provided, I would have had the opportunity to be more objective in my thought process.
“I am not advocating fiscal mayhem, but rather flexibility,” Ponder said. “I have no problem with stepping forward and owning up to a mistake, or an error in judgment as I believe to be the case here.
“In support of that statement, I will bring forward a motion to rescind last night’s motion on the exceptions report, and the duplication of information currently provided ... “
Ponder said he plans to do this at the next council meeting.
In the alternative, Ponder added that he would support the mayor’s right to a veto of the council’s action regarding the reports.
In other action, the council approved the renewal of a mobile home hardship permit for Buddy English at 2602 Social Hills Road.
— Lynda Hollenbeck |
Razorbacks