Freedom Of Speech felt we needed to look at the process of approval of the city claims for 2006. We also feel we need to look at what is currently going on with the taxpayers' money.
Are we making the same mistakes over and over again?
As we were told you start at the beginning!
It is Kay Garry's job as Controller to submit the claims to the Board of Works for approval. Members of the Board of Works are Tony Toran, Chairman and Chas Hunter, Vice Chairman. After approval by the Board of Works, Mrs. Garry then cuts the checks. And the claims are paid.
Sounds simple right? Wrong....
The minutes do not reflect any review of any of the claims!
Take a look at this taxpayers and form your own opinion.
Board of Works & Safety minutes Jan. 17, 2006:
COMMUNICATIONS-CITY OFFICIALS:
Mrs. Garry presented claims for the approval of the board in the amount of $6,565,527.69 for the time period of 12/16/05 to 1/19/06.
Mr. LaDuke moved to approve, Mr. Hunter seconded, all voted in favor.
Board of Works & Safety minutes Feb. 21, 2006
COMMUNICATION-CITY OFFICIALS
Mrs. Kay Garry presented claims for January 20 through February 23 in the total amount of $5,104,536.75
Mr. LaDuke moved to approve, Mr Hunter seconded, all voted in favor.
Board of Works & Safety minutes March 21, 2006
COMMUNICATION-CITY OFFICIALS
Mrs. Garry presented presented claims from 2/24/06 to 3/23/06 in the amount of $5,067,367.44
Mr. Gibson moved to approve, Mr. Hunter seconded, all voted in favor.
Board of Works & Safety minutes April 18, 2006
COMMUNICATION-CITY OFFICIALS
Mrs. Garry reported that she had claims to be approved for the time period 3/24/06 to 4/20/06 in the amount of $4,362,583.34
Mr. Hunter moved to approve, Mr. Toran seconded, all voted in favor.
Now you do the math.
$ 6,565,527.69
$ 5,104,536.75
$ 5,067,367.44
$ 4,362,583.34
Total claims approved up to 4/20/2006:
$ 21,100,015.22
We also question where the Board Of Works minutes for May and June are located.
Now citizens take a look at the 2006 Budget & Funds:
2006 Budget & Funds:
General Fund- $14,868,524
Self Insured Fund- $100,000
Fire Pension- $2,392,963
Police Pension- $1,904,118.00
LRS Fund- $400,000.00
MVH Fund- $1,297,100.00
Parks & Rec. Fund- $1,194,734
Cumulative Parks Fund- $295,000
CCI Fund- $200,000
Edit Fund- $1,291,600
Riverboat Fund- $697,000
Total - $24,641,039.00
Can someone tell us what is wrong with this picture?
We feel the Board of Works is nothing but a "rubber stamp" for the mayor.
Freedom Of Speech has questions:
Do the Board of Works members even look at the claims or a claims list to see what they are approving? NO
Do they ask the Controller if the funds are available to make the payments? NO
Do they ask if these payments are within the approved allowed budget for the current year? NO
Can the City carry over bills from the previous year to be paid out of current funds?
Has this administration tried to help us out of the financial mess we are in? Or just what in the hell is really going on with our money?
The bottom line is this, how long will it take before New Albany goes into bankruptcy?
Where is the accountability?
endnote: only 555 days and counting...
