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3 <br /> "First of all I wish to comment on the fact that though this ordinance before us <br /> is of great import, we have had no copies submitted for study in advance. I have <br /> repeatedly stated that I am considerably disturbed by this method of procedure. To <br /> me it is a foregone conclusion that the difficulties we are experiencing in the <br /> general administration and legislative functions of this community can readily be <br /> ascribed to the more or less hasty methods of procedure which leads to snap judge- <br /> ments on very vital questions. . <br /> The ordinance we are considering involves future expenditures in excess of two <br /> million dollars, to study it between now and the next meeting at which time it is <br /> ready for adoption could mean that we would have to postpone and republish same if it <br /> were to develop that considerable amendments were to be necessitated. <br /> The generally accepted practice in governmental procedures, involving fiscal <br /> matters, especially budgets and appropriations, is to prepare and submit a budget, <br /> and based on an approved budget to make necessary appropriations to implement the <br /> budget and provide funds for necessary operations. <br /> As matters stand, we now have before us the introduction of an appropriation <br /> r ordinance which should for all practical purposes mean that a sound budget has been <br /> adopted. The facts are that we have not yet completed our study of the preliminary <br /> budget which was handed to us on June 12th. Further, it is my belief that said is <br /> not complete in that it does not ibelude certain special funds or even all the funds <br /> carried in the appropriation ordinance before us. I am also concerned over the fact <br /> that no public hearings on the budget have been or are to be held. <br /> Such procedure, to my mind, is highly irregular, unsound and certainly not in <br /> accord with best business practice. Last year, and again just a few months ago I <br /> urged the council to take action that would permit of the orderly planning of the <br /> fiscal affiars of the community. Just because this practice has been followed in <br /> the past, and which incidentally is fast leading us to the point of no return, is no <br /> excuse to perpetuate it forever. <br /> The City Attorney has recently indicated to the Council that it is essential <br /> to introduce the appropriation ordinance by June 17th if we are to avoid a hiatus <br /> when no appropriations for the operations of the city would be available, as well as <br /> to avoid possible embarassments such a situation could create. <br /> All of this has caused me to think of what is good conscience I could do under <br /> the circumstances and yet fulfill my obligations as a councilman. Realizing that <br /> this unbusiness like procedure is of long standing and that apparently no malfeasance <br /> or misfeasance is involved, and the necessity as a matter of expendience to provide <br /> for uninterrupted operations, I have colcluded that I must once again acquiesce to <br /> this irregular procedure, but, with the distinct reservation that upon disposition <br /> [1. of the motion before us, I shall submit another motion calling for action that will <br /> eliminate or obviate, that is correct our current practices, before another year <br /> rolls around. " <br /> Louis Weiss, Councilman. <br /> This was followed by discussion as to why this ordinance was necessary and hot it <br /> differed from previous action taken during the previous years. The motion carried on <br /> roll call with Councilman Herkner voting NO. Councilman Granger suggested that at <br /> the next election they amend the Charter in an effort to change the number of days for <br /> consideration of the budget to sixty days. <br /> Councilman Weiss, no action for providing appropriations for the ensuing year is in <br /> progress but to avoid recurrence of similar irregular situation the year following, <br /> moved that the Mayor establish without delay a committee composed of two councilmen, <br /> one citizen from either the banking or financial profession, one citizen from the <br /> accounting or related professions, the City Attorney and the City Auditor; the <br /> committee to be charged with evaulating our present fiscal and budgeting procedures, <br /> the Charter and other provisions relating thereto, and make suitable recommendations <br /> for any changes, modifications or needed revisions to provide for a modern fiscal <br /> • <br /> and budgeting program. The committee should be requested to submit their report by <br /> not later than November 30, 1957, if at all practicable, so as to permit council <br /> action with a view to submission of suitable charter amendments to the electorate at <br /> the municipal elections to be held in April 1958, if found necessary. This motion <br /> lost for lack of a second. <br /> The City Attorney stated that the Council asked that he prepare an ordinance with <br /> regard to salaries and present same at the time the appropriation ordinance was <br /> introduced. He read the title of the proposed ordinance. Councilman Spillers offered <br /> introduction of an ordinance amending Sections 1, 2, 2.101 to 2.106 inclusive, 2.151 <br />