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"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 />i
<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 />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 a tudy 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 Iftelude 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 />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 />and budgeting program. The committee should be requested to submit their report by'
<br />not later than November 30, 1957s 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, 20 2.101 to 2.106 inclusive, 2.151
<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 councilmen. 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 />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 />and budgeting program. The committee should be requested to submit their report by'
<br />not later than November 30, 1957s 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, 20 2.101 to 2.106 inclusive, 2.151
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