We are fortunate to have these two guys on our side. It is very sad to think our city government is on the “other” side of the citizens of Bridgeport, but it is.
It sounds like they (departments) are transferring funds. Budget transfer requests must be approved by the council–at least that’s how it was done when I was on it. Have you guys checked to see how many budget transfer request have been made and approved by the council? Have the budget transfer rules been changed or are they made up as they go along?
Joel and Mojo,
You are two of the regular writers who have served the public on the elected City Council in the past.
I cannot recall “budget transfer” requests as a routine matter added to the consent calendar after a ride through the B&A Committee. Does that mean the City Council allowed the rules to change? Or does it mean no one cares or keeps track? But regarding the $4 Million reduction in code 51000 relating to Full Time Earned Pay, isn’t that something you would want to take credit for as a positive administrative move if you were Mayor? Of course if announcing it might cause people to ask what you are doing with those funds that are reduced, and you don’t want public attention on those matters, you’d probably remain quiet, no?
There is a meeting on Wednesday evening. Why not show up and ask the Council persons assembled? What blind trust do they have in the administration that they have allowed the elimination of an internal auditor (several years ago), do not receive full reporting on external auditor Management Letters, nor discuss the subjects publicly? What format do they use to review Monthly Financial Reports, if any? What questions are asked about the City debt position during a year? Why is there little evidence in their minutes to such curiosity? Who will ask these questions? Your property taxes are at risk. Time will tell.
*** You hit the nail on the head JML, no one cares to keep track! Budget transfers are merely things talked of from days past but rarely seen or asked for by the current B&A committee who may I add (except for a few), haven’t got a clue! And as far as the rules changing, the council wouldn’t know one way or another. Any reductions in any line items, etc. or transfers are pretty much controlled by Mr. Sherwood with a quick explanation to the Mayor or anyone else who needs to know out of courtesy. The B&A is not one of the ones that cares nor needs to know unless there’s a vote that’s needed overall. No monthly reviews or read reports ’til game time during Budget Season when the Q&A follies begin. As far as minutes are concerned, it appears most of the time City Clerks can’t find a company or anyone suitable to do the job for what they pay! As stated before, 25% of the council are city employees or have relatives who work for the city, the other 25% can’t muster enough support or votes to make any important changes and the remaining 50% haven’t got a clue nor really care; so who would I ask my questions to? *** HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL ***
We are fortunate to have these two guys on our side. It is very sad to think our city government is on the “other” side of the citizens of Bridgeport, but it is.
It sounds like they (departments) are transferring funds. Budget transfer requests must be approved by the council–at least that’s how it was done when I was on it. Have you guys checked to see how many budget transfer request have been made and approved by the council? Have the budget transfer rules been changed or are they made up as they go along?
Joel and Mojo,
You are two of the regular writers who have served the public on the elected City Council in the past.
I cannot recall “budget transfer” requests as a routine matter added to the consent calendar after a ride through the B&A Committee. Does that mean the City Council allowed the rules to change? Or does it mean no one cares or keeps track? But regarding the $4 Million reduction in code 51000 relating to Full Time Earned Pay, isn’t that something you would want to take credit for as a positive administrative move if you were Mayor? Of course if announcing it might cause people to ask what you are doing with those funds that are reduced, and you don’t want public attention on those matters, you’d probably remain quiet, no?
There is a meeting on Wednesday evening. Why not show up and ask the Council persons assembled? What blind trust do they have in the administration that they have allowed the elimination of an internal auditor (several years ago), do not receive full reporting on external auditor Management Letters, nor discuss the subjects publicly? What format do they use to review Monthly Financial Reports, if any? What questions are asked about the City debt position during a year? Why is there little evidence in their minutes to such curiosity? Who will ask these questions? Your property taxes are at risk. Time will tell.
Here is a clue as to what is the problem.
http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Good-Vibes-for-Bridgeport-police-overtime-pay-4122473.php
*** You hit the nail on the head JML, no one cares to keep track! Budget transfers are merely things talked of from days past but rarely seen or asked for by the current B&A committee who may I add (except for a few), haven’t got a clue! And as far as the rules changing, the council wouldn’t know one way or another. Any reductions in any line items, etc. or transfers are pretty much controlled by Mr. Sherwood with a quick explanation to the Mayor or anyone else who needs to know out of courtesy. The B&A is not one of the ones that cares nor needs to know unless there’s a vote that’s needed overall. No monthly reviews or read reports ’til game time during Budget Season when the Q&A follies begin. As far as minutes are concerned, it appears most of the time City Clerks can’t find a company or anyone suitable to do the job for what they pay! As stated before, 25% of the council are city employees or have relatives who work for the city, the other 25% can’t muster enough support or votes to make any important changes and the remaining 50% haven’t got a clue nor really care; so who would I ask my questions to? *** HEAR NO EVIL, SEE NO EVIL, SPEAK NO EVIL ***