In a letter to the Editor of The Quad Press 10/28/2008 the Mayor addressed a couple of her constituents. While doing so, she could not stop herself from taking a swipe at this little blog.
"The City of Centerville does have debt as most cities do and individuals. The "Watch Dog/Blog group always fails to mention the other half of the equation, the assets of the city. All of the indebtedness of the city is for public purpose and has to meet the standards set forth by the State of Minnesota. You cannot consider one without the other. The current balance in the city's fund accounts is in excess of $5 million dollars."
A couple of thoughts quickly come to mind. The amount of debt incurred by a city or individual is a choice. If an individual chooses to go deeply into debt, it is their choice and their money. If a city chooses to go into debt it is the choice of the elected officials and the individuals have no voice. Hardly analogous.
If all the debt is indeed for a public purpose, what was the rational behind spending an additional $500,000 plus on decorating the downtown? This is surely not a standard set forth by the State of Minnesota!
If the City does indeed have an excess of $5 million in the bank, what are they doing with it while we are assessed for road maintenance?
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17 comments:
First off, congratulations on getting the signatures...this is not a very easy thing to do (Hugo has been trying for quite some time).
Regarding the 5 million dollars.... this is the current money on hand and does not take into account the other assets of the city (land, buildings, vehicles, etc). The 5 million dollars is subdivided into different sub-accounts (for example a water fund, general fund, etc). These accounts are funded by property taxes, assessments, water bills, permit fees, etc). Each account has a specific public purpose (i.e the water fund is designed to maintain the city's water system). Funds here can only be used for this purpose. The annual audit that the city is required to perform checks things like this (so will the state audit). So, for example, if the city council decided to empty the water fund for use on a road project, the audit would flag this. A “flag” is a bad thing and would indicate misuse of city funds (even though the funds were used on a public project).
Make sense?
Ask for a copy of the city's balance sheet from city hall...this should contain the account balances Mary referred to.
This is not a forum for you to campaign for free. Take it to your own website.
Again...posting a negative comment without your name is a bit childish.
I am not afraid to make my thoughts known...why aren't you?
Mr. Fehrenbacher,
You continually antagonize the residents you propose to support. Please campaign on your own site or start your own blog.
The people posting on here are not running for election and have no reason to publicly declare their names. This blog has been created for the people to have a voice.
To accuse potential constituents of being "childish" will not help you become elected.
You might want to leave them alone.
Once again, a building that is empty and has water problems and an economy that is going only one way - DOWN!!! So much for assets!! Also water bills that were manipulated once the new water tower went up... You act like someone hasn't done their homework! Do you really think anyone in this city is looking to give it a bad name? If so, you are crazy! However, with what's on the horizon, the last thing this City should be concerned with is a State Audit! Besides, when new people are elected to city hall, they can all start with a clear conscience that at least the books have been scrutinized by an unbiased 3rd party - someone that just may have "OUR" best interest at heart - not their own egos! I for one, am concerned that you are only in this election to add to your ego's "repertoire"! You won't be getting my vote - thanks for this comment and sealing the deal for me.
Hey Ben,
So this 5.5M isn't cash that is really accessible? This cash is not available to pay off the long term debt? Then why would Jeff Paar brag about this number? We need this money to run our City. It doesn't balance our debt or can even get applied.
I don't really want to talk about numbers on this blog but I thank you for the information.
Wow. I am hesitant to respond. But I will…
First, I have never been against the audit. I have been indifferent to the process simply because a 3rd party currently does audit the city books each and every year (as required by law). And, the cost of the city's current annual audit is less than asking the state to send in their auditor. I meant what I said in my earlier response:
"Congratulations on getting the signatures."
Now that the signatures have been collected, the audit will happen. It is as simple as that.
In response to me running only to add to my "ego's repertoire". I am not sure how you got this opinion of my intentions and why your feelings as so harsh? I am running because I believe that all citizens need to give back to their communities in some way, shape or fashion. This is why I ran 2 years ago (unsuccessfully against Jeff Paar), this is why I currently sit on the Planning and Zoning Commission, and this is why I volunteer for many different charities around the metro (Habitat for Humanity, People Serving People, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, etc). If ego was my motivation, I doubt I would be as involved in my community while working full time and raising 2 children.
But then, you are entitled to your opinion, as I am to mine.
Please take me at face value, and if anyone has any additional issues, feel free to send me an email if you do not want to publicly respond on this blog I would be happy to take this conversation off line. (ben.l.fehrenbacher@gmail.com)
You and every other Mother and Father in this community, many of which have more than 2 children they are raising!
If the city really has 5.5 M in the bank then why am I being charged almost 20K for special assessments!!!
They said we are 7.8 M in long term debt too. I don't believe anything that comes out of their mouths anymore.
Who should we vote for?
I am under the understanding that now the group coordinating the petition for the state audit is wanting to go back 5 or more years, it this correct?
You will have time to contest your special assessment at the public hearing. You must submit your objection in writing before or at the public hearing. A City can only assess your property the increase in value to your property. It would depend on the improvements installed (i.e. street, curb, gutter, sidewalk, water, sewer) as it relates to the improvement to your property. It would be my guess that the proposed assessment is higher then the increase in value. Be sure to pay attention and not wait until it is to late, which is what appears to be status quo with this group of uninformed whiners.
Be very careful everyone, this city is notorious for meeting their so called "legal obligation" for holding public hearings and informing the citizens of changes being "proposed". They will send notices to you the week of Christmas and hold the public hearing on January 2nd, with the hope that nobody notices. They will hold a "workshop", where they are open to the public, but the public (unfortunately) does not realize the council will be voting on issues at workshop! They will add something to the agenda at the "latest possible (legal) minute". Oh yes while all this is "legal", it certainly seems they really don't want you (the public) around to keep an eye on them, nor does it seem they really want your input or concerns!!
If the City has 5 million in the bank as both Capra and Paar have stated why are we 7.8 million in long term debt? Wouldn't it make sense to pay off some of this debt instead on incurring interest?
Why is there only $25,000 in the road main. fund now? Sounds like we can afford much more so we wouldn't have to assess people $20,000.
I guess the state audit will answer some questions.
If the City Council votes on something at a "work shop" they are in violation of the open meeting law. A City Council can only vote at a regular City Council meeting, or a special meeting. The special meeting must be posted at City Hall at least three days prior to the special meeting. It is every citizens' responsibility to pay attention to the issues. Do not rely on a blog to give you information.
Why is the information regarding special meetings not posted on the home page of the City website? That would be easier for the residents. Stopping into city hall three days prior to a special meeting is absurd.
People would have to stop in every three days.
How convenient for the city....
Looks like there are a lot of meeting coming up and it is actually updated.
From the City website:
This is a brief listing of upcoming meetings and events.
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - November 3, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
NOVEMBER 4, 2008 - GENERAL ELECTION (NO MEETINGS)
City Council Special Meeting - Canvass Election Results & Review 2009 Street Project Bids - November 5, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - Council Chambers
Parks & Recreation Committee - November 5, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting - November 12, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting - November 24, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
City Council Special Meeting - Special Assessment Hearing - 2009 Street Project - December 1, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - St. Genevieve's Community Parish, 6995 Centerville Road
City Council Special Meeting - Truth in Taxation Hearing - December 2, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - Council Chambers
Planning & Zoning Commission Meeting - December 2, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting - December 3, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting - December 10, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
City Council Meeting - December 30, 2008, 6:30 p.m. - Council Chambers
where the hell is this 5.5 million dollars they say we have????
will the audit find it?
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