By: Diane Benjamin
I remember listening to David Hales on WJBC talking about Bloomington’s budget. He lamented everything possible had already been cut. Any more cuts wouldn’t be fat or meat – it would be bone.
Well, a citizen took it on himself to get a DETAILED line item budget. Thanks Bruce Meeks. The Council didn’t have this report before passing a budget. I bet citizens can still find fat, without ever going near bone. A lot of you now have these details, more eyes would be helpful. Since Hales can’t find the waste, let’s help him out: FY 2017 Budget Detail
I’ve reported numerous times about the exploding Administration budget. Here’s one: https://blnnews.com/2014/04/22/lets-talk-administration-tyranny-t/
Admin starts on page 27. Total: $1 ,197,407.95
The City didn’t have a Communication Director until a few years ago. Now she costs you $67,009 before massive benefits.
David Hales got a raise on May 9, 2016 to $185,190.05. The budget was prepared prior. Evidently Hales was expecting more:
David’s car allowance Plus you get to pay for employee parking:
All talk, no action, nothing ever changes after these retreats. I think citizens make better performance auditors, they aren’t happy.
Must be hazardous:
Another ignored citizens survey:
Community Relations-see report for details:
Citizens Summit – also ignored:
Council Expense – includes travel
Much more is in the budget detail report. Stay tuned….
If you find something – send it to me!
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A quick scan only made me aware of what I consider to be a bloated administrative staff in numerous areas with benefits and salaries higher than private sector employees.
If the Council didn’t have a line item budget for FY2017 before voting, why should anyone think the Budget Task Force had the line item budget for FY2016 prior to making recommendations to the Council.
Because Hales directed all the conversations, obviously they didn’t have it. Great point!