County Council Meeting Notes, Oct 16, 2023. Budget approval and criticisms, planning, a way-ahead. This post at Brown County Matters.
2024 Budget Approval. The 2024 Budget was passed with 4 Yes votes (Huett, Rudd, Byrd, Kirby), 2 No’s (Swift-Powdrill, Kemp) and 1 Abstain (Redding). GOOD TO SEE something other than the yearly rubber stamp and hugs and kisses from the local GOP party leadership. I would have also liked to have heard an assessment on the overall process and what will be done to improve.
Background – Situation and Process. A former commissioner and councilman proposed and approved spending respectively without an appreciation for due diligence on behalf of the taxpayers. This “habit” led to the depletion of the rainy day fund and cash reserves and resulted in a situation where it has been projected that we may have a running deficit of between 1.5 to 2 million dollars. We also lack a financial plan that can be used to track the status of the suggested goal of having a 15% balance in fund accounts. We have also been in non-compliance with audit findings related to internal controls.
The county credit rating is at AA- when it should be AAA. The “So what?” When borrowing money (which we do every 2-3 years to fund infrastructure-related repairs and replacements, the county is charged a higher interest rate which leads to a tax increase. A low rating may also affect the amount that can be borrowed.
On the Budget, the State acknowledges that projected revenues are understated and that to “balance the budget,” the county also has to underestimate expenses. Given this situation, it is imperative that the unfunded expenses be clearly identified.
Accomplishments? Further, the yearly budget hearings do not incorporate a recognition of accomplishments from all the departments including elected officials. A lot of good work is being done and a deliberate policy of non-transparency by the local GOP is appalling.
Note – civic refresher. Elected officials are elected to serve the citizens – not egos, special interests, or the economic and personal interests of the Local GOP leadership. Voters can hold elected officials accountable but citizens retain responsibility for the quality of results and supporting needed improvements.
Status Quo. On challenging the status quo, I can appreciate any fear of being on the receiving end of “stink-eye” and associated gestures and perhaps vocal abuse and intimidation by some in the GOP leadership which some might find entertaining and leads some to silence and going along to get along.
Methods and tools for serving the citizenry are available at BrownCountyLeaderNetwork.com. Given an issue (budget prep and management), tools include a SWOT analysis. This includes the identification of the respective Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities for Improvements, and Threats (challenges). Opportunities identify potential solutions that then lead to the need to clearly identify the scope and extent of the problem. The next steps include the identification of options and the selection of the best course of action.
Update – Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD). The BCRSD Vice President Clint Studabaker updated the council on the Sewer Expansion Project. He stated that approvals for funding have been received from the USDA- Rural Development Office and the Indiana Finance Authority/State Revolving Fund. Initial funding is for detailed engineering plans, acquisition of easements, etc., needed for obtaining construction bids. Helmsburg did get approvals to build a new plant that serves their customer and can be expanded to support BCRSD customers. Appears the initial scope of funding is to support the expansion from Helmbsurg to Lake Lemon and from Helmsburg to Bean Blossom.
What country are we in? The basis for the application for funding the sewer projects was the BCRSD wastewater strategic plan and watershed study developed at a cost to the taxpayers (state and county) of over $100K. The BCRSD refused to present this “County” plan to the citizens at a public meeting. “THEIR” decision was supported by the president of the commissioners and council respectively.
County Comprehensive Planning. The “commissioners” are responsible for any updates to the County Comprehensive Plan – including infrastructure strategies. It is this plan that represents the voice of the citizens as to what is wanted and not wanted relative to development and quality of life. The county wastewater strategic plan and the watershed study were driven by one person on the BCRSD board.
BCRSD – Strategic Plan. https://browncountyregionalsewerdistrict.wordpress.com/
Brown County Comprehensive Plan. – This is 12 pages at a level of vagueness where good arguments could be made for or against a project. it should be over 100 pages.
https://www.browncounty-in.gov/DocumentCenter/View/141/Brown-County-Comprehensive-Plan-PDF
Office of Inspector General (OIG). I have filed inquiries with the State and USDA Offices of Inspector Generals respectively. I am curious if their respective review and approval process included a review and analysis of the supporting justification provided in the wastewater strategic plan and watershed study. To my knowledge, the information presented in these documents HAVE NOT BEEN independently and objectively reviewed.
Background Info: BCRSD Sewer Expansion Project on “Trial” – For The Record
https://independentvotersofbrowncountyin.com/2023/05/15/bcrsd-project-on-trial-for-the-record/
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 