Joint Meeting Notes, Commissioners and Council, Feb 15, 2024, 9:00 a.m. to Noon
Supporting Information: Feb 15, 2024 – Brown County Democrat, Joint Session Council and Commissioners, published Feb 21, 2024, Dakota Bruton
On the Good News, good decision to hire new advisors who are experienced with our situation. It will take years to dig out of the financial bad habits that were accepted as the norm over at least, the past “10” years.
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- New Financial Advisor: Greg T. Guerrettaz. Financial Solutions Group, LLC, Plainfield, In
- New legal representation for the county council: Susan Bevers, Lorenzo, Bevers, Braman, & Connell, Seymour, In
For the First time in county history – we are working to develop and sustain a 5-year financial plan and budget, along with a capital improvement plan. The new process includes monthly reviews. It also requires a joint effort and commitment by the council, commissioners, and department heads
I credit new councilman Jim Kemp as being the catalyst for financial reform. He did the work to uncover an accurate financial condition. Otherwise, it would have been business as usual until we had to apply for a pay-day loan. Sherrie Mitchell and I have been posting on the lack of due diligence for years. We finally got to the point that the depletion of reserves provided the needed wake-up call.
The old process: Develop a new budget every year by underestimating expenses and revenue and then jump through the hoops during the year to stay above water. Borrow money to pay for needed capital improvements. Move money around to rob Peter to pay Paul. Do not set goals and objectives for savings and spending. Do not identify unfunded requirements. Re-elect the same people – many hand-picked to keep doing what they have always done and may not have the desire, time, or commitment to learn. Avoid developing knowledge, expertise, and SOPs that would build on lessons learned and avoid repeating the same mistakes year in and year out. Hope nobody notices.
Independent Voters of Brown County IN 