[RP TownTalk] Did You Know About the Town Budget?

[bob smith]

Thank you Mr. Laureys.
I find a number of items you cite both interesting and concerning.

When I asked repeatedly what the cost projection was for the new
position of town manager, I was assured it was about 10 per cent above
town administrator.  I am quite disappointed in those who told me, and
town talk the projection was 10 percent.

When I asked, verbally, how many employees the town had in public
safety, police and code enforcement, I was provided a number I recall as
greater than 50.  Yes, you can say that this is hear-say, but that is
what I heard.  The data you are providing I do not doubt is accurate and
as reflected in the budget. I am concerned about inconsistent answers
from the council and mayor.

I sincerely appreciate the diligent way you have gone through the
budget, and thank you for raising all the information that should
concern all of us.

bob smith
5001 riverdale road
ward 3






On 5/31/16 10:57 AM, Ken Laureys wrote:
> The Town will have a budget review session at 7:30 pm tonight (Tuesday
> 5/31) prior to the work session.  This is another opportunity for the
> public to ask questions and voice concerns about the FY17 budget prior
> to its adoption (before July 1st when the fiscal year starts).  I’d like
> to share some of my concerns that you may not have known about:
> 
> 
>   Did You Know About the Town Budget?
> 
> There’s been a 58% rise in the cost of General Government
> (Administration) over the past five years:
> 
> 
> FY12 $  693, 847
> 
> FY13 $  800,957
> 
> FY14 $  811,551
> 
> FY15 $  936,810
> 
> FY16 $1,092,741
> 
> FY17$1,063,001
> 
> 
> Much of this increase is due to increased Town Hall staffing, which
> currently has 6 FTE positions.
> 
> 
> 47 Total town staff by department
> 
>  6General Govt
> 
> 31Police
> 
>  9Public Works
> 
>  1Misc (Farmers Market Manager)
> 
> 
>   *
> 
>     $68,000 is budgeted for legal counsel in FY17 vs. $50,000 budgeted
>     in FY16.  But the actual spending projected for FY16 is $110,640,
>     more than double what was budgeted.
> 
>   *
> 
>     In FY16, only $20,000 was spent of the $204,700 budgeted for
>     economic development grants. The FY17 Budget reduces the amount
>     further to $30,200.  These funds target public-private projects that
>     enhance the town’s economy. Jonathan Ebbler has posted concerns
>     about the continuation of several of these projects he had in the
>     pipeline.
> 
>   *
> 
>     New for FY17:  $6,500 for a Mayor & Council retreat, which is in
>     addition to $13,500 for the annual Maryland Municipal League
>     convention in Ocean City.
> 
>   *
> 
>     $26,000 more for the new Town Manager as compared to the current
>     Town Administrator - this is at least twice the ‘modest’ 10%
>     increase promoters had claimed. The executive search firm to be
>     contracted will cost another $20,000.
> 
>   *
> 
>     $30,000 for the town’s continued accounting contract, despite the
>     change to a Town Manager who is supposed take over more financial
>     responsibilities (and paid more accordingly).
> 
>   *
> 
>     $638,536, which had been in the FY16 Capital improvement Plan (CIP)
>     to build a new Youth and Community wing (essentially a 2nd floor
>     onto Town Hall), has been zeroed out now that this was found to be
>     structurally unfeasible.  This project has been shelved pending
>     future review.
> 
>   *
> 
>     The FY17 CIP includes facility funding to install bullet proof
>     windows in Town Hall between visitors and town staff.
> 
> 
> Ken Laureys
> 301-661-6682
> Laureys.Ken at Gmail.com <mailto:Laureys.Ken at Gmail.com>
> 
> 
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