Council crafted transparent budget

Valley Voice “Budget boasts don’t reflect spending” (Oct. 15) misses some essential elements:

City budgets did grow by 7 percent per year. To say the previous council did not spend that 7 percent misses the point. The devil is in the details. To expand and continue budgets that were not an accurate picture of city expenditures obscured the true direction and priorities.

Under-budget spending can be achieved by not filling budgeted positions or under-funding essential services like roads or infrastructure. It allows overspending in budget categories without the need to publically request additional funds with justification or accountability. Therefore, you can always claim to be “under budget” using this method.

More troubling details from the past:

Wages and benefits from 2006 to 2010 increased from $4,541,800 to $7,032,015, a 54 percent increase now accounting for over 20 percent of general fund revenues, all “under budget” with previous council. (Source: City of Spokane Valley Budgets 2006-2010)

No dedicated road preservation fund until the current council.

No meaningful council finance committee activity for legislative oversight and direction until the current council.

An unnecessary 1 percent property tax was levied in case more money was needed. Eliminated by current council.

Thus, the significance of reducing the 7 percent budget increase to 1 percent or less will force a more accurate, transparent picture of city expenditures and direction. I know of no successful business or government that can or should operate without a clear and realistic budgetary picture.

Dean Grafos

City of Spokane Valley City Council, Position 2