2 minute read

President’s Report

STEVE ALLENDER | SDML PRESIDENT

In the last month or two, most of us have been working on our city budgets. This is one of the best and worst tasks on my to-do list.

Advertisement

Creating a budget using other people’s money is an important function of city administration and one that sometimes holds a great deal of risk. Sometime in the mid-year, revenue and expense projections for the upcoming year must be made. This is nothing more or less than a futuristic estimation of what will occur in the coming 6-18 months. One must be an expert in future energy costs, availability of supplies and equipment, labor, and everything else under the sun. This can be nerve-racking due to the variety of political environments we are regularly exposed to.

World and state politics – especially after they have been properly prepped by competitive news markets, can be cause for worry. Local politics seems to be the political potpourri – from potholes, drainage issues, permitting processes, to high property taxes and so on. Nothing of interest for CNN or Fox. And the coffee shop caucus is a group to be reckoned with. These groups of mostly… “mature” men have all the answers, just ask them.

What is a city administration to do given all the complaints, philosophies, and conspiracies we come into contact with throughout the year? The answer is, and will always be, to do the right thing. Of course, the “right thing” is subjective and not everyone will agree. Nor should we expect them to. The best way to upset everyone, is to try and please everyone. The right thing is still a cornerstone of integrity and should be pursued at all costs. Budgeting can be diffi cult for cities. Sales tax is the most volatile of city revenue streams. Property tax is perhaps the most controversial. Fees for services can be complicated as well because many times constituents feel “that’s why I pay taxes” and that everything else should be free.

Even though there can be frustrations with the budgeting process, it should still be seen as an honor and privilege for city offi cials. It’s a high level of trust your fellow community members have for you. They have all had the opportunity to put their name on a ballot, or fi ll out a job description to be part of the process, but instead they have left that up to you. It’s your job to do your best, and not let them down.

And where would we be without finance offi cers? These individuals are the reason budgeting is possible. Their expertise, ability to work the spreadsheets, give advice and direction, and somehow not murder the mayor is to be commended. Every year my appreciation for finance employees and directors multiplies.

I hope you enjoy your last month or so of summer. ■

This article is from: