Some residents have taken the City of Vernon’s request for budget input to heart.
With pencils and calculators in hand, five businessmen and former councillor Barry Beardsell pored over the proposed 2011 financial plan, scrutinizing every line item. Pages of commentary and recommendations were turned over to the powers-that-be.
Some of their research is quite enlightening:
n “In the past five years of available data, population growth in the City of Vernon has risen 7.66 per cent, during which time staffing at the City of Vernon has increased 55.66 per cent and total salaries have increased 66.37 per cent.”
n “During the period 2000 to 2008, city operating expenditure growth has increased 77.3 per cent, and has outstripped population and inflation growth by 261 per cent.”
n “Though staff may claim that the engine for the increased staffing levels was that Vernon was experiencing an unprecedented economic boom, contrary to that mindset, building permit construction values show residential permits declined by 53 per cent and commercial permits declined by 27 per cent in the same five-year period.”
On the surface, the group’s analysis would indicate a bureaucracy out of control, and certainly not in keeping with present circumstances where many private businesses have had to downsize.
And while staff insists it has kept expenditures to the bone, that frugality is suspect when you consider the long and costly list of extras before council for consideration.
The reality is that administration can’t look at the books in a completely detached manner. If the budget is cut, a pet project may disappear, layoffs may lead to increased workload. Reversing course now may call into question previous advice you provided to your political masters. That’s why a fresh set of eyes is a good thing.
It’s unfortunate more citizens haven’t displayed the same commitment and passion for the public purse that these businessmen have. But referring to them as the budget review ad hoc committee is a bit over the top.
Such a name may give the impression they are an officially sanctioned body that warrants special recognition, and not simply the self-appointed group they are with as much voice as anyone else.
They go on to say that they are “representatives of a larger group of Vernon taxpayers and businesspeople.” While some may share a similar philosophy, it’s presumptuous to suggest they represent anyone else. Based on the pathetic public input to date, most residents either don’t write letters, don’t care for a variety of reasons or are satisfied with city hall’s direction.
Some of the group’s suggestions are also excessive. As an example, it wants staff training eliminated. But if employees don’t keep on top of new techniques, particularly with planning and technology, then operations become stagnant and the public isn’t being served. I wonder how many businesses that want to be progressive and efficient don’t invest in their people?
With a final 2011 budget legally not required until May, there is plenty of time for rank-and-file citizens to investigate the proposed plan further and also provide feedback to council based on their individual financial circumstances and what future they want for Vernon.
If you don’t get involved, council will only have two visions to consider — the so-called big spender bureaucrats or the slash-and-burn ad hoc committee.