The letter to the editor that appeared in Sunday’s edition of the Daily Dispatch by Mr. Burnette lacks accuracy and needs clarification.
I appreciate the interest Mr. Burnette has in the affairs of the city especially since he is not a resident of the city. I feel sure that he has our best interest at heart and none of his concerns are the result of his not being the low bidder for the city’s insurance program and the resulting lost of that business. With that I will address Mr. Burnette’s concerns.
Radio Program Discussion:
The entire city budget is approximately 25 million dollars which includes the Water Fund, Sewer Fund, several Capital Reserve Funds, Regional Water, Powell Bill Fund and so forth. Ad Valorem taxes are approximately 5 million dollars. Using round numbers the General Fund is approximately 15 million dollars which includes the Ad Valorem taxes. You can be assured that the city is not 10 million dollars short every year as Mr. Moss is both a very competent city manager as well as an excellent financial manager.
City Funding Problems:
Yes, the city has a funding problem which has been brought about by years of overspending and borrowing. Yes, we do need to watch the bottom line very closely. Yes, we will continue to remind citizens of financial obligations. This should not come as a surprise to anyone as the city is over 35 million dollars in debt.
Conferences:
The trip to New Orleans for the city clerk was brought up, discussed reasonably and professionally, a vote was taken, and the majority ruled. The clerk is a valued city employee and I feel she will make the most of the trip and bring back information that may be available to the city. Mrs. Yount did indeed attend the Sunshine Conference, and I am sure you will be pleased to learn it was at no expense whatsoever to the city.
Curbside Garbage Pickup:
Of the approximately $300,000 savings that would have been returned to the residents by reducing their sanitation bill from $27 to $24 per month, $100,000 per year for five years would have been used to purchase garbage carts. The complete explanation is available through the manager’s office. I voted for curbside pickup but the majority voted against it and the majority rules.
Micromanagement:
City policy dictates that council members have very little contact with department heads. That is the duty of the City Manager and I try to practice this policy. Occasionally I have a question that, with the approval of the manager, I ask the Department Head. If you have spoken with department heads and found otherwise, I would appreciate you passing this along to the manager who will inform me.
Different Day:
We can certainly agree that this is a different day, but might I add that I hope we have many more so as to return Henderson to a city we all can be proud of.
Robert B. (Bobby) Gupton
Henderson