City commission passes budget. Fiscal year 2013-2014 to start with $100,000 depletion of General Fund. Fiscal year 2012-2003 closes with $527,000 fund.

On a warm Spring Day, May the first to be exact, City Commissioner said goodbye to the "rainy day" fund by a unanimous five to zero vote

No tears  were shed for the $527,000 depletion to the General Fund that occurred in fiscal year 2012-2013. The $100,000 less income that the Commission received from revenues in 2012-2013 also was passed on to fiscal year 2013-2014.

New Treasurer Karen Ruddy said the money should be used the for residents "here now." Commissioner Michael Zambricki agreed and added the General Fund ( before depletion) had more money there than should have been  there, He said the fund balance was still healthy. The Mayor and others we talked to with experience in City Government said the same. 


Budget scenarios suggested at the March 26 meeting that trimmed    $400,000 projected  initial deficit  for fiscal year 2013-2014 to a more manageable $100,000 were aimed at staying within  an approved percentage of fund to expenses.. The actual cuts themselves spared "Essentials" but eliminated "Nice to haves" primarily in the realm of capital assets for public safety,

Not every commissioner regarded the deficit  matter of fact, or was reassured by adherence to a prescribed percentage as cure for all ills.

Stuart Scherr the City's newest commissioner, chosen in part for his financial acumen argued eloquently and passionately for a balanced budget as a desired goal acumen positioned depletion from the general fund as deficit spending.

In the end  The Mayor and three Commissioners defended their  position of spending down the General fund 
as worthwhile and, declined to entertain any of Scherr's suggestions to the contrary.  

While we personally oppose the "with a no disrespect noblisse oblige "let's make it unanimous  for the sake of harmony"  vote. We hope Scherr's comments and opposition make it to the minutes for future readers to consider.


As Mayor McClure advised this reporter in advance it was going to be a very short meeting. Less than 15 minutes would be a good guess.