The problem is when the contents of these broad categorizations aren’t readily accessible for public scrutiny in a timely manner before a vote is scheduled. It’s a very simple matter to scan these public documents and post them in .pdf format for all to see.

The fact that this simple process isn’t followed doesn’t indicate that a deception is involved. At the same time, it doesn’t allow the public to easily involve themselves in local governance and maintain an accurate awareness of how dollars are being spent.

My suggestion for the new council leadership and for the new mayor is to make these types of fiscal issues transparent and easily accessible via the internet. Open the doors to public awareness, maintain an accurate public perception of council activities, and work towards minimizing future circumstances where citizens question the integrity or intent of council actions.

Wilson,

You sure those forms aren’t “administrative rules as prescribed by law”? I can’t find the Indiana Code that explicitly delineates any rules about financial reporting categories.

? “Ignorance of the general public”

If only we had an aristocracy of geniuses (like yourself) to run the rest of our lives… how great that would be.

but on the other hand, we live in a democracy, we had an election, and the voters rejected your elitist point of view… get over it my friend. Move on.

That sounds great…to anyone who’s never taken a financial accounting class. But for the rest of us educated folk, we understand that expenses such as office supplies, debt service payments, etc. can be lumped into a “miscellaneous” category. If you want to campaign against office supplies, knock yourself out. But at least have the decency to dig into it a bit before preying on the ignorance of the general public just for the mob mentality effect.

More detailed documentation supporting those appropriations exists. Ask for it!