WARREN Reduced carryover amount irks council

Many council members believe they weren't given an accurate picture.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- What had been touted as a $2 million carryover has dwindled to about $123,000 in money available.
Near the end of 2003, the Angelo administration hailed a $2 million general fund budget carryover, calling it a record amount.
Council members had been developing lists of priorities, planning to spend at least some of that money to address items such as building demolitions, street resurfacing and reopening parks.
But those now look like pipe dreams.
After wage increases, payments for capital expenses and tipping fees paid for environmental concerns, the $2 million is down to $123,000 that's not spoken for, Auditor David Griffing said at a council finance committee meeting Monday.
Reactions
Some council members were angered at the news, saying Monday's meeting was the first they learned of the change.
"The picture is not as pretty as when the [former] administration painted it when they left office," said Councilman Gary Fonce, D-at large.
It doesn't give the public or council an accurate picture of the city's financial condition, he said, adding that's particularly important with a police and fire income tax renewal on the March 2 ballot.
Fonce also worries some members of the public will get the false impression that the new administration, led by Mayor Michael J. O'Brien, did something to squander the money.
Councilman Alford Novak, D-2nd, likened it to carrying around $300 in your wallet and flashing it to other people when you know that next week you have $275 in bills coming due.
Griffing said he never announced there was a $2 million carryover available to be allocated. The expenses that led to the amount being knocked down to $123,000 were expected.
When the previous administration announced a $1.5 million carryover from 2002 when the 2003 spending plan was being developed, the same situation existed, he said. In that case, the changes were made to accommodate council's desire to put more money into road resurfacing, Griffing said.
No disagreement
But Fonce and Robert Holmes III, D-4th, said that Griffing didn't disagree when former Mayor Hank Angelo talked about the record $2 million carryover.
"I'm beside myself right now," Fonce said. "I take great offense that the numbers keep changing every time we sit down at the table."
Councilman John Homlitas, D-3rd, shared that sentiment.
"I, too, am offended," he said. "When you go from $2 million to $100,000, that's a big difference."
Councilwoman Susan E. Hartman, D-7th, said council members had developed wish lists with plans to do great things by using that $2 million that they believed was available.
Griffing said how money is allocated in the budget is determined by council members who set the priorities.
With all of the requests submitted by department heads, cuts had to be made, the auditor said.
"We said, 'Tell us what your priorities are and we'll try to accommodate what everyone is trying to accomplish in the city,'" Griffing said.
Hartman said that instead of being told to develop their priorities for the budget, council members should have been informed what the consequences of those priorities was.