Letter: Not enough transparency from Warren Town Manager

Posted 8/17/17

To the editor: Local government exists to serve the people's best interests. The key to a responsive and transparent government is access to information on how officials conduct the public's business …

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Letter: Not enough transparency from Warren Town Manager

Posted

To the editor:
Local government exists to serve the people's best interests. The key to a responsive and transparent government is access to information on how officials conduct the public's business and spend taxpayers’ money. This information must be readily available and easily understood. In a community we expect transparency because it is the hallmark of good and just governance.
Over the past few months I have grown increasingly concerned with the number over expenditures and the lack of financial information that the council receives from the town's administration. Basic financial information was at one time freely provided by the manager's office. In fact, this responsibility is clearly outlined in the Charter. 
According to the Charter the Town Manager shall, "Keep the Town Council fully informed on a monthly basis as to the needs and financial condition of the Town of Warren, and to recommend to the Town Council for adoption such measures requiring action by them as the Town Manager deems necessary or expedient." It also asserts that the Manager shall, "Ensure that complete and full records of the financial and administrative activity of the Town of Warren are maintained and to render reports, including budget overruns, to the Town Council as shall be required."  Finally the Charter directs the Treasurer to, "Prepare a monthly statement of all receipts and disbursements, in sufficient detail to show the financial condition of the Town of Warren, for submission to the Town Manager, the Town Council, and the Department Heads prior to the monthly Town council meeting."
Unfortunately, the council had not received these necessary financial records for quite sometime until my request was made in writing prior to the August 8th Town Council meeting.  As a members of the council it is our duty to assume responsibility for the financial health and wellness of our community. Therefore, I found it necessary to request that the following items be placed on the  August 8, 2017 council agenda:
1. Discussion and action about the dissemination of a prepared monthly statements of all receipts and disbursements, in great detail to show the financial condition of the Town of Warren to the entire town council on the Friday before the regularly scheduled monthly Town council meeting.
2. Discussion and action about reviewing the written and common procedures adopted by the Town of Warren dealing with all over expenditures so that these expenditures are made in accordance with the approved budget especially for non-budgeted or over-budget expenditures
3. A full report from the town’s administration to the town council explaining the philosophy, financial necessity and impact of changing the date for when invoices are due at the end of each year.
However, these items were not placed on the agenda as action items and as such, to my dismay, could only be discussed. During the meeting I expressed my concerns and once again insisted that the council receive a detailed report of all revenues, expenditures as well as the year-to-date capital budget. Nevertheless, my request was meet with some resistance and was told by the Manager that while the report could be easily generated it was not a requirement under the Charter. However, if you read the Charter you can see for yourself that the requirement is clearly spelled out. 
 Nevertheless, since first being elected to the council in 1999 the town's legislative body freely received copious financial documents to help assist its members in making well-informed decisions. Additionally, Each Department Head submitted detailed memos to the Manager that explained any over expenditures and noted the possible budget sources that could be used to cover the cost overruns. These documents were automatically included in the Council's packet along with the request each month. History also indicates that at the end of each month the Department Heads, along with the council, were provided a line-by-line copy of their current budgets. 
 As a community we must reaffirm our commitment to ensuring transparency and insist that we receive all the information needed to exercise sound judgment. The taxpayers, residents and town council have the right to ask questions about their town's government and expect spirited and meaningful debate. It is only by making our government more open, accountable, and responsive that the Town of Warren can flourish. It is only by practicing the principles of open government and adhering to the Charter that we can truly ensure public confidence.
Chris Stanley
402 Market St.
Mr. Stanley is a member of the Warren Town Council

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