Letter to the Editor

Approval of the city’s financial statement was on the agenda of the board’s Jan. 23 meeting.

Since she is the city’s accountant, I asked Autumn if she would explain how the city could spend $70,000 more than total revenues for 2005, yet show more cash in the bank at year end than there was Jan. 1 of 2005. She refused to respond.

I suggested that as an officer of the city, elected by the board of aldermen, she had an obligation to the citizens of Gallatin to answer legitimate questions pertaining to her duties as city clerk. She stated she had no intention to answer any questions.

The arrogance of elected city officials to refuse to answer legitimate questions about finances and proper accounting is inappropriate from a public servant.

At any rate, I believe it was a reasonable request. If I can spend more than I deposit, my bank balance goes down. I’m a bit dense, but I can’t see how overspending by the city would have the opposite effect on its balance.

Then the accounts payable report listed a charge of $2,650 against the electric fund for the 2005 audit, with the other half ($2,650) charged against the general fund and paid by check #29962. This prompted my next question. Why would she then request a draw on the sewer project funds for $5,300 to pay for the audit and where was that money going? No response. Later in the meeting, the board approved both, no problem with what appears to be double billing.

Then during a bit of back and forth, the mayor informed me my five minutes was up. Therefore, I could not inquire if there was any progress toward the promised meeting with FEC.

I guess it’s okay to ask questions, just don’t expect any answers from our public servants.

Thank you.

Gene Schweizer