Fiscal Accountability and Transparency
 It's YOUR Money
As the Vice Chair of the council’s Budget, Finance and Audit Committee I ask the common-sense questions that you would ask regarding city expenditures.
I am your eyes and ears, your watchdog. I opposed the 6.5% increase in property taxes in 2010 because it of its negative impact on business owners and property owners.
I supported the open bidding on contracts at Love Field because I believed that this would bring more revenue to Love Field and better value to the traveler.
I will always support openness, accountability and transparence.
The City Budget
This is an extremely difficult time for our country and our city. We are looking at a possible budget gap of $60 million this year.
Sales taxes are starting to pick up , property taxes may continue to decline and expenses are increasing from debt service on the 2006 bond package, maintenance of new facilities as well as the addition of police.
In the current budget cycle we took on $6.5 million in maintenance of state highway right-of way that had previously been funded by TxDOT. We must not continue to pay for this.
We may need to slow down implementation of the 2006 bond package in order to slow down the increase in debt service. We will have to look at the use of our recreation centers and swimming pools to determine what facilities have reduced hours.
We are looking at savings in our fleet management and increases in revenue for our trash haulers next year. The budget is in flux, but I am familiar with places to look for savings. I will continue to work for a balanced budget as the year progresses.
One positive outcome from this otherwise difficult situation is that needed cuts are being made. Departments have been consolidated so that management functions that were duplicated have be cut.
Every function has been scrutinized and ranked. This process will continue.
Also review how I plan to remain focused on:
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