The Ellis County Press: Budget Amendments pass quietly

Budget Amendments pass quietly
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Editor on 08/17/2000 00:00:00


DIANA BUCKLEY
Ellis County Press
FERRIS -- There was only one citizen question during a public hearing about
amendments to the 1999-2000 budget at the August 7 City Council
meeting. Citizen Bill Malloy said, 'Are any copies of that (proposed budget
amendment) available to the public?'
'Yes,' said Mayor Jimmie Birdwell. 'I'll give you a copy.'
After a brief but awkward pause during which Malloy seemed to expect the copy to
be forthcoming but Birdwell made no move to provide it, the public hearing was
closed. Immediately, Alderman Scott Born moved that the Council approve three
ordinances amending the General Fund Budget, the Enterprise Fund Budget, and the
Debt Service Fund Budget as proposed.
The General Fund Budget's revenue projection was increased by $229,044.00, from
$5,219,329.00 to $5,448,373.00. General Fund expenditures were increased by
$199,971.00, from $5,219,329.00 to $5,419,300.00.
The Enterprise Fund revenues were increased by $1,600.00; expenditures were
increased by the same amount.
The Revenue Bond Retirement Fund revenues were increased by $23,145.00, while
expenditures were increased by $18,306.00.
After the meeting was adjourned, Birdwell gave his copy of the proposal to
Malloy. But Malloy was definitely not satisfied. 'It looks more logical to
have copies of the amendments available to the public (before) there's a public
hearing,' he said.