Council had to tighten the purse strings a little, and discussed numbers that haven't been verified.
On first reading, council voted to reduce planned expenditures from the city budget by $300,000. Auditor Tom Spetnagel Jr. said this was done mainly by cutting out planned expenses in the Service Department.
The money had not been spent yet this late in the year, so the vehicle, replacement traffic light, and pavement repairs among other items won't happen.
The city is not running a negative balance, but in terms of the usual budget, Spetnagel said it's really tight right now - "dangerously close."
The city is required by state law to end the year in the black, and that is little more than a quarter of a year away.
Council President Alan Davis brought up an issue that may be hurting the state's annual audit of the city. He pointed out that the Auditor's reports have not been reconciled with bank statements since the start of the year.
Auditor Tom Spetnagel Jr. explained that is the job of the city's other financial officer, City Treasurer Dave Neal, who does not appear at council sessions.
Spetnagel said the treasurer acts as a check on the auditor, and should verify the auditor's reports with bank statements.
Council also went into executive session, possibly to discuss this issue.
hear Spetnagel explains action on tight budget, and job of City Treasurer
Kevin Coleman regularly reports on Chillicothe & Circleville councils
