What should we make of the fact that several of our local officials read the local blogs and do not take steps to fix the problems that are pointed out?
Do they really think that we will forget?
We deserve better
Brutus
Pretending not to know
March 14, 2017
11 Comments | 
City government, County Government, El Paso Independent School District | 
Permalink
Posted by Brutus
Bond projects continue to cost more
March 13, 2017Thankfully our mayor vetoed city council’s resolution that set the date for public meetings necessary for the city to issue $40 million in certificates of obligation.
Voter approval is not required before they can issue the certificates.
What do they want the money for?
Take a look at this chart that was part of a presentation that council saw before they approved the resolution:
Much of what they want money for relates to the lack of adequate funding from the quality of life bonds.
From what we can see the San Jacinto restrooms, westside pool, aquatic centers, eastside pools, spray parks and the project true up are all projects that they are now telling us that require more money.
The voters were told by the former city manager, chief financial officer, and mayor that the almost half a billion dollars that eventually got approved would be sufficient to build the facilities.
The mayor wants the money requirements to be included as part of the annual budget process.
Thank you Mr. Lesser.
We deserve better
Brutus
4 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
Escalating debt
March 10, 2017This slide from a city presentation sums up our financial situation pretty well:
Remember that our current situation does not include the debt that we will take on when the arena and other quality of life projects are started.
We deserve better
Brutus
4 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
2018 budget shortfall
March 9, 2017This slide from a city presentation gives us a look at the problem city council will have to deal with in next year’s budget:
A previous group moved the costs associated with street drainage over to our water bills so those amounts don’t show up in our taxes.
Then a later city council voted to charge our water utility a multi-million dollar franchise fee that was subsequently added to our water bills.
What will they do this time?
We deserve better
Brutus
13 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
Sales tax receipts falling
March 8, 2017The city and county have another budget problem to contend with:
The Mexican peso dropped in value during that period.
Now Mexican shoppers have less money to spend in El Paso shops.
Will our local elected officials compensate for the revenue loss by spending more money?
We deserve better
Brutus
7 Comments | City government, County Government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus
elpasospeak 
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