You evidently don’t know what’s good for you

December 8, 2019

This slide shows what the recent bond issue looked like when it first was being discussed:

City council thought that was too much so they lowered their bond request to $413 million to fund the police and fire projects and eliminated the streets, public health, and animal services portions.

Gosh that was thoughtful of them.

One week after the voters passed the $413 million bond city staff brought council a request for $100 million in certificates of obligation to fund projects that were already being built but that most citizens did not know were not paid for yet.

They probably thought they would not get their $413 million if the public knew about the $100 million.

Now less than two weeks after springing the $100 million problem on us they are at it again.

In the Monday, December 9, 2019 special city council meeting they are going to ask for yet another $46 million in certificates of obligation.

What for?

Do you remember the $10.9 million they dropped from the July 22, 2019 plan?  That was for animal services.

Guess what?  It’s back:

They did not want us to vote on this so they will just issue certificates of obligation.

We deserve better

Brutus

3 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

One of the biggest law firms in town

December 6, 2019

Let’s look at the position summary for the city attorney’s department according to the fiscal year 2020 budget.

They have:

  • a city attorney
  • a deputy city attorney
  • a legislative attorney
  • four senior assistant city attorneys
  • a trial section supervisor
  • fifteen assistant city attorneys

Compare that with EPISD that has a general counsel and an assistant general counsel.

We deserve better

Brutus

 

14 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

211 call center

December 5, 2019

Did you know that the city operates a 211 center that refers those in need of services to agencies that can help?

You can learn more about the center here:

https://www.elpasotexas.gov/public-health/services/211-call-center

This is better

Brutus

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Posted by Brutus

Another city two step

December 4, 2019

It seems that senior city staff and our mayor don’t want to appoint a committee to oversee the use of the $413 million public safety bond.

You should recall that the city added this footnote to their bond literature:

Actual use of any approved bond funds will be determined by subsequent action by City Council.

Why don’t they want a committee of citizens to oversee the spending?

Could it be that they plan to divert the money away from police and fire needs?

City council is not managing the city manager well.  They need to exert their authority.

We deserve better

Brutus

4 Comments | City government | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

EPISD not the biggest hogs

December 2, 2019

This slide is part of a future EPISD finance and administration committee meeting:

It looks like the city is leading the way on tax increases.

We deserve better

Brutus

10 Comments | City government, County Government, El Paso Independent School District | Permalink
Posted by Brutus

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