I had the opportunity to present a review to the City Council Monday evening regarding the budget and some items they should be addressing....notably the growing health plan afforded retirees, the money-losing Museum, the money-losing Gardens, and the underfunded pension for City Employees.
Mr. Jenkins and Ms. Welsh voted against adopting the budget while Reidemann, Killingsworth and Duckett votedin favor. I'm a newbie to this scene but it seems that is the voting bloc when things are at odds.
I'll be posting some new information in the next few days as I file Open Record Requests regarding various spending habits of our elected servants. Wonder if the City can get that info to me by the November elections....any bets?
In the meantime, recognize the following:
1. We are carrying an underfunded pension for our city employees while we spend over $1mm per year to carry the Museum and Gardens. I'm on record as of Monday night saying that while I like those entities, they are meant to cover their costs from revenues generated. They have to be run smarter, or reduce the time they are open to the public, or bring in a private group. It costs approximately $114 per househould, per year to keep it open....and as a citizen of Kennesaw you have to pay to get in!
2. We are promising our employees future health retirement benefits that are unsustainable....unless the citizens want higher taxes, or lower services.
3. Our City Council people receive not only a benefit but health benefits as well....for part-time work.
4. Why does our City Manager need a City-provided car to commute from his home in Cartersville to Kennesaw?
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