Guest editorial
Some information is good; but more is better when it comes to government spending. Ask questions before new budget is adopted
Here are some of my questions:
a) Do all of the options to improve Calhoun Road include land acquisition for bike trails, interest, and storm water construction?
b) What was the cost to bury the overhead utilities at the intersection of Beloit and Moorland? Are similar expenditures planned in the next three years?
c) What are the criteria for replacing fire, police, and other city vehicles? How does that compare to the private sector?
d.) Why is the Parks & Recreation department planning such a large increase in spending next year and why does it plan to purchase “environmental corridors” when we are struggling to keep the library open on Sundays?
New Berlin citizens have access to much of the city’s budget on-line. You can see it on the city website using the path: http://www.newberlin.org, click on Departments, then Finance, then under the Links heading click on 2008 Adapted CIP budget (for the Capital Improvement Plan), then 2008 CIP budget.
Don’t just leave it to your neighbor. Spend five minutes now to visit that link. If you have questions, contact the head of that department or the city finance director. If something doesn’t seem right or necessary, call your alderman. If you agree that more detail should be available on-line, share that with your alderman and the mayor.
Mark Musselman
NBCRG Member
