https://osc.state.ny.us/localgov/pubs/lgmg/budgetprocess.pdf
I had shared this on the FB, but I share it here for those that are not on Facebook.
The Board seems to stock all funds into one BIG pile and then decides what to pay off first. The fail to heed advice from the Comptroller concerning allocations/expenditures.
This process is always hidden from the public from the start, denial of the Agenda documents of Budget Meetings and as shown this year, holding no budget meetings at all. Just a simple budget hearing, a quick release of the budget and this continues throughout the year at VB meetings denial of agenda documents and failure to retain the important details from meetings. The use of executive session to vote on allocations/expenditure of public funds IS A VIOLATION OF oml. Unfortunately, how we are treated is dependent on those elected into office. So ever 2- 4 years we must choice wisely. Every term of 4 years, just becomes another burden on the taxpayers to remedy.
"The annual budget is perhaps an entity’s most vital document and should be developed using all of the most current and accurate information available. The budget is not just a financial plan; it also has legal implications, which are delineated in the “Implementing the Budget” section of this guide. Furthermore, the budget process does not end with the adoption of the budget. Instead, the budget is a document that must be monitored and amended from time to time, as needed." from OSC budget guide
There is a process that must be followed to when allocated funds, and amending this very legal document. The importance of motions and resolutions that are done during meetings, is the record of the AMOUNT SPENT as well as, what budget from which it came from.
"Once the budget has been adopted there must be a systematic accounting process in place to determine that sufficient revenues are realized and money is available for expenditure for each purpose enumerated in the budget. Without properly accounting for revenues and expenditures, officials cannot be reasonably assured that the budget that they approved is, in fact, being complied with"- from OSC budget guide.
Manipulation of the budget, a legal document, must be followed to the strictest of regulations and law, the very HEALTH AND SAFETY of the citizens. We have a right to these records, and being intentionally denied this records, begs the question what are the public servants hiding?
"As a rule, no expenditure may be made, or any liability incurred, unless an amount has been appropriated for the particular purpose and is available or is authorized to be borrowed pursuant to the Local Finance Law." - from OSC budget guide.
This is why we must monitor this government by attending meetings when possible but at the least reviewing the agenda documents and the minutes. There is valuable guides, laws, etc. to help us understand our rights and how to protect those rights. Working together gives us more power and the ability to be heard.
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