A bit over a week ago we looked at the City of DeKalb’s failure to provide a non-redacted version of its financial consultants’ latest report. Here’s what the Attorney General’s Public Access Counselor has to say. It comes down to giving up the goods or explaining why they don’t have to — exactly what professionals…
Need & Recommendations for Medical Cost Containment
A couple weeks ago I mentioned that DeKalb’s financial consultants made recommendations for medical cost containment deserving of their own post. Here it is, finally. Turns out it’s not just the recommendations after all and it’s very long, so grab a cuppa something and make the jump when you’ve got time to hang out for…
City of DeKalb Has Nothing Better to Do Than Play Games with FOIA
Last week I shared with you my observations of the June 11 meeting between the council and the city’s financial consultants. One thing I noted, but hadn’t taken action on, was this: Some of the recommendations in the report were apparently redacted. (See PDF pp. 108 and 110.) This is inappropriate for a public record…
Map of Proposed South Fourth Street TIF District
Zombie TIF and Other Notes from Last Night
DeKalb’s city council met again with DeKalb’s financial consultants, EPI/Crowe, to consider the latter’s latest report and recommendations. The most important information to pass on to you is that the consultants told the council, at least twice AND in so many words, that the city will enter another financial crisis within five years if it…
Library Supporters Not Trying Very Hard to Raise Private Money
Jolly. Oregon didn’t pass its library referendum so the state gave Oregon’s library construction grant of $3.1 million to DeKalb Public Library. So we’re back to the $24 million building plan. I’d feel better about the state’s grant program if the whole process weren’t rife with secrets, but since I decided not to fight the…
Fun with Friends of Goliath
The Illinois Supreme Court refused last week to hear an appeal against the DeKalb County Board’s decision to allow Waste Management’s landfill expansion plan. In response, Daily Chronicle editor Eric Olson patted the Stop the Mega-Dump people on the head. Their effort was driven by their convictions. Members of the unfortunately named Stop the Mega-Dump…
Procurement
In its May 2009 report, Executive Partners, Inc. (EPI) recommended the City of DeKalb centralize its purchasing. DeKalb never followed through. Now that the consultants have returned (as EPI/Crowe) they must repeat themselves. Once again I offer a transcription, taken from the April 13 workshop between EPI/Crowe and City of DeKalb officials. And once again…
As We Head to the Final Vote on the Budget
DeKalb’s expenses are outpacing revenues: The city will spend at least $30 million from its general fund, a 5.4 percent increase from this fiscal year. The city’s general fund pays for city personnel, equipment, and contractual services. The city is projecting $31.1 million in revenue for fiscal 2014, a 4.2 percent increase from this fiscal…
Budget Hearing Tonight is Premature
There is going to be a special meeting tonight at 6 p.m. to talk over amendments to the draft budget. Then, during the regular meeting beginning 7 p.m. there will be a public hearing on the proposed budget. Really? Two of the proposed amendments are sizeable, and would set off lots of juggling. (PDF p.…