Hocus Pocus

The Official Unofficial Minutes of the WL BOA
June 4

Public Works
George announced the sale of the 2008 Truck for $24,500. Bids were taken after last BOA. The theory was the truck was out of warranty and probably would become a constant repair issue (George was right on this one, he reported the winning bidder had to sink in $2,000 on the truck right after he took possession).

Of course the whole idea of selling the truck was to buy a new one. Price range, $40,000 to $41,000 on a state bid price. The conversation turned to the mechanics of buying the truck when City Attorney John raised the question of whether the purchase was in the budget. Jerry replied neither the sale of the truck or purchase of the new one was in the budget. Bos pointed out that previous purchases of trucks had been split from three budgets, Road, Sewer and Water and that he "didn't buy" the concept. Jerry said the funds were available in the General Fund.

Ok...a quick break...Bos and the BOA have on a number of instances ignored what many would say are expected, and in some cases, accounting procedures (despite Hizzoner being a CPA). Typically one would expect a line item for such an expenditure, within a budget plan for the year. If an unexpected purchase of this nature occurred the budget would be amended to indicate the transactions. It has nothing to do with the money being available. I wonder what newbie alderman Botbyl would have said had he been there.

Back to the action, John shrugged, accepted the Mayor's explanation, a resolution was made and passed by the BOA to purchase a new truck for no more than $41,000.




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