- crisis from Crestock Images
There was some excitement at the August 9, 2010 meeting. Here are the highlights:
- A representative from the external audit firm made a brief presentation regarding the audited 2009 financial statements. As you may recall, a representative from the external auditors also made a presentation at the June meeting. According to the external auditor, there were some changes to the financial statements that were originally made available to the public in June. Additionally, Treasurer Ed Ritter pointed out an item he believed to be incorrect, which, if proven, would require yet another version of the 2009 financial statements to be issued. During the meeting, Commissioner Forquer noted that the 2009 audit was issued in a more timely manner than recent prior years, we still think receiving a final financial statement over seven months after the end of the year is something other than timely.
- During citizens’ comments, two residents, one being former Commissioner Jerry Brouker, the other being RCRT Treasurer Michael Malinsky, both commented on the financial woes of the Township. As discussed in previous posts, the Township has drastically overspent the budget in 2007, 2008 and 2009 and, according to Treasurer Ritter’s projections, the same will happen in 2010. The Commissioners have yet to respond with a plan of action to correct these significant overages. While discussing the results of previous years, Commissioner Forquer continues to point out what he believes are the errors of others by pointing out that there may have been some errors in the budget numbers for 2006 and 2007. In our opinion, Commissioner Forquer needs to spend less time trying to find fault with others and find a way to fix the fiscal situation in the Township, a platform he ran on last year.
- During Treasurer Ritter’s report, he reiterated his projection that the expenditures of the General Fund would exceed the budget by $1.3 million. Again, when is the bleeding going to stop?
- The Commissioners unanimously (with Commissioner Abatta being absent) to hire Barbara Swearingen as the new Assistant Township Manager/Finance Director. It was pointed out twice during the meeting that this individual was not related to Magistrate Carla Swearingen.
- During the Commissioners’ comments, Commissioner Forquer personally attacked Jerry Brouker, calling him “power hungry” and accusing Mr. Brouker of not wanting the best for the Township and its residents. Commissioner Forquer, for the second month in a row, declared himself an Independent, despite running and winning as a Republican. During his rant, Commissioner Forquer also attempted to have Treasurer Ritter removed by Chief Dale Vietmeier
- Commissioner Triko-Selelyo commented that the Township needs to stop worrying about ways to increase revenue and start looking for ways to cut costs. As noted by members of RCRT in a cursory review of historical information, revenues are not increasing enough to keep up with the spending, so Commissioner Triko-Selelyo’s point is right on.
Remember that our 2nd Annual Picnic is on August 15 at the Brothers Grimm. The cost is $10 per person and this includes a buffet. There will also be a 50/50 drawing and several Chinese auction items. We hope to see you there!
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I would like to thank the Republican Committee of Robinson Township for providing a good summary of the meetings. I am very concerned about our Township and the mess that the Democrats have made of it. I am very disappointed with Jesse Forquer. He has not stood up in a way that I expected based on his campaign promises. I am not sure why he ran as a Republican when clearly as he states he is an independent.
To be clear, there is about $150,000 budgeted in 2010 for the road program, which is significantly lower that it has been in the past couple of years. The issue at hand is Commissioner Shiwarski’s comments at the July meeting at which he stated that it is likely that no money will be spent on the road program in 2010. So if the $150,000 will not be spent on the roads, what is the Township doing with it?
Can someone explain to me how it is possible for a township of our size to have no money in our budget for road repairs?
Thank you for your diligence in reporting the facts accurately and in a timely fashion. Leadership is at an all time low in the Township and Mr Forquer seems to be leading the charge, though there are plenty of rivals to challenge him in this pursuit.
I applaud Commissioner Triko-Seleyo’s bravery, but when is the last time a Democratic led government really embraced fiscal responsibility? In reality, there should be a balance of revenue creation and cost consciousness. We are at a point however, where there are few viable options to regaining control of the budget and district, without some significant belt tightening.
Can’t wait to hear the excuses and see the red faces at next month’s meeting. Keep up the good work.