For the record, this city councilor voted against the budget this year because we did not have an opportunity to sit down with the Superintendent or members of the School Committee prior to its passage. Unfortunately, Mass General Law sets the date by which the administration has to provide a budget to be June 10, 2007. Therefore, we cannot mandate receiving it any sooner. Likewise, the Local Aid numbers are generally not available until that time (or later). I would like to see the administration begin the budget process earlier by using the current year local aid number and completing the school budget prior to the date that the city budget is submitted to the council. Also, an overview should be provided to highlight the variances from the current year budget and key items in the proposed budget. It would also be helpful if the auditor could offer additional information throughout the year such as a variance report by month. I have requested this each and every year around January. To date, this office has been unable to provide these auditing tools to the council. Lastly, the Independent audit report needs to be completed in a more timely manner. This and the constructive service commentary need to be furnished to the public.
