Carefree Truth
Issue #572, June 16, 2017
Councilman Jim Van Allen requested Item #3, May Paid
Bills, be removed from the Consent Agenda for questioning. He stated, "In the current paid bills, there's a check cut for approximately $9000 for a very large Christmas tree. That's for half. The other half will be paid later, evidently. That means that we're in the process of committing to $18,000 for a tree that's going to be used, maybe, one month. That makes it to $600 a day that we're using that tree. My concern is that that money is going to come out of the '17/18 budget, which it only got approved a few minutes ago, but you wrote the check last month. I think that's not how I learned accounting, Gary."
Gary Neiss explained, "There's a lead time required with this tree. This is a reusable tree; it's not a live tree. This is something that has over a 20 year life. The tree comes with LED lights, as well as ornaments. It is part of the re-working of the Christmas Festival and will be a centerpiece underneath the sundial."
Mr. Van Allen interjected, "Which wasn't approved until tonight, right?" Mr. Neiss replied that it was charged this fiscal year because the charge happened in this fiscal year. The tree had to be ordered now to get it in time for the Christmas Festival. Mr. Van Allen, laughing, responded, "So, whoever cut the check didn't have the authority to do it at the time they did it, is that a correct statement?"
Mr. Neiss responded, "No, Gina worked with the Mayor and myself, and discussed the option of a 26' tall tree. That was also discussed in association with the Christmas Festival, and what we were looking to do with the Christmas Festival. In association with those discussions, Gina started working with vendors to identify the best price possible for a Christmas tree, and she found a place where she can order direct through the vendor that installs lights in our Gardens. And so she proceeded..." Mr. Van Allen interrupted again, saying that he knows what time it is; don't tell him how to read his watch.
Mayor Les Peterson explained, "That money was there within the budget this year. It had lead time requirements, is utilized multiple years, and we went ahead on it. Once we approve the marketing budget, we don't approve individual components within it." The Mayor asked if there were further questions. Hearing none, he called for a motion and a vote. The May Paid Bills Consent Agenda item was approved by 6 of the Council members. Mr. Van Allen sat in silence. His silence continued when the Mayor asked for those opposed.
https://vimeo.com/221128380
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
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Issue #572, June 16, 2017
Councilman Jim Van Allen requested Item #3, May Paid
Bills, be removed from the Consent Agenda for questioning. He stated, "In the current paid bills, there's a check cut for approximately $9000 for a very large Christmas tree. That's for half. The other half will be paid later, evidently. That means that we're in the process of committing to $18,000 for a tree that's going to be used, maybe, one month. That makes it to $600 a day that we're using that tree. My concern is that that money is going to come out of the '17/18 budget, which it only got approved a few minutes ago, but you wrote the check last month. I think that's not how I learned accounting, Gary."
Gary Neiss explained, "There's a lead time required with this tree. This is a reusable tree; it's not a live tree. This is something that has over a 20 year life. The tree comes with LED lights, as well as ornaments. It is part of the re-working of the Christmas Festival and will be a centerpiece underneath the sundial."
Mr. Van Allen interjected, "Which wasn't approved until tonight, right?" Mr. Neiss replied that it was charged this fiscal year because the charge happened in this fiscal year. The tree had to be ordered now to get it in time for the Christmas Festival. Mr. Van Allen, laughing, responded, "So, whoever cut the check didn't have the authority to do it at the time they did it, is that a correct statement?"
Mr. Neiss responded, "No, Gina worked with the Mayor and myself, and discussed the option of a 26' tall tree. That was also discussed in association with the Christmas Festival, and what we were looking to do with the Christmas Festival. In association with those discussions, Gina started working with vendors to identify the best price possible for a Christmas tree, and she found a place where she can order direct through the vendor that installs lights in our Gardens. And so she proceeded..." Mr. Van Allen interrupted again, saying that he knows what time it is; don't tell him how to read his watch.
Mayor Les Peterson explained, "That money was there within the budget this year. It had lead time requirements, is utilized multiple years, and we went ahead on it. Once we approve the marketing budget, we don't approve individual components within it." The Mayor asked if there were further questions. Hearing none, he called for a motion and a vote. The May Paid Bills Consent Agenda item was approved by 6 of the Council members. Mr. Van Allen sat in silence. His silence continued when the Mayor asked for those opposed.
https://vimeo.com/221128380
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.