Allen Payton, write-in candidate for Mayor of the City of Antioch, says Finance Director, Dawn Merchant, is not showing the full picture when she says city finances are in the clear. Payton insists that. “Antioch’s current budget, which shows a $4.7 million reserve at the end of two years, doesn’t take into account a variety of things:
- $1.3 million to $1.5 million per year reduction in revenues, due to the $1 billion decrease in property values in Antioch, by County Assessor Gus Kramer;
- $1 million for the Markley Creek contamination cleanup;
- $400,000 to $500,000 too much each year the City is spending from the sewer and water funds, in violation of state Prop. 218 law;
- an unrealistic 2% per year growth in sales and property tax revenues;
- at least $1.2 million budgeted savings, for 12 unfilled police positions; but on the positive side,
- an increase to the General Fund of $187,000 from purchase orders not spent, last year.”
Add those figures and Payton says “City will have spent its reserves, have greater expenses than income and be insolvent or bankrupt. Payton says, “City Finance Director John Tasker told me if the Council acts quickly, they can use a scalpel. If they wait, they’re going to have to use a meat clever for budget cuts. Unfortunately, the Mayor has chosen to wait until after the election to agendize the matter and address it.”
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Just saw this post, again.
Thought I’d give an update.
Turns out the city had to cut $4.7 million a year from the budget, not $1.3 to $1.5 million.
Also, the city experienced an 18% reduction in sales tax between 2007 and 2008, not a 2% growth.
Allen
Only Alan Payton can save Antioch!! This will be the greatest political comback in Contra Costa Political History!