Call to Action!

This Call to Action is a continuation of our previous one - to urge the Budget Committee and Board of Commissioners to eliminate or reduce the proposed tax increase (from the originally projected 34.67c increase). 

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We would like to take a moment to respond to some Commissioners' request for clarification on some of Dr. Cliff Payne's forensic analysis of the proposed budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025. 

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The following text was shared to our Facebook group in response to specific questions pertaining to the original Forensic Analysis on the proposed FY 2024/2025 budget. Then we have included a new document, which answers those questions more fully, with exact figures and amounts. 

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Please excuse us for a lengthy response, but due to the numerous inquiries made, we believe it is necessary to elaborate fully. 

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We believe that the information requested is best addressed in a formal conversation, on the record, with the public involved- much like the setting we were in yesterday! Dr. Cliff Payne does not have a Facebook, and since he is the individual that you are addressing these questions to, he would be glad to discuss any of these questions that you have- openly in the public for all to hear - maybe at the next Commissioner Meeting. After all, a Facebook comments section is the last place one would attempt to conduct a thorough back and forth on a complex subject -- productively, at least! 

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Also, it has come to our attention recently that not a single individual in the entire Commission, the Budget Committee, or the Mayor's Office, has any credentials that would validate their expertise in finance - not even the *Director of Accounts and Budgets*. Of course, our organization isn’t trying to claim that an individual must have a degree/credentials to be capable of performing in these positions (though that would probably be appropriate), but, we are claiming that it would be wise to check one’s ego when receiving constructive criticism from someone who does!

 

Dr. Payne is a C-suite executive officer with extensive experience managing multiple billion-dollar P&Ls. He is widely recognized as a leading expert in corporate solvency, evaluating financial performances across private, non-profit, and publicly traded sectors, often leading to divestitures, exits, and M&As (two multi-billion dollar due diligence phases). His background as a serial entrepreneur, coupled with a PhD in organizational psychology, an MBA, and several undergraduate degrees, may not make him "qualified" to understand the “unique” government financial practices and budgets, as the Commission has claimed - but all we ask is: what is it that makes you so certainly qualified? Please elaborate! 

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With that in mind, we would like to request answers to the following questions that were proposed during the public Budget Committee meeting yesterday - questions which were promptly dismissed and ignored by all Commissioners  and the Mayor: 

 

1. What specifically is the 12% of the general fund categorized as “other” miscellaneous spending allocated towards? These amounts reach a combined total of $2,050,470 and we have yet to receive any itemization, justification, return on investment, or needs analysis for this expenditure. This request was formally made yesterday by Dr. Cliff D. Payne, and about 5 others. Without specific line items and justification for these amounts, it is not only irresponsible to approve these sections - it is intentionally deceiving and unacceptable. 

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 2. Where is the itemized justification for the $178,900 being spent on “travel expenses” - noting that this is a 317% increase from the previous year? 

(Important note: This revised number is now excluding fuel, which is allocated in the Highway/Public Works Fund - reducing it from the initial claim of $300k)

Without this, the Commission and Mayor's Office lack the credibility to argue for its necessity. Not one citizen present from Hawkins County stated that they believe this amount is appropriate - so why do you? 

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 3. Where is the validation for the $237,650 used for “office supplies” in a concise and specific itemized format? You were certainly very clear in your request for us to be specific with our budgetary questions - especially Dr. Payne in his suggestions to fix this mess of a budget- we expect the exact same thing! Be specific - list it. This is simply a preposterous amount - and this is why it will never be itemized - because it simply can not be justified. 
     

 4. Where is the needs analysis presented anywhere for the justification of the newly created Mayor’s Office positions? Does the Commission believe that the Mayor saying “because we need it” is sufficient explanation to justify funding those positions? Did you not hear every single citizen, which you are supposed to accurately represent, state loudly and clearly that they do not believe this is appropriate? 

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5. What is your justification for the numerous raises for county positions that are in the range of $10,000-$20,000 ? Every single citizen that was present and spoke at both the Budget Committee and Commission Meeting stated they do not believe these raises are appropriate - ZERO of your constituents. Why did you choose to ignore this and not represent them accurately? 

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It is essential that we receive clear and detailed responses to these inquiries to ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation of public funds. Admitting nothing on the record, denying the factual presence of these numbers within the budget, and making counter-accusations is an age-old political strategy that we recognize to be inappropriate and unproductive. So, addressing our concerns head-on when they are asked, on the record, where it counts, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of this process. If you insist that we categorically respond to your questions in this thread, we expect a comprehensive reply to all the questions that have already been presented to you, at your earliest convenience. If you can not provide these- we will see you in the Courthouse 👍🏼

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Thank you for your attention to these matters.

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