So What Up With the Lacking Explanation About Fund Sweeps?

 

A few weeks ago I posted about what I consider to be wrongful use of revenues from the non-tax supported funds in Richardson by the city administrators. This year there will be over $10,000,000 taken out for undocumented non-expenses (FOI requests have resulted in no documents responsive). The money is for management fees, computer leases, Payment in Lieu of taxes and Franchise Fees. These transfers appear to violate the city charter and state statute. Here is the link to the original post:

http://dc-tm.blogspot.com/2015/02/why-is-my-water-bill-so-high-improper.html

 I also started a conversation with one of our council members, Paul Voelker, about this issue. From what I have heard Paul is smart and a decent guy.

In the meantime, I was asked to do a presentation for the Richardson Tea Party about this issue at their monthly meeting. There were lots of questions and comments. Here is a link to the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUdcOz5TKoQ

After being copied on an email from Britt during the latter part of last week, Mayor Laura promised to get some information out about the fund sweeps, use of non-tax supported fund revenue.

3/12/2015 1:42PM

Britt,

Thank you for including me in this communication. I was also "cc"d on an email from David C...as a "heads up".
I am out of town this week on spring break but will respond to these concerns upon my return if not sooner.
After I heard from David C., I asked for data to explain our procedures which I will share with all. I have been promised the information by the end of the day today.
Laura
Sent from my iPhone

Nothing has been sent out yet to me or others interested in this issue.

The next day, Paul Voelker responded to an email asking for an update and sent me a message indicating that all was ok and Mayor Laura would be sending out documentation justifying the fund sweeps to members of the Richardson Tea Party who have expressed an interest. That documentation on the justification of the fund sweeps would be provided has yet to be provided.

3/13/2015 12:41PM

David,

I have spoken to staff and the Mayor.  I have reviewed the document that will be sent to you and others that have expressed concern on these issues.  Specifically, members of the organization you spoke with the other night.  I did watch the video and your message was received.  This has been reviewed by our city’s legal team.  I have been assured that we are following the Richardson City Charter, Texas State Statute and in adherence with generally accepted municipal accounting practices and Richardson financial policies.    As always, after reviewing the response your feedback is welcome.

Regards,

Paul Voelker

This past Tuesday I sent another email to Paul Voelker asking about the documentation.

3/17/2015 7:54AM

I have asked the Mayor to send the document out as soon as she can having returned from spring break.  I support the update and look forward to your view on this.

Paul
Sent from my iPhone
  

It is now almost a week later and there has been little noise with the exception of the crickets chirping.

It makes a person wonder why there is a delay in providing the documentation if Mayor Laura and Councilman Voelker were provided the documentation almost a week ago.