The only two budget workshops with department heads on December 15th and 20th where council wanted at least 20% cuts in both departments. The cuts were not explained nor justified by council.

 

-Mayor submitted flat budget to council with little to no increases on December 1st, 2011 s required by state law.

 

-CPA Licensed Finance Director used very conservative numbers for new budget proposal

 

-Budget proposal indicated surplus of over $300,000.00

 

-Approved Agenda for Monday, 01/23/12 regular meeting was amended by council to include 2012 budget discussion. Council voted 4/2/0 to have a budget resolution drawn up with a 20% cut per line

 

item for all departments, a cemetery commission budget increase minus 20% and the purchase of $6000.00 map for the Planning and Zoning Commission. The 20% cuts were never explained or justified.

 

Mayor Pate notified council of intent to veto immediately.

 

-Mayor Pate filed veto with city clerk on Wednesday, 01/25/12.

 

-Mayor called special meeting on Tuesday 01/31/12 to discuss proposed flat 2012 budget ordinance before state mandated 02/01/12 deadline. Mayor asked council to vote to have public comment and motion failed 4/2/0. Finance Director advised council of budget issues in which council had little to no discussion. Four members of council refused ordinance to be read. Motion to adjourn with vote of 5/1/0. Adjournment.

 

False Statements:

 

-Ballance told Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporter Bill Bowden that from 1999 to 2009, the Police Department budget went from 18% to 45% in general fund while in fact it is only around 20%.

 

-Ballance told Bowden that the Police Department has gotten “fat” off the previous Mayor Joy and the current Mayor Pate administrations. The truth is that the Police Department has not grown in personnel nor assets since 1999.

 

-Pownall and Ballance stated to the press that budget information was withheld from them when in fact it was not. The budget information was given to them.

 

True Statements:

 

-None of the council members ever conferred with the finance director after the budget was given to them on 12/01/11 until just recently when the proposed 20% cuts were asked for.

 

-Three of the six current council members have had previous encounters with local law enforcement.

 

-Two current council members and one of their spouses have active lawsuits filed against the city.