Jackson Free Press

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton told a doubtful city council today that he believes his administration has located $6 million in extra reserve funds in the Department of Public Works. Melton said he was not sure if the money, from Public Works' Enterprise fund, was fully established as unnecessary funds, but trumped up the cash as a possible means to duck the combined 15 percent water and sewer increase that he had earlier proposed in order to help balance his administration's budget.

"Over the years there has been an accumulation of about $6 million into that account … If we have $6 million in that account, there is absolutely no need to increase the sewer or water rate."

Melton abruptly disowned the 5 percent sewer increase and the 10 percent water increase that his administration proposed during the city's September budget meetings, resulting in an expected $3.2 million deficit. The city accrues $288,000 in debt every month the administration delays finding an alternative $3.2 million.

Ward 7 Councilwoman Margaret Barrett-Simon said she had strong doubts about the availability of the money, remarking that she was surprised the administration had not uncovered $6 million during the rigors of the budget process.

"My fear is that those funds need to be used by Public Works. There are things that need fixing all over this city, and I'm not sure if we need to sacrifice that kind of service, if that's what it'll mean doing," Barrett-Simon said.

Previous Comments

ID

96509

Comment

Yeah right! This guy is a walking time bomb . Get him out quick before more damage is done. Surprised he didn't say he was going to use the money for the children! :/

Author

pikersam

Date

2007-10-30T00:45:28-06:00

ID

96510

Comment

A day in the thought process of Frank Melton...... I know what I will do today. I will tell everyone that I am going to have to raise water and sewer taxes to make up for lost revenue. Then I will tell the city council that I refuse to raise water and sewer taxes because I am for the people. Then I will have Rick say that he found six million dollars in his back pocket and he had no idea it was there. Then I can tell everyone that I knew something would work out and I am sure glad that I refused to raise taxes. The people will love me!!! I will be adored!!!!! The little boys of Jackson will carry me on their shoulders to my bedroom... FRANK....It didn't work.... We know how you play the game. You just don't LOOSE six million dollars. You are an idiot sir!!!!

Author

The truth

Date

2007-10-30T08:13:06-06:00

ID

96511

Comment

Truth, you forgot the part where he tells everyone to "F**" OFF"!

Author

Cliff Cargill

Date

2007-10-30T08:18:27-06:00

ID

96512

Comment

I think Frank should just cut us a check at the end of every month he can't figure this sh1t out. Tomorrrow, I think we should stand outside City Hall and ask Frank for our $288,000.00 check. Then, I want him to give me a job making around $150,000.00. I'm a great swimmer.

Author

Lori G

Date

2007-10-30T08:34:04-06:00

ID

96513

Comment

I would be suprised if that money isn't allocated for city repairs. Look at State Street and all the ripping up they are having to do because of water mains breaking. Last week water was bubbling out of the ground like a spring!?! and that wasn't during the storm. Personally I know that money can be used to repair FAILING infrastrcuture and not be a pie in the sky that that little man is toting it to be. Grrr....

Author

Simpleton

Date

2007-10-30T08:55:12-06:00

ID

96514

Comment

With this effed-up administration, it wouldn't surprise me if the DPW was deliberately hiding this money from the Mayor's office so that they would have enough money to pay for contingencies like main breaks, hydrant replacements, spot pavement repairs and such…you know, all the nuts and bolts infrastructure stuff that Melton doesn’t give a rat’s azz about. If it turns out to be true, credit Hill for finding the money in whatever rabbit hole it was buried in, but its sad that this money may end up being mismanaged and wasted as badly as the rest of the budget.

Author

Jeff Lucas

Date

2007-10-30T09:25:46-06:00

ID

96515

Comment

“My fear is that those funds need to be used by Public Works. There are things that need fixing all over this city, and I’m not sure if we need to sacrifice that kind of service, if that’s what it’ll mean doing,” Barrett-Simon said. Although I'm not exactly sure what the Enterprise Fund is and what the money is supposed to be earmarked for, I have the same fear that Barrett-Simon has.

Author

LatashaWillis

Date

2007-11-02T10:44:10-06:00