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Aldermen press for fuller accounting, propose Spanish-language budget hearing
Summary
Several aldermen pressed city staff for ledger-style accounting, broader access to backup materials, and a bilingual (Spanish) public hearing; finance staff said general fund documents will be provided April 6 and other fund reports can be produced on request.
Board members used Wednesday's special meeting to press the administration for more detailed accounting and wider public access during the budget review.
Alderwoman Martinez McCarthy proposed a bilingual public hearing for Spanish speakers, saying she would help coordinate translation. "My proposal was to be that it be a bilingual public hearing actually," she said, urging a second hearing in Spanish so non-English speakers can provide input.
Several aldermen, led by Alderman Feliciano Roman, demanded additional financial detail before they meet with department heads. Roman said department staff have complained about accounting tools and asked for comprehensive income-and-expense reports for many non-general funds. "I want a full accounting for everything, income and expenses, before I just vote on the general fund side," Roman said, and warned he would file written requests to compel the information.
Mr. LeBlanc, identified in the meeting as the head of finance, told the board the general fund budget book covers revenues and departmental budgets that support the general fund; other grants, activity and capital funds are tracked in the city's accounting system separately and can be produced if aldermen submit specific requests. "The general fund budget is specific to the revenues that are budgeted for that support the departmental budgets within the general fund," LeBlanc said.
Board members asked when supplemental paperwork and requested reports will be available. Sarah Geary said the backup packets that departments submitted will be provided to aldermen by Monday, April 6 and are normally posted on the budget office website. Mr. LeBlanc and chief of staff Joe Gairy said staff will work to provide additional information where feasible and noted some items require formal request deadlines.
Alderman Feliciano Roman said he would begin filing formal agenda requests for accounting details he believes are missing; the board discussed but did not decide on scheduling an additional bilingual hearing, saying it would be discussed after the April 13 public hearing was set.
The exchange highlighted two administrative clarifications for the record: the mayor's proposed general fund book will be provided April 6, and separate ledgers or activity accounts (such as the Hamilton account for recreation program fees) are maintained outside the general fund but can be reported to the board on request.
