Alderman Craig Pirmann urges stricter fiscal controls, says he will withhold funding approvals

Alderman Craig Pirmann delivered an extended critique of city governance at the April 7 Silvis City Council meeting, saying he will withhold approval of funding and appropriations until the council adopts specific earmarks for capital improvements and savings.

"We have zero funds earmarked for capital improvement," Pirmann said, citing a lack of dedicated capital savings, an overdue audit and what he described as ethical and legal concerns. He said the city has prioritized outside legal fees but has not set aside money for long‑term infrastructure, arts or development programs and characterized selective transparency as a problem.

Pirmann said he will not support funding or appropriations, including employee positions or RDAs, "until we reinclude specific earmarks" and asked colleagues to call him directly to discuss his concerns.

Alderman Steve Marinaccio defended the council's procedures, saying aldermen research issues through the committee system and bring items to the full council when appropriate; he urged residents to follow formal channels for raising matters. Alderwoman Chrissy Winters said the accounting position and audit are being discussed and asked for a more positive approach, noting the council had discussed the accounting position extensively the previous day.

The minutes record no formal votes tied to Pirmann's remarks and no committee action adopting the earmarking approach during the meeting. The statements stand as an expressed position by an alderman rather than a binding change in policy or procedure.