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Council’s good stewardship

No one in government should ever be handed a blank check to spend public funds as they wish. After all, they’re dealing with taxpayers money — our money — and as much as we trust those in office, allowing them to spend without accountability is asking for trouble.

When the city installed traffic cameras, East Liverpool officials promised that 80 percent of the revenue garnered from fines would be spent to benefit the police department.

That does not, however, mean that the police department should be handed the money to spend as it chooses.

Police Chief John Lane recently complained to City Council that the money from camera fines had not yet been appropriated to his budget. When the auditor asked if he had a list of items he needs to purchase, Lane replied, “why do I need a list? I need two cars. I need computers. All the computers downstairs are 10 years old; the cars need computers.”

No doubt the police department is in need of many things and it sounds like the chief already has a good idea about what those needs are, so why not prepare a list and prioritize those purchases?

Finance Chairman Bill Hogue agreed with the auditor, saying, “The committee would like to see a list and your priorities.”

Lane argued that the city was “lying to the public” by not putting the money in the police fund and allowing him to spend it.

Quite the contrary. City officials are being good stewards of the public’s money by demanding a spending plan.

Lane claimed that people don’t trust government because it doesn’t keep promises. However, tales of government waste also damage the public trust. Requiring accountability can help stop reckless spending of public dollars.

Councilman Ray Perorazio summed it up best, “We are keepers of the purse, but we also have to keep our word.”

Keeping promises and providing accountability are equally important in maintaining the goodwill of the public.

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