Among government entities needing guidance in getting their finances in order, the borough of Pottstown is high on the list.
This is the town that has consistently sent out water bills that don't match usage and shutoff notices to ratepayers who are not behind on their bills.This is the town that once lost a check for several thousand dollars and once forgot to bill an industrial sewer user for more than a year.This is the town whose finance committee chairman believed it necessary to embark on a fiscal responsibility initiative to address goals considered part of day-to-day business in most enterprises.Now, this is the town that forgot it approved a state program to help in financial planning. Just last week, the Borough Council heard a report from Finance Director Robert Armelin predicting a $200,000 shortfall in the current budget by December.Granted, this imbalance is occurring because of declining home sales and high unemployment — factors of the faltering economy over which the borough has no control — but the impact nonetheless creates a a financial challenge for the borough. And, more prudent financial planners would have been prepared.On the same night that council learned of the pending shortfall, a state local government expert came to council puzzled. She wanted to know why a state grant awarded to help the borough analyze and improve its operations and finances has never been implemented."We've committed money to your organization and we have people breathing down our necks who would like the same opportunity," said Marita J. Kelley, local government policy specialist with the governor's center for local government services,."Our supervisor wants to know if you're serious about your commitment," she said. "Normally, we don't issue grants and then see little execution."The grant to which she was referring was approved by the previous council, of which four members remain, and awarded by the state in January. Current Borough Council President David Garner, who was elected last November, said this was the first he learned of the grant.That statement then begs the q uestion as to why the borough administration did not follow through with the grant and why the local share of the funding was not even written into this year's budget. The program of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development would provide a financial five-year-forecast for the borough following an extensive analysis of the borough's finances and the operation of each department.Called the Early Intervention Program Five-Year Financial Plan, the cost of the service is $65,000, with the state picking up half the tab.Armelin called the program "a good idea," but noted it was not included in the current year's budget even though council had approved it. Council Vice President Greg Berry, who also chairs council's finance committee, said the information contained in the report produced by the program "has so many different opportunities available to improve efficiency and productivity. On the management side, the information is comprehensive and on the financial side, it's invaluable.""I thought it was a great idea nine months ago and I still do," said Councilman Stephen Toroney.Kelley said by embarking on the plan now, council could benefit for the future beginning with next year's budget. Council members said they will have an answer next month as to whether they want to proceed.The wisdom of participating in this plan is obvious. The program can quickly pay for itself by discovering financial efficiencies.But of greater concern than delay in implementing it is the reason for the delay — the repeating cycle of failing to follow through on positive steps to improve Pottstown's fiscal management.Pottstown needs help. When someone is willing to give it, let's not have a memory lapse. This pattern of ignoring, losing and forgetting is robbing the borough of a productive future.
Pottstown Mercury - 07/15/08 - http://www.pottstownmercury.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19851021&BRD=1674&PAG=461&dept_id=635485&rfi=6
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