A New Way Forward for Transparent
and Accountable Spending
and Accountable Spending
I'm careful with money. I've been careful with your tax money while on the County Council, and I'll bring that same attention to the city's finances. Bellingham faces some serious financial challenges in the coming years and citizens should have the opportunity to be informed and involved in those financial decisions. As Mayor I will bring public participation to the budget process. I have faith that people can come together, set priorities, decide on trade-offs and that this discussion will make us a stronger community.
Proposed Strategies
• Clear and transparent links between funding sources and where the money is spent within the budget. I will put an end to the shift of funds from intended programs to other projects.
• Town hall budget meetings to hear from you about your budget and spending priorities. The budget will be realistic, conservative and based on public input before it's delivered to the City Council. After all, it's your money.
• Online accountability system that will track the city's efforts, accomplishments, budget and spending. This will enable all of us to regularly track department performance on budgeted projects and services, as well as to see where money is budgeted and where it's spent. This will track both operating expenses and current and proposed capital projects.
Proposed Strategies
• Clear and transparent links between funding sources and where the money is spent within the budget. I will put an end to the shift of funds from intended programs to other projects.
• Town hall budget meetings to hear from you about your budget and spending priorities. The budget will be realistic, conservative and based on public input before it's delivered to the City Council. After all, it's your money.
• Online accountability system that will track the city's efforts, accomplishments, budget and spending. This will enable all of us to regularly track department performance on budgeted projects and services, as well as to see where money is budgeted and where it's spent. This will track both operating expenses and current and proposed capital projects.
