The Marion City Council began the 2022 budget season yesterday, having discussions with officials from the clerk’s office, city court and building department.
Council members expressed their concerns when Building Commissioner Jerry Foustnight proposed a budget that was the same as last year. While Foustnight stated he felt comfortable with the budget, noting his department consistently demolished 20 to 25 blighted houses every year with that approximate budget, council member Robin Fouce said she felt that statement was a “contrast” to Foustnight’s previous statements.
“I’m just curious, what is your thinking, what is your plan moving forward with the people that you have and the dollars that you have,” Fouce asked.
Foustnight said he felt her concerns were more toward operational aspects, suggesting she defer those questions to Marion Mayor Jess Alumbaugh. “I do believe that if we were not doing our job… I kind of resent the fact that you feel that way, especially after all we’ve done in your neighborhood,” Foustnight said. “So I would ask that anything that has to do with operations of the city be directed to the mayor as I follow his orders…”
“…I understand you’re caught between a rock and a hard place because you’re accountable to the Mayor. Sounds to me like you’ve been advised not to discuss the full financial impact. I don’t want to get into operations, but operations directly impact dollars. Dollars is what drives operations…,” Fouce said in response.
Tensions rose even further as Alumbaugh approached the council to speak, telling the council to “stay in your fiduciary lane” and allow the administration to determine how the money is spent.
You can listen to the full 15-minute argument above.
The council was able to get the meeting back on track, with Foustnight saying, “I ask that we all have a little bit of patience … If you allow me to proceed with this budget, I’ll be able to produce (results).”
The city council will meet with officials from the city maintenance and transportation departments at 6 p.m. today.
The rest of the council’s 2022 budget schedule is as follows:
Thursday, Aug. 26 @ 7 p.m.: fire department
Monday, Aug 30. @ 6 p.m.: Advisory plan, IT, community development
Tuesday, Aug. 31 @ 6 p.m.: Engineering, city council
Thursday, Sept. 2 @ 6 p.m.: Board of aviation, police
Monday, Sept. 13 @ 6 p.m.” LRS/MVH, park
Tuesday, Sept. 14 @ 6 p.m.: BOW, legal, controller, mayor
Thursday, Sept. 16 @ 6 p.m.: Budget committee talkback session
Readings of the proposed budget will take place at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, Oct. 5 and Oct. 18, with a public hearing set for Oct. 5.
