January 30, 2003

Galveston Finance Committee

The Galveston Finance Committee discussed ways to deal with an expected $500,000 shortfall in the city's drainage utility account on Thursday, as well as ways to control spending in city departments when revenue does not meet expectations.

"There needs to be a mechanism to adjust the level of income that you have," said Fred Micks, chair of the committee, suggesting that a formal process be developed to require budget amendments to reflect changing revenue expectations.

Finance Director Rick Glassett assured the committee that department heads are not likely to spend more than is available or "we will lose our jobs."

Steve Greenberg disagreed.

"Do you want me to tell you how many times it's happened and they didn't lose their jobs?" Greenberg asked.

Lyda Ann Thomas, who serves as ex-officio representative of the city council along with Dianna Puccetti, suggested that the committee develop a written policy to present to the city council.

Thomas expressed concern about the expense of operating the Galveston Island Municipal Golf Course.

"Why are we in the golf business?" She asked.  "I don't even want to be in the golf course business."

She said she will ask the city council to consider "outsourcing" the golf course to a private operator.  The committee voted unanimously to support that initiative.

The committee also discussed interfund "loans," agreeing that they should more properly be called "Due To, Due From" transactions.

Gulf Coast E-news is a publication of Guidry News Service, with offices at 926 Broadway in Galveston and 2500 South Shore Boulevard, Suite C Marina in Clear Lake.  Call (409) 763-NEWS (6397) or (281) 334-NEWS (6397) in the Clear Lake area.  For additional information, or to order a free, one-week complimentary subscription to Gulf Coast E-news, email News@guidrynews.com.