During a recent city council meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the approval of the 2024 budget, with several residents expressing a desire for more transparency and community involvement in the budgeting process.

One resident highlighted the historical practice of making budget documents accessible at the clerk's office and library, emphasizing the need for comprehensive review rather than relying on abbreviated versions. She noted that the current budget document is substantially larger than previous years, raising questions about its contents and implications.

Another resident, who attended the meeting despite prior commitments, voiced concerns about the timing of the budget discussion, which coincided with local events. She questioned the allocation of $3 million for the Riverwalk development, specifically regarding ongoing maintenance costs and the potential for future budget amendments. She urged the council to delay the budget vote to allow for a more thorough examination and community forum, stressing that residents deserve clarity on how taxpayer money is being spent.

Further complicating the budget discussion, another speaker referenced findings from a recent forensic audit that pointed to serious financial reporting issues, including missing records and inadequate policies. This speaker called for a delay in the budget approval, citing the audit's warnings about potential opportunities for financial fraud due to the identified deficiencies.

Despite these concerns, the council proceeded to vote on the budget, which passed unanimously. However, council members acknowledged the importance of establishing an action plan to address the audit findings and committed to providing quarterly updates on progress related to the budget and audit recommendations.

The meeting underscored a growing demand among residents for greater fiscal accountability and engagement in local governance, as they seek to ensure that their voices are heard in critical financial decisions.