During a recent government meeting, a council member expressed deep skepticism regarding the administration's transparency and financial management, particularly in light of an impending budget deadline. The member highlighted a two-and-a-half-year gap since their last engagement with the administration, raising concerns about the lack of urgency in addressing ongoing issues, including unfilled vacancies and financial discrepancies.

The council member criticized the administration for not providing adequate access to financial records, stating that the current accountant lacks confidence in the accuracy of the financial data due to insufficient access to necessary information. They emphasized the importance of conducting an audit on labor and agenda items, suggesting that the administration has not been forthcoming with information.

With the budget set to be finalized in 45 days, the council member urged their colleagues to exercise caution in making decisions before the budget is approved. They noted that the county is currently facing significant financial challenges, including a court case affecting the 2023 budget, which in turn impacts the 2024 budget. The member argued that any actions taken in the next month should be carefully considered, as the administration's past performance raises doubts about its reliability.

The council member concluded by stressing the need for transparency and accountability to the citizens, advocating for a thorough review of the administration's proposals before proceeding with any decisions.