Gardnerville residents demand transparency amid budget adjustments and fee increases
January 06, 2025 | Douglas County, Nevada
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During the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners meeting on January 6, 2025, community members raised significant concerns regarding transparency and communication from local government. Julie Duda, a resident, addressed the board, emphasizing the need for clearer financial reporting and community engagement.
Duda highlighted that the board had not held a joint meeting with the audit committee in December 2023, which traditionally provides vital financial information, including the annual comprehensive financial report. She questioned whether such a meeting was on the schedule, indicating a gap in communication that residents rely on for understanding county finances.
Another major point of concern was the withdrawal of $20.9 million from the investment fund in July 2024, which was reportedly done without prior notification to the community. Duda noted that while some information was shared in October following public inquiries, many questions remained unanswered, underscoring the need for proactive communication from the board.
Duda also pointed out discrepancies in budget adjustments, specifically a $24 million adjustment published in a legal notice versus a $55 million adjustment listed in the meeting agenda. She called for action to enhance budget transparency, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.
Additionally, she criticized the board for denying requests to discuss financing options for the Judicial Court Center, describing it as a missed opportunity for community engagement. This lack of dialogue, she argued, negatively impacts public relations and trust between the board and residents.
Lastly, Duda addressed a 30% increase in trash fees proposed by the Gardnerville Town Board, which she claimed would cost residents and businesses an additional million dollars over two years. She attributed this increase to a lack of transparency regarding salary and benefit allocations, labeling the situation as a deceptive strategy that could burden the community financially.
The discussions at this meeting reflect ongoing concerns among Douglas County residents about the need for greater transparency and communication from their local government, highlighting the importance of these issues in fostering a trusting relationship between officials and the community.
Duda highlighted that the board had not held a joint meeting with the audit committee in December 2023, which traditionally provides vital financial information, including the annual comprehensive financial report. She questioned whether such a meeting was on the schedule, indicating a gap in communication that residents rely on for understanding county finances.
Another major point of concern was the withdrawal of $20.9 million from the investment fund in July 2024, which was reportedly done without prior notification to the community. Duda noted that while some information was shared in October following public inquiries, many questions remained unanswered, underscoring the need for proactive communication from the board.
Duda also pointed out discrepancies in budget adjustments, specifically a $24 million adjustment published in a legal notice versus a $55 million adjustment listed in the meeting agenda. She called for action to enhance budget transparency, which is crucial for maintaining public trust.
Additionally, she criticized the board for denying requests to discuss financing options for the Judicial Court Center, describing it as a missed opportunity for community engagement. This lack of dialogue, she argued, negatively impacts public relations and trust between the board and residents.
Lastly, Duda addressed a 30% increase in trash fees proposed by the Gardnerville Town Board, which she claimed would cost residents and businesses an additional million dollars over two years. She attributed this increase to a lack of transparency regarding salary and benefit allocations, labeling the situation as a deceptive strategy that could burden the community financially.
The discussions at this meeting reflect ongoing concerns among Douglas County residents about the need for greater transparency and communication from their local government, highlighting the importance of these issues in fostering a trusting relationship between officials and the community.
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