Red Bank Commission met Tuesday, October 15. The following day, commissioners received an email from our city manager with an attachment from the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury stating that “expenditures exceeding budget appropriations for several departments." From Mr. Wood with the Comptroller's office regarding the FY 2023 budget, the commissioners need to "monitor overspending."
Ruth Jeno, a former Red Bank commissioner, contacted city hall inquiring about the budget certificate after reviewing the Comptroller’s website.
Was this the prompt to notify the commissioners?
The city of Red Bank has been commended and earned budget certificates in the past; however, not FY 2023. The city manager and commissioners are disappointed. Accountability is one requirement for fiscal responsibility. Our mayor said she forwarded the communication to city manager with no further dialogue with other commissioners.
Another concern is why did commissioners learn about the state's communication four months later? We had seven commission meetings in that time period. I was told by the city manager that he “read the first paragraph of the letter” that the 2024-2025 budget had been accepted and approved.
After conversations with our mayor and city manager, I remain curious with a questionable attitude about the timeline. Furthermore, how would Red Bank residents learn about this oversight to 'monitor overspending'?
All Red Bank residents deserve to know budgeted and unbudgeted spending with their taxpayer dollars.
Stand for Red Bank
Jamie Fairbanks-Harvey