Who's Looking After the Money?

One of the more important issues in the upcoming election is that of ‘fiscal responsibility.’ Basically, it is important to Calgarians that their tax money is being spent wisely and efficiently; or more to the point, that their money is being spent properly. Calgarians understand that taxes are inevitable. Governments need money to build infrastructure, run programs and to keep the City running. But, most people are not happy with how their money is being spent. Are the right projects being built? Are they being built properly, and are they following the right procedures? Unfortunately the answer isn’t always yes.

Recent things in Calgary that haven’t followed this line of reasoning include ‘pre-approving’ the Police budget, and everybody’s favourite topic, the sole-sourcing of the Peace Bridge. In both these instances, it seems nobody was looking out for the lowly taxpayer in the process. The Police are obviously a very important part of the municipal government, and a necessary expenditure. However, this does not mean they should be given carte-blanche in their budgeting. Like every department, the Police need to look at how they can become more efficient in their spending, to ensure Calgarians are getting the biggest bang for their buck.

With the Peace Bridge, we need to look at the process of how infrastructure projects are being done. While I can understand the desire to build a ‘nice’ piece of architecture, as a work of art, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t have been a more competitive process. Having an open bid would have allowed for perhaps a better price on the design, and would have offered a myriad of design options for Council to choose from. Just as you wouldn’t go to one dealership, to look at one model of car before buying, this bridge shouldn’t have had only one option.

To fix this problem, we need to look at two different things. First off, we need to fix the auditor situation. After the firing of the City’s internal auditor last year, people really started to take notice of possible wrong-doings at City Hall. It is apparent now, that the City needs to have its’ books looked at every year, by an external auditor. An external auditor, who doesn’t answer to the Mayor or Aldermen would be a start to ensuring Council takes responsibility for its use of taxpayer dollars, and makes sure the right projects are being done properly.

Secondly, we need to start using zero-based budgeting, where each City department would have to justify its’ expenditures to Council each year. Those departments that are running an effective and efficient operation would perhaps be in line for more funding, while those that are the opposite would need to re-look at how they do things, if that are to continue being funded at the same rate. Simply, we need to stop throwing good money after bad. Having to justify their budgets each year would lead to more accountability within every City department and give Calgarians the ‘bargain’ they’re looking for.

The City will always have projects that need building and programs that need funding, so let’s make sure our tax dollars are being spent in everybody’s best interests and are being spent as efficiently as possible. Council needs to have a transparent budgeting process, and right now the tools to make that a reality aren’t in place.


-The Butcher

www.billythebutcher.com
www.twitter.com/billtummonds