Editor,
The monthly budget my husband and I use helps us not only reflect on our spending but also helps keep ourselves in check. Having both of us look over monthly spending provides us a quick and easy check and balance.
Reading about the multi-million dollar cost overrun on the luxury hotel project made me wonder if we have an independent consultant who oversees large capital projects for our city. I am sure we have city officials watching things, but a fresh set of eyes who is not hired by the city’s leadership might be something to consider in order to help monitor spending.
As a former school principal, we had outside auditors come in once a quarter to review the school’s accounts. It was invaluable to have their expertise guide us as we worked to be fiscally responsible with taxpayers’ money. Does it make sense to spend a few thousand dollars to identify when spending is running high? This way, the city leaders could meet with the contractors to review what could be done to slow down costs.
I am grateful for the work of our mayor and city council to value every dollar from taxpayers; just wondering if we need someone outside of our elected leadership to keep an eye on capital-project spending.
Shelley Carey, Carmel
