Editorial

Open budget important to the taxpayers

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

A member of the McCook Board of Education, Diane Lyons, and a concerned citizen, Gary Power, are providing a service to the McCook Board of Education and to the citizens of the district with their call for easier and quicker access to school budget details.

In order to make informed decisions -- whether in business or government -- we must first know the facts. As an example, let's say that a member of the school board has a concern about transportation costs.

"The increase in gas prices have me concerned," a board member might say. "I was wondering how much we are spending on bus transportation. How much is the travel to out-of-town sports events costing us? If the gas prices continue at their current levels, should we limit the number of trips?"

It would be a legitimate concern and a legitimate question. But without all the facts, it would be difficult to determine what action should be taken.

The same logic applies to all phases of the school operation. Yes, the school operation is complex. Yes, there are many facets to it. But it is still possible to have a good handle on spending, whether it be a district-wide responsibility, such as repayment of bonds, or a single building expense, such as natural gas use at Central Elementary.

We're talking about a lot of money here. The school's total expenditure budget for 2005-06 is $19,950,616.25. Of that, $4,813,293.65 will come from local property taxes.

One of the school board's responsibilities is to be stewards of our money; to keep a close watch on expenditures to make certain tax dollars are being spent as wisely and well as possible.

To their credit, members of the McCook Board of Education are studying the budget issues, attempting to come up with a plan and process to aid the board in analysis of spending trends. Tom Bredvick, a new board member with an accounting background, is leading the committee, with input from Peggy Ruppert, the school's new business manager.

We look forward to their recommendations for improving the budget process. As a state and as a district, we spend more for education than any other public service. As Mrs. Lyons and Power point out, it is important that the school system -- and all other government entities -- do so as openly and efficiently as possible.

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