An Example of BOE Budgeting

Here's a perfect example of the BOE budgeting technique.

As shown, object 532 is "postage." The records for this account are maintained in Ray Jankowski’s office so they are readily available for inspection.

According to the BOE, the actual expenditure for the 06/07 fiscal year was $43,505. Curiously, however, the records show that the total expenditure for that year was $39,675.20.

The amount budgeted for the current year 07/08 is $60,375. That sum is $16,870 more than the BOE claims was actually spent in 06/07 and $20,700 more than the records show was spent.

The BOE proposed the sum of $62,025 for 08/09. That sum is $1,650 more than the current Budget and $22,349.80 more than the actual expenditure for 06/07.

Here are actual expenditures obtained from Ray Jankowski’s office:
FY 01/02 $29,815.69
FY 02/03 30,413.06
FY 03/04 38,332.11
FY 04/05 38,345.40
FY 05/06 33,099.66
FY 06/07 39,675.20
FY 07/08 year to Jan., 23,032.43; projected: $39,484.16

So if the projection for the current year is correct – it is certainly consonant with experience – the current year was overbudgeted by about 53%!

So would someone please answer these questions:

1) why did the BOE budget $60,375 for the current year knowing that this line hasn’t exceeded $40,000 in 7 years, even with an increase in postal fees?

2) why did the BOE budget $62,025 for next year knowing that this line hasn’t exceeded $40,000 in 7 years even with an increase in postal fees?

3) how many other lines are similarly overbudgeted?

As Councilman Roger Szendy said, all parents know that the BOE's use of e-mail is growing. To this I add that the BOE employs a "courier" and the Town’s mail clerk processes the BOE’s mail.

Hmmm...how much is needed to avoid pay-to-play?