(April 24, 2003) -- Just days after LB Councilmembers wrestled over remedies for a deficit stemming from Council-budgeted spending exceeding revenue -- worsened by Council-voted increases approved (and not re-examined) after 9-11-01 for the 2002 budget year -- 4th district Councilman Dennis Carroll's office spent $5,260.92 for a Mission Sofa and two Mission Morris Chairs.

The Mission sofa (wood with green leather) cost LB taxpayers $2,999.99, plus two Mission arm chairs (likewise wood with green leather, totaling $1,799.98 at $899.99 each), plus a $60 delivery charge plus $400.95 sales tax.

The sales agreement with a local furniture store, signed by Carroll Council office staffer John McNaughton, is dated September 30, 2002, the last day of the 2002 fiscal year. The item was reflected among Carroll's office expenditures for the (then concluding) 2002 fiscal year. Funds budgeted in one fiscal year are not generally "carried over" into the next fiscal year and if not expended could otherwise be returned to the General Fund.

The documents, and others reflecting spending by various Council offices for FY 01-02 (the latter posted by LBReport.com in January '03) were obtained under state freedom of information law by Stearns Park Neighborhood Association President Traci Wilson-Kleekmap.

Ms. Wilson-Kleekmamp provided the documents to LBReport.com and other media outlets. Carroll's expenditure for the couch/chairs was first reported today by Los Angeles Times reporters Jean Merl and Nancy Wride describing spending by several LB Council offices.

Carroll Council office aide John McNaughton previously told LBReport.com the new sofa and chairs replaced badly worn furniture dating back to former 4th district Councilman Tom Clark who preceded Del Roosevelt (whom Carroll replaced) in that office.

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Flashback -- Three Years Ago: Candidate Dennis Carroll At Los Altos Election Forum, Early 2000