Council & Mayor Office Spending, Oct 1, 2001-Sept. 30, 2002
| District | Budgeted
Prior yr. bracketed;
Percentage change indicated | Expended
Prior yr. bracketed;
Percentage change indicated | Noteworthy |
| 3 | $398.574
+17.8%($338,191) | $371,157
+10.3%($336,330) | Auto allowance: budgeted $8,400, expended $8,400 |
| 6 | $387,931
+32.3%($278,008) | $369,817
+1.6%($364,012) | Consulting services: budgeted $56,351, expended 0
Car: Ford Expedition SUV (purchased used) budgeted, $5,992, expended $15,790 |
| 2 | $332,960
+13.9%($292,425) | $332,782
+8.7%($306,253) | Car: Saturn L 300 (01 or 02, staff uncertain)
Fleet services: budgeted, $8,468, expended $9,348 |
| 7 | $333,621
+21.6%($274,240) | $329,311
+27%($259,328) | Auto allowance: budgeted $5,400, expended $5,280 |
| 4 | $374,930
+27.3%($294,477) | $320,525
+11%($288,646) | Consulting services: budgeted $10,000, expended 0
Special status consulting: budgeted $6,000, expended 0
Councilman does not take car or auto allowance; staffer receives mileage reimbursement, budgeted $500, expended $1,190 |
| 5 | $315,616
+7.4%($293,897) | $318,283
+8.5%($293,366) | Auto allowance: budgeted $5,400, expended $5,175 |
| 8 | $307,396
+8%($284,703) | $305,095
+10.6%($275,725) | Car: 2001 Chrysler Sebring
Fleet services: budgeted 0, expended $7,932
|
| 1 | $332,793
+16.2%($286,183) | $274,774
-.08%($275,018) | Car: 2000 Chrysler 300M, purchased used
Fleet services: budgeted $8,000, expended: $7,780
|
| 9 | $251,453
-2.0%($256,485) | $253,079
+7.4%($235,531) | Auto allowance: budgeted $5,400, expended $6,385 [caveat: data span current and former incumbent] |
| Mayor | $837,261
+2%($821,588) | $854,980
+5.2%($812,709) | Car: Toyota Avalon (1997-98, staff estimate)
Fleet services: budgeted $8,415, expended $8,468
|
Total Legislative Dept.
(Council + Mayor) | $4,445,562
+12.8%($3,940,254) | $4,306,192 +7.3% ($4,011,190) | |
Additional Information From Councilwoman Richardson
On February 28, Councilwoman Richardson indicated to us that she requested a city vehicle within the range of what she was told other Councilmembers' vehicle expenses were. The city fleet Ford Expedition she drives wasn't a new car but an older vehicle with roughly 30,000-40,000 miles on it.
The Councilwoman indicated at that time that she hadn't reviewed documents showing the detailed line item or comparative expenses for other Council offices, but believes the difference in her vehicle expenses might stem in part from a fender bender in which she was involved (hit a parked car while backing up).
Councilwoman Richardson indicated she receives a form from City Hall on which she keeps track of mileage when the vehicle is not used on city business and submits this form periodically. She indicated she believes other Councilmembers use the same form and submit it when applicable.
Councilwoman Richardson indicated she's had to shuttle between separate events ranging from early morning breakfasts to evening awards dinners and other events throughout LB and other neighboring cities.
Concerning her other Council office expenses (second only to Vice Mayor Frank Colonna in just concluded FY 01-02), Councilwoman Richardson said office expenses result from several factors:
She noted the 6th district is the most diverse district in the most diverse city in America. She indicated her district is roughly 45% Latino, 28% African American, 26% Cambodian.
"I believe it's our responsibility, if we are to represent this diverse district properly, to have a Council office staff representative of the community so we can communicate effectively with the community," Councilwoman Richard said, adding "We have an office staff reflective of the community we serve. If someone calls speaking Spanish or Khmai, it's essential that we communicate effectively, respond properly and provide service for their needs."
She noted that this also includes printing expenses for producing materials in Spanish, Khmai and English.
Councilwoman Richardson also indicated that her district is preparing a Master Plan, something never before done in her part of the city. She noted the work is done with the assistance of Community Development, including outreach at community meetings and at over a dozen neighborhood celebrations at which city information was disseminated. She indicated that toward the end of the budget year, her office received a budget allocation from Community Development reflecting part of this work.
The Councilwoman also noted that preparation of a Central Strategic Guide (concerning events in the Central Redevelopment Project Area) is also in progress.
And Councilwoman Richardson noted that for FY 02-03 (the current budget adopted by the Council in Sept. 02), she reduced her 6th district office budget per the Mayor's request (made to all Council offices).
Councilwoman Richardon added, "It's important to be prudent and work to trim expenses where we can."
It's a Ford Expedition SUV, apparently purchased used.
We've added this information to our chart of comparative Council office expenses (initially posted Jan. 12)...and we repost the chart for quick reference below.