Budget, Utility Tax: Florissant Council Candidates Answer Your Questions

This week, we’re moving forward with your questions to candidates, and for this round, we’ve got answers to balancing the budget and lowering the city utility tax.

Are you in favor of balancing the budget without tapping into reserve funds?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: I have run my own business for over 22 years, and like many other residents, have operated my personal home finances. When there is only so much money coming in one cannot spend more. The whole intent of the budget is to stick within those guidelines. Reserves are strictly for emergencies. The last 14 years on the Hazelwood Board of Education serve as my testament as to sticking with the approved budget and not spending reserves.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: We need to take a look at all of our options when creating the upcoming budget. We have to learn how to do more with less and make cuts in those areas that are not going to endanger public safety.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: Tax revenues for Florissant are down due to several tough economic factors. As a city, we are currently borrowing from our reserves to balance the budget. I believe we can do better. Just as ordinary people are learning to “tighten our belts,” our local city government must learn to do the same. We need to find areas that will save money now to prepare for what could be tougher years still ahead. Stopping this practice of borrowing is critical for Florissant to remain a financially sound city.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: As a CPA I would certainly recommend working within the current revenues and not tapping into the reserve funds. There may be circumstances which dictate utilizing the reserve funds but for the development of the City’s operating budget I do not think they should be considered a source of funding. If, throughout a particular year something requires additional funding then the reserve funds may be the source to cover those needs. 

Pat Stinett, Ward 6: Yes, I am in favor of a balanced budget without the use of reserve funds. Unlike the federal government, the Missouri Constitution requires maintaining a balanced budget. 

Are you in favor of lowering the utility tax? 

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: Yes! Although there is a required process. Lowering the utility tax incrementally as we work on the city budget. Waste and inefficiencies within the city budget must be addressed. Cutting the budget is a very difficult and nerve-racking task. But it can be done, and unfortunately, it may be painful in some areas. Then it is a matter of the council to oversee that the administration learns how to work within that set budget. Once that is accomplished, the reduction of taxes is the next step.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: As we fight our way out of this recession, we need to take a look at areas that we can cut taxes in order to save our citizens, especially those who are on fixed incomes, such as our seniors, more money. I would be willing to take a look at all of these areas and examine the viability of making cuts.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: The ever increasing cost of living in Florissant is a big issue of concern for me. We have many residents who are struggling because they live on a fixed income, are unemployed or underemployed. We need to help residents get through these difficult economic times by reducing their tax burden as much as possible. I am in favor of lowering the utility tax.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I would certainly be open to reviewing the utility tax. I would need to know the economic impact on the city and the number of residents affected by the tax. 

Pat Stinett, Ward 6: As with most Americans, I fully support the lowering of any and all taxes. As circumstances warrant, I would be open to a reduction. That being said, we must also face the reality that if we reduce revenue from one source we must then raise that revenue elsewhere or cut services. I am happy to reduce wasteful spending, but do not want to leave citizens at risk by cutting back on police protection or not paving streets.