I have recently read letters in the Daily State News, written by Mr. William Faust and others, regarding requests for accountability by Dover leaders when it comes to spending taxpayer dollars. Mr. Faust has brought up some good questions and concerns, especially in reference to the water/wastewater rate study results and recommendations, which I believe will impose unaffordable fees on residents in the next fiscal budget. Further, I have noticed this past year that we have seen additional fees and increases in service charges on our utility bills, which have become very costly for too many of us, to include our older adult population on fixed incomes.
Mr. Faust wrote Feb. 27, “Is the Downtown Dover Partnership a prudent and feasible task at this point in time or is it just a big money pit? So far, the city has poured $150,000 into this project every year. Now, the partnership is requiring/asking for $25,000 a year for an accountant. Shouldn’t the partnership be picking up this cost and not the citizens of Dover? The governor has given approximately $20 million toward this project, which still has not gotten off the ground” (“Downtown Dover Partnership is failing us”). I respectfully agree with Mr. Faust’s comments.
After reading the published letters and watching the official business transactions of City Council on TV, I am suggesting an independent audit by the state auditor of all major city projects, due to all the revenue issues the city has experienced over the past two years, as well as the increased fees being added this year and the proposed increases in water/wastewater, sewer and electricity rates for the next fiscal year. I believe an independent audit will ensure that the funds are being used correctly and should show if there are any budget shortfalls.
Rosemary Zacher
Dover
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