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A few months ago I wrote that questions were raised about the budget carry-over being unknown. I titled it, The West Easton Fudget Budget, because it didn’t make sense.

Councilman Dan DePaul perceived something amiss with the lack of carry-over money from 2014 being presented in the budget. He surmised there should be plenty of money from 2014 and even more money than the previous year. Note we started the beginning of 2014 with $779,804.

Enough to offer taxpaying residents a rebate, suggested DePaul.

Mayor Gross called it, “Fools Gold.” Thankfully, I recorded that meeting.

Mayor Gross went on to say, “much of that money will be used for line items in the budget.” No tax rebate.

The relief of lowering the senior citizen age from 65 to 62 1/2 for a reduction of the quarterly sewer/garbage bill had died months before, never discussed at a council meeting, under the guise of budget concerns.

The $165K saved from not having to pay the City of Easton for police coverage was burned through on expenditures. The 2.2 mil rate increase was presented to residents as necessary. Doom, gloom, and money troubles.

The budget was passed at the last council meeting in December.

What’s beginning to make sense is why appointed councilman, Paul James, decided not to run for election to a council seat. The man was thrown into the fire as head of the finance committee and probably noticed the screwed up numbers he was being given to work with. No wonder he told me he was, “disgusted.”

In the audit shown above, the demand of, “Show me the money!” has been answered.

END OF YEAR: CASH AND INVESTMENTS AT COST $1,278,857.

I understand it’s good for a borough to have a rainy day fund and extra cash on hand, but to raise the mil rate 2.2 in anticipation of a tsunami?

There’s plenty of money in the coffers. Enough to buy 55 gallon drums of lube for every ass that owns a home in West Easton.

UPDATE 4/4/15 for clarification.