I read about an issue with the Town of Welsh and their budget. The town had created a separate bank account for funds collected for fines. I found it odd because normally fines and fees go into the general account and then are transferred out so that the city can provide documentation, through their budget, of the money and what it is being used for.
I made a public records request to look at the budget, a detailed accounting of the bank account in question, and minutes from the meetings where the creation of the account was approved by council. My little grand daughter came with me to review the records and quietly listened as the clerk yelled at us. She was terrified.
I was given most of the records I had requested although the budget didn't have a budget message explaining the mayor's plan for the year and I didn't find the amendments to the budget that I asked for.
Im not sure why she was so freaked out but my guess is that this public servant was confused about who works for whom. This is a typical strategy used by public entities to try and intimidate people from looking at the record. They want to control the message and we are not allowed to question them.
Welsh Town Hall (337)734-2231 Stephanie Benoit
