Entry 108 of 166
By Confounded in Christiansburg On May 12 at 9:30 AM
A balanced budget is a wonderful thing. When existing obligations are met utilizing available resources and there are some reserve funds remaining, this can be a sign of strong and effective fiscal management. 

But, is anyone else wondering how the Town of Christiansburg’s budget moved from a "$2.6 million deficit" to "balanced" – while adding millions in expenditures - in the course of a week?

Instant Money
This happened even though the budget changed from bare-bones, with no new capital projects or personnel (except aquatic center), to adding a half-million dollars in street paving and $1.2 million for a wastewater plant upgrade. Plus, funding to numerous non-profits was restored, and a grant request presented the previous night to assist a local historic church replacing its roof was included. 

Paving and wastewater treatment are basic needs in every town. Libraries, museums and historic buildings enhance our quality of life. It's great to see all of these things in the budget. However, the budget presentation is still sloppy, and questions about the town's "accounting software problems" and personnel allocation have not been addressed.

Sliver of Sunshine
The NR Current quoted Council Member Mike Barber saying "This has never happened that I know of," about the budget work session. Indeed, things are changing for the better in Christiansburg.

What changed in the week between April 30 and May 7? Did someone on staff learn to use the accounting software, and suddenly all became clear? Congrats to the staffer, if that is the case.

While we may not fully understand Christiansburg's technique of presenting a budget, we at least get to see the proposed budget (although not on the Town’s web site). It's time to keep the budget balanced by supporting it with properly deployed software, implementation of generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regular review and questioning by both council members and town residents.