Below is the online editorial from today’s Globe:
In our view: Neosho needs trust
The city of Neosho is to be commended for releasing more information to the public in the wake of its confession about the depth of its financial woes.
Unfortunately, the information is only raising more questions, many of them troublesome.
We are troubled that anyone at the city would even consider the possibility of a property tax without a vote of the people. Even if the letter of the law would allow it, we think the spirit of the law and a respect for the citizens demand a public vote.
We are troubled that City Manager Jan Blase can make a statement like: “I’m not convinced the public isn’t liking what they’re seeing.”
The city has laid off people. It has cut its budget and some services. It has misused a state loan and other funds. It has to borrow more money. It faces a financial crisis.
We see no evidence that the people of Neosho like any of this.
The city administration needs to get plugged in to what its residents want. It will need them to get out of this crisis.
A state audit is sorely needed, unfortunately that is going to take some time, and the city needs answers now. The best course for city leaders is absolute transparency, no matter how bad the news. Regaining public trust has to start somewhere.
In our view, it would be wrong, if not illegal, for city leaders to impose any type of property tax now or later without a vote of the people.
Unlike Blase, we are convinced that the people do not like what they are seeing.
Thank you for posting this Richard. And thank you for your work.
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