Gary Van Meter and Kathy Hecht, candidates for Athens city auditor in the November election, predicted tough times ahead for the city of Athens at the candidate forum last night in the Athens Public Library.
Van Meter, a republican running as an independent, has been serving as auditor since May 2003 after former City Auditor Matt Mason left to serve in the military. He said the biggest financial challenge Athens faces is just getting through the next few years.
The city will probably have less then $400,000 carried over to next year because of the stalled economy and state cuts. The water and sewer funds also are in trouble, he said.
Things are going to be tight next year
Van Meter said. It's not going to be easy.
Hecht, a democrat who is currently serving on Athens City Council, said Athens has done well handling money, but funds are becoming depleted. The city will have to make cuts after examining where spending is mandated and postponing long-term projects until more money is available.
It's a challenge to keep family and household going Hecht said in regard to the tough financial times.
Hecht said she would resign her position in the library if elected and give the position her full-time attention.
The auditor supervises the Income Tax Department and oversees the Athens city payroll, accounts payable and fixed assets.
When describing the duties of the auditor, Van Meter said the city funds are like a pie. The auditor doesn't decide how to cut it up Van Meter said. I do determine the size of the pie.
Hecht said a lot of people do not understand what the auditor does and she would welcome questions anytime in her office.
Van Meter also valued public input and said without their trust the auditor could not function.
Hecht said a common misconception the public has about the auditor is that he or she handles money; the auditor just manages it, looks for problems in city budget and tries to correct them.
Van Meter disagreed and said the auditor does handle money because many checks come through the office and he personally approves city purchase orders.
Both candidates also discussed their experiences and qualifications.
Van Meter said he would use his experience in the Army's Finance and Accounting Office and the experience he has gained in the office to help council make the tough decisions it faces. He is comfortable in the job and has not taken his responsibility lightly.
Hecht said she has an ability to see the bigger picture and will cover every detail in the office. She would bring the professionalism and leadership she has gained through her experiences as a council member, area leader, mother and librarian if elected to the auditor position and she downplayed Van Meter's experience.
Remember a few months in office doesn't make you an auditor
Hecht said.
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