2/29/2008
Dear Friends:
There is a lot of public discussion regarding the West Main Street project and Millikin University. I want to make sure you understand my position and the reasons for it. I'm confident that my efforts will result in saving you, the taxpayers, several hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When the City staff first presented the West Main project, they were given a budget by the Council. When they brought the project back for funding, it was over budget about $400,000. Councilman Laegeler and I voted against spending so much money on one street project. Interestingly, the staff didn't disclose the additional $300,000 we were obligated for to match the $1.5 Million federal grant Millikin University secured for their project.
Now, after a year of planning, the City has presented to the Council bits and pieces of a plan that is at least $500,000 over our original obligation. This plan includes expensive elements that a Millikin spokesperson now agrees they can do without.
Now you know why I'm questioning this project in its current form. My objection is the same as before. The City has presented a project that well exceeds our budget - again. Instead of being cost conscious, they are trying to push through this project piecemeal, withholding the full scope and expected cost.
I support a reasonable and necessary project that will meet the needs of Millikin. I will also defend the tax payers of Decatur from wasteful and poorly thought out spending. Significant projects that are not fully vetted with the Council and the community will not be supported. We don't have unlimited resources and must carefully choose the projects we invest in.
Dan Caulkins
Councilman
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