Recently, fellow columnist and Vice Chair of the Peachtree City Planning Commission Kenneth Hammer wrote a column about “myths” about Peachtree City’s budget process. Five Myths About Peachtree City’s Budget | The Citizen

While I have read the column a few times, I do not see many myths as much as differences of opinion. For example, Mr. Hammer defends the 60% reserve held by Peachtree City as “conservative”. However, he also admits that the “The Government Finance Officers Association (GOFA) recommends maintaining at least two months’ worth of operating expenses in reserves.” However, 2 months of a twelve-month year comes to 16.67% or over three times the recommended reserves. That is not a myth, that’s math.

However, he does add “Communities with extensive infrastructure and aging facilities—like Peachtree City—are encouraged to hold even more.” But reasonable people can wonder if “even more” should equal more than three times the minimum suggested reserve without be accused of misleading people. 

In my previous columns I have questioned the 15% reserves of the Coweta County Schools. Given, the above, it seems almost reasonable. But as I said above, part of this question comes down to one’s perspective.

Without exact detail, I can presume that when you exclude retirement savings, few taxpayers have savings that would cover sixty percent of the household budget. For those taxpayers whose saving is not so high, I think they would prefer to have their money in their account versus a governmental account. 

The Civic Federation did an excellent analysis of the question of GOFA’s position on reserves. One conclusion came down to which team were you on? Taxpayer or government.

Having worked in the finance department of two governmental agencies (Atlanta Housing Authority and Mobile Housing Board), I can testify that an appointed Planning Commission member such as Mr. Hammer or Superintendent of School such as CCSS’s Dr. Horton would prefer to have unrestricted and unencumbered cash at the ready.

Unrestricted means that the source does not limit the use of cash. For example, in schools, money for lunches must be used for food. Unencumbered means that cash is not slotted for a particular project or use. In other words, a pile of cash to use however, whenever. Without these reserves the government would have to raise taxes or come to the voters for a bond issuance. Unfortunately, its human nature to pursue the path of least resistance.

For example, Mr. Hammer correctly points to the adherence of strict project discipline on the SPLOST projects currently underway I agree. However, I made the same arguments about FCBOE’s adherence of the ESPLOST project until they did not. After SPLOST III was passed by the voters, the FCBOE took $40M + to build brand new Booth Middle with no notice to voters. They cited the “Marsha Brady rule” or “something suddenly came up” Fayette ESPLOST leader blows whistle on Board of Education for Booth deception | The Citizen .

Some will argue that the ends justified the means, but I disagree. SPLOST can be used to address maintenance without a sixty percent reserve. The projects would not be as impressive, but the taxpayers would not need such a reserve. Again, this is not misleading but a different way to do things. 

But curiously, this is the second column that Mr. Hammer has chosen to ‘analyze” Mr. Eric Imker. In my twenty-one years living in Peachtree City, I have both supported and opposed Mr. Imker’s many candidacies. In my experience, his financial analysis has been long winded, but his details have not come up as misleading or inaccuarate. 

I appreciate that Mr. Imker has consistently offered himself for service even though he has lost before. Not many are willing to step up and step onto the stage. But what has always gotten my attention is that Mr. Imker has won an election and made many runoffs which shows there is at least a segment of the city who believes in him and his viewpoint. 

To remind all, my wife and I moved to the Cresswind in Coweta County last year. My point here is not to support or oppose a candidate but rather provide perspective. In conclusion, Mr. Hammer and I come to agreement. He states,” When answers raise red flags, you are likely hearing bad information—whether from someone who is genuinely confused or someone deliberately trying to mislead you. When that happens, hold the person appropriately accountable because, when an untruth goes unchallenged, it sows confusion and undermines the foundation of our local democracy.” But I will add, just because someone disagrees with you does not make that a liar or misleader.Recently, fellow columnist and Vice Chair of the Peachtree City Planning Commission Kenneth Hammer wrote a column about “myths” about Peachtree City’s budget process. Five Myths About Peachtree City’s Budget | The Citizen

While I have read the column a few times, I do not see many myths as much as differences of opinion. For example, Mr. Hammer defends the 60% reserve held by Peachtree City as “conservative”. However, he also admits that the “The Government Finance Officers Association (GOFA) recommends maintaining at least two months’ worth of operating expenses in reserves.” However, 2 months of a twelve-month year comes to 16.67% or over three times the recommended reserves. That is not a myth, that’s math.

However, he does add “Communities with extensive infrastructure and aging facilities—like Peachtree City—are encouraged to hold even more.” But reasonable people can wonder if “even more” should equal more than three times the minimum suggested reserve without be accused of misleading people. 

In my previous columns I have questioned the 15% reserves of the Coweta County Schools. Given, the above, it seems almost reasonable. But as I said above, part of this question comes down to one’s perspective.

Without exact detail, I can presume that when you exclude retirement savings, few taxpayers have savings that would cover sixty percent of the household budget. For those taxpayers whose saving is not so high, I think they would prefer to have their money in their account versus a governmental account. 

The Civic Federation did an excellent analysis of the question of GOFA’s position on reserves. One conclusion came down to which team were you on? Taxpayer or government.

Having worked in the finance department of two governmental agencies (Atlanta Housing Authority and Mobile Housing Board), I can testify that an appointed Planning Commission member such as Mr. Hammer or Superintendent of School such as CCSS’s Dr. Horton would prefer to have unrestricted and unencumbered cash at the ready.

Unrestricted means that the source does not limit the use of cash. For example, in schools, money for lunches must be used for food. Unencumbered means that cash is not slotted for a particular project or use. In other words, a pile of cash to use however, whenever. Without these reserves the government would have to raise taxes or come to the voters for a bond issuance. Unfortunately, its human nature to pursue the path of least resistance.

For example, Mr. Hammer correctly points to the adherence of strict project discipline on the SPLOST projects currently underway I agree. However, I made the same arguments about FCBOE’s adherence of the ESPLOST project until they did not. After SPLOST III was passed by the voters, the FCBOE took $40M + to build brand new Booth Middle with no notice to voters. They cited the “Marsha Brady rule” or “something suddenly came up” Fayette ESPLOST leader blows whistle on Board of Education for Booth deception | The Citizen .

Some will argue that the ends justified the means, but I disagree. SPLOST can be used to address maintenance without a sixty percent reserve. The projects would not be as impressive, but the taxpayers would not need such a reserve. Again, this is not misleading but a different way to do things. 

But curiously, this is the second column that Mr. Hammer has chosen to ‘analyze” Mr. Eric Imker. In my twenty-one years living in Peachtree City, I have both supported and opposed Mr. Imker’s many candidacies. In my experience, his financial analysis has been long winded, but his details have not come up as misleading or inaccuarate. 

I appreciate that Mr. Imker has consistently offered himself for service even though he has lost before. Not many are willing to step up and step onto the stage. But what has always gotten my attention is that Mr. Imker has won an election and made many runoffs which shows there is at least a segment of the city who believes in him and his viewpoint. 

To remind all, my wife and I moved to the Cresswind in Coweta County last year. My point here is not to support or oppose a candidate but rather provide perspective. In conclusion, Mr. Hammer and I come to agreement. He states,” When answers raise red flags, you are likely hearing bad information—whether from someone who is genuinely confused or someone deliberately trying to mislead you. When that happens, hold the person appropriately accountable because, when an untruth goes unchallenged, it sows confusion and undermines the foundation of our local democracy.” But I will add, just because someone disagrees with you does not make that a liar or misleader.