Open Government

We had two residents provide important testimony at the workshop the Eureka Springs Council held on the 12th, on raising water/sewer rates.

They suggested that the administration publish Council materials on the internet before Council meetings.

They had been confused, they said, by the discussions on raising the water/sewer rates because of lack of information, and the difficulty of understanding things without background.

We could hardly blame them. The terminology is unfamiliar to many. The Finance Director does not have necessary figures at hand. And the background is a confusing array of issues twirling around in rates, bonds, interest, having enough or not having enough– not to mention some actual legal issues, along with the blaming and scapegoating going on.

The City Should Move forward on the Idea

The Mayor said that she would speak to Don Matt, who puts materials on the internet. We called the next day to see what progress had been made. Matt told us that we were the first to have mentioned anything. He asked what kinds of materials. We said ordinances, and background; financial reports; whatever might be controversial.

Matt said he would put up whatever he could. He thought quarterly financial reports might be a good idea– if he could develop the expertise needed to post Excel sheets on the internet. I have a volunteer or two in mind– even better if they could be paid a pittance to train Matt.

Right now we’re waiting for further developments on the Mayor’s part. We think the move would be a good one, not only for us but for Council.

Council has been concerned over getting materials at the last minute, before time to educate themselves on the issues. An internet posting of most things 3-4 days in advance would go a long way toward remedying that problem.

Open government will also bring residents more knowledgeably into the issues of the day. More power to the idea.