By: Libi Uremovic , November 21, 2013 | Original Article at Patch.com
The Financial Transactions & Compensation Report is a yearly requirement of the State Controller’s Office. It is a basic recording of all the City’s Revenue and Expenses for the fiscal year. Below is a comparison of the City of Beaumont’s Financial Transaction Reports for the years ending 2011, 2012, & 2013 for the Sewer Fund.
In the last three years the population of the City of Beaumont has grown and sewer fees have increased, yet the Reports show that revenue has declined in the past three years: 2011 = $4,181,310; 2012 = $4,151,811; and 2013 = $4,036,740.
Sewer Connection fees increased from $74,124 in 2011 to $433,096 in 2012 and $384,050 in 2013. $400,000 in connection fees in 2012 should have produced an increase in sewer service charges in 2013.
Treatment and Disposal Plant Expenses fluctuated: $2,322,268 in 2011; $3,289,382 in 2012; and $2,4022,944 in 2013.
Administrative Expenses steadily increased $100,000/year for the past three years: 2011 = $400,000; 2012 = $500,000; and 2013 = $600,000.
The sewer would operate at a surplus if the City wasn’t grossly overstating Depreciation Expenses. 2011 = $2,337,527; 2012 = $2,341,482; and 2013 = $2,457,649.