Today, Councilor Loretta Smith expressed serious concerns regarding the preliminary “unbalanced” recommendations released by the City Administrator. She emphasized the importance of transparency, accuracy, and accountability in the budgeting process, highlighting the information provided to the City Council and the public was both incomplete and inadequate.
“The unbalanced nature of the data shared limits our ability to make informed decisions,” said Councilor Smith. “Without a comprehensive understanding of our operating budget—which exceeds $8 billion, including all revenues and expenses—we cannot effectively evaluate or respond to the decision packages outlined in the report.”
As a former County Commissioner, Councilor Smith underscored the significance of the forecasted general fund balance as a fundamental component of any budget review. She noted that these figures, along with restricted fund data, were missing from the report, impeding the Council’s ability to conduct a thorough analysis.
“At a time when many of my colleagues are new to the Council and still familiarizing themselves with the complexities of municipal budgeting. Now is not the time for ambiguity or misdirection—we need clear education, direction, and a complete financial narrative.”
Councilor Smith reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that Portland adopts a balanced budget, calling it one of the Council’s most vital responsibilities.
“As one of the three council members entrusted with this critical task, I take this duty seriously and remain committed to serving the residents of District 1,” she said.
“I look forward to receiving Mayor Wilson’s balanced budget in April and expect to see significant improvements in the transparency and thoroughness of our financial reporting,” Councilor Smith concluded. “The residents of Portland deserve nothing less.”