To the editor:

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary, “reserves” is something kept back or stored up, as for later use. “To reserve,” according to Webster, means to set apart for later or “special” use.

The city of Cape Coral has two reserves: “Undesignated Reserves and Designated Reserves.” “Undesignated Reserves” is money that can be used for unexpected expenses or disaster responses, among other things. “Designated Reserves” is money that is already appropriated.

Appropriated for what?? How much money is in the “Designated Reserves?” Don’t you want to know? It’s our money! After city officials grabbed $8.3 million out of the city’s reserve fund, on Sept. 3 at a public hearing and tentatively passed the 2009 budget, only “about” $13.4 million remains in the “Undesignated Reserves.” What a shame!

The state of Florida recommends twice that amount, or “about” $26.8 million. Don’t we live in Florida? Why can the Cape’s city officials go against the recommendations of the state?

Contact your city council representative and express yourself! The next public hearing regarding the 2009 budget is scheduled for Sept. 17 at 5 p.m. in council chambers. Get involved! At this rate, no money will be available in the “Undesignated Reserves.”

Somehow, the man who keeps asking for “more guidance” from city council, can’t find a way to cut expenses, other than depleting the Undesignated Reserve fund. What happened to “those who have invested a lifetime of education, training and experience in government operations and finance?”

By the way, I thought that about $4.5 million was needed, so why the withdrawal of $8.3 million from the Undesignated Reserves? Forgive me for thinking!

When asked to consider eliminating “company vehicles,” city manager Terry Stewart downplayed the monetary savings, mentioning that only “about” 20 vehicles are in this category and the usage of those vehicles is strictly monitored. (Company vehicles other than police and fire department.) Little savings? Twenty vehicles at a cost of “only” $20,000 per vehicle equals $400,000. Did I multiply correctly? How about the cost of gas, maintenance and insurance? Strictly monitored? Stringent rules and regulations? Am I to believe the none of these 20 vehicles are used for personal use? Back and forth to work? Getting groceries?

Let’s lead by example. Eliminate company vehicles! Belt-tightening must start at the top! Do you agree? Let your city council representative know your feelings.

The “Give a Hoot” award goes to councilmen Brandt and Deile for voting “No” to the tentative 2009 budget which included depleting the Undesignated Reserves by $8.3 million. A great big “thank you” to Sal Grosso for his research and insight into Cape Coral’s runaway spending.

Erick Kuehn

Cape Coral