By Andrea Vasquez
The Edgewood Commission tackled a range of issues at its Feb. 11 meeting, including financial accountability, infrastructure development and community development.
Commissioner Patrick Milligan initiated a call for a comprehensive forensic audit of the town’s legal bills, citing significant discrepancies. This prompted a broader discussion among the commissioners regarding overseeing legal spending and implementing stricter procedures for engaging legal counsel. A resolution was subsequently approved to enhance financial accountability in this area
“I’ve noticed some serious discrepancies in the town’s legal billing, and I am publicly calling for a full forensic audit of all our bills,” said Milligan.
A resolution was approved to establish stricter procedures for requesting legal counsel and ensuring financial accountability.
The call for the audit comes as the town also deals with a high volume of public records requests (IPRAs).
Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Jones reported an “exorbitant amount” of these requests, straining the town’s resources. To improve efficiency in managing IPRAs, the town is considering hiring a company called Next Request at an annual cost of $16,000. Jones said this would be more efficient than the current process.
“When you add up how much time it takes for all of us, this is the way to go,” Jones said.
Town Manager Nina McCracken highlighted the necessity of establishing clear road standards for Edgewood. Acknowledging the current lack of such standards, McCracken confirmed that the town is actively developing a transparent system for maintaining various types of roads, including paved, chip-sealed, and dirt. Commissioner Stephen Murillo proposed a community workshop to gather public input.
The animal control department received a boost with the approval of a $42,150 grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The commission also approved a budget adjustment to purchase a new shelter vehicle, prompted by transmission issues with the existing one, and to fund a “soft expansion” of the shelter’s enclosure area. The potential for accessing a $10 million state fund for rural animal shelters was also discussed.
The meeting also included discussions on developing a solid waste ordinance and a water utility and wholesale ordinance.
“We’re working on our 40-year water study, but before we can even look at acquiring water for the town, we have to know how much we need,” McCracken said.
During the public comment period, Eugene Baro brought up Dillon’s Rule, which limits local governments’ powers to those granted by the state. Baro suggested the town could gain more autonomy by adopting a home rule charter, which would allow the town to govern itself more independently from state control as long as it follows state and federal laws. If the state does not grant permission, the town cannot make its own rules.
“A small town government is probably better off following the rules, kicking out of the political stuff, and providing the services to the small community of safety, prosperity, economic growth, health care, things like that,” said Baro.
Other topics covered in the meeting included expanding the North Central Regional Transit District (NCRTD “Blue Bus”) service, delays in federal grant reimbursements and updates on construction projects, such as new bathrooms at Echo Ridge Park.
The next commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. at City Hall in council chambers.