Councilmembers Spar Over University City's Financial Picture

University City Councilman Byron Price took aim at City Manager Lehman Walker at Monday night's council meeting.

"He cannot do carte blanche, willy nilly what he wants to do," said Price. The two men differ over the City's financial picture. Councilman Price adamantly objects to Walker's belief that the City is in dire financial straits.

"I don't trust you (Mayor Shelley Welsch) and I don't trust him (City Manager Lehman Walker)," said Price. "I'm not going to let him run this City in the ground," said Price, referring to the city manager.

University City has at least 10 million dollars in reserve funds. Price sees nothing wrong with dipping into the funds. "Times are hard, that's what the savings account is for," he said. 

Walker said when you spend more than you take in and your only option is to use your reserves "I consider you to be in dire financial straits." 

Walker will present the City Council with a draft budget on February 28th.

Price's comments came during discussion of a resolution concerning the State Auditors work. The resolution thanked the auditor and said the City looked forward to the audit being made public.

"The audit was not free," said Price. "It cost $80,000 and they got paid. " Price thought it ridiculous to praise an audit residents had yet to see. "We can’t even talk to you about what was in it," he said.

 Councilman Stephen Kraft said the resolution was meant to reassure residents that “their tax dollars are being carefully managed."