By Vince Phillips
The Salida City Council has placed a troubling item on its April 7 consent agenda. Consent agendas are supposed to be reserved for routine, non-controversial matters that require no discussion, things like approving previous minutes or paying standard bills. The Consent agenda is never intended to be used for politically sensitive or controversial items that deserve full public debate.
Yet that is exactly what appears to be happening. The item is an ordinance that would impose new attendance and reporting requirements aimed squarely at the City Treasurer. This is not routine government housekeeping. It is a thinly veiled attempt by the mayor, council majority and staff to pressure or sideline an independently elected official who has consistently advocated for fiscal responsibility while they continue down a path of tax-and-spend policies.
Ben Gilling is a good and conscientious public servant. He was elected by the voters of Salida to watch over the city’s money carefully and to ask the hard questions that need to be asked. In a city that has committed itself to a massive 30-year financial obligation with the new fire station, having a Treasurer who actually cares about fiscal discipline is not a problem. It is a necessity.
Making matters worse, Finance Director Aimee Tihonovich is retiring in May, and her assistant has already left. With experienced finance staff walking out the door, an independent and experienced Treasurer is more important than ever. Instead of supporting that stability, the council appears intent on undermining an elected official who has been willing to push back on unchecked spending.
As a statutory city, Salida operates under strict limits set by state law. It is highly questionable whether the City Council even has the legal authority to pass an ordinance that targets and attempts to discipline another independently elected official. The Treasurer is not a city employee who serves at the pleasure of the council. He was elected by the voters. Using a council vote to impose special rules and potential penalties on him sets a dangerous precedent that could be used against any future elected official who refuses to fall in line.
As a statutory city, Salida operates under strict limits set by state law. It is highly questionable whether the City Council even has the legal authority to pass an ordinance that targets and attempts to discipline another independently elected official. The Treasurer is not a city employee who serves at the pleasure of the council. He was elected by the voters. Using a council vote to impose special rules and potential penalties on him sets a dangerous precedent that could be used against any future elected official who refuses to fall in line.
We should want people with varying opinions on our city council and among our elected officials, not a hive mind that marches in lockstep. A desire for fiscal responsibility is hardly an undesirable trait in a Treasurer, especially when the city has dug itself a significant long-term financial hole.
Citizens deserve full public discussion when the council tries to change the rules for an elected peer. Anything less undermines the independence of the offices voters created. The people of Salida elected Ben Gilling to do a job. If the mayor and council dislike his independence and his focus on fiscal responsibility, they should make their case to the voters at the next election, not try to kneecap him through an ordinance.
Before moving forward, the council should publicly cite the specific Colorado statutes they believe give them the authority to take this action against another elected official. This is not just about one Treasurer. It is about whether Salida will continue to have independent voices willing to ask tough questions, or whether we will allow a majority on the council to silence anyone who refuses to go along with the program.
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