Paid ombudsperson not worth the cost

I am writing regarding a ballot issue on the fall Whitefish election ballot to change the city charter and require the city council to appoint an ombudsperson (citizen advocate).

I believe the voters deserve to know the implications of this position and not much information has been provided so far to the voters.

When I asked the Local Government Study Commission members who recommended this change whether they anticipated this proposed ombudsperson would be a paid or volunteer position, I was told that it was up to the city council, but it was expected to be a paid, professional position.

While I regard all city employees as professionals, I believe the wage level for what was called a “professional” position at the city would be at least $25 per hour, which with benefits and employer contributions would likely put the cost of this position over $77,000 per year. If you add in supplies and other costs, the annual cost would likely be over $85,000 per year.

$85,000 per year is equivalent to a property tax increase of 3.98 mills- lets call it 4 mills, which equals an increase in city (not total property taxes) property taxes of 3 percent.

If city voters are being asked to spend over $85,000 per year for an ombudsperson, I feel they deserve to know that aspect very clearly before they vote.

If the position is a volunteer position, I am neutral as to whether that position exists. If it is to be a paid position, I am opposed to the position for the following reasons:

• I think an ombudsperson is unnecessary because being an advocate for the citizens is properly the role of the elected officials. The basis of a representative democracy is that the elected officials represent their constituents and constituent service is traditionally the role of the elected officials.

Let’s not do anything more to separate the voters from their elected officials.

• I know of no other city in Montana that has an ombudsperson or similar position.

• If the city is asked to spend an additional $85,000 on a new position, this position is not the one that I think is most important to add. I would rather add a new police officer or a position in the fire department prior to adding an unnecessary, paid position such as an ombudsperson.

• If advocates are now saying it could be only a half-time position, that cost is still probably over $40,000 per year or 2 mills. To me, adding a half-time office position at the fire department is a higher priority than an ombudsperson.

• Adding a government position by initiative or vote is never a wise idea. The city council should set priorities for what positions are necessary and what positions are the highest priority.

• A citizen advocate would be a somewhat difficult job to perform as that person might have to learn many city laws, regulations, and procedures. Otherwise, they would just ask existing staff about various issues, something that citizens or the elected officials can already do. Is this ombudsperson a new layer of government that is necessary?

Most importantly, I think the voters need to know more information about the role and cost of this proposal before they vote and I think this information has been lacking to date.

— Chuck Stearns is Whitefish City Manager