by Tracy Johnke
You might not always agree with how our advisory neighborhood commission spends the taxpayer money it receives for neighborhood services. But we know exactly how much ANC 3F spends, and what it spends the money on, because it makes an effort to be one of the most transparent ANCs in the District of Columbia.
For the past two years, ANC 3F has made its annual budget and quarterly financial statements available on its web site for all to see.
And we can see in greater detail where that money goes – as it is spent. ANC 3F’s check register is also online, detailing everything from grants to neighborhood organizations to photocopies to the chair’s gavel.
And still, the commission is seeking out more ways to be more open with us.
Commissioner Bob Summersgill wrote on our Facebook page: “If there is something else we can do to be transparent and open, let us know. We are trying to avoid having any secrets. These are public funds, handled by your neighbors. We are working to reduce ongoing expenses so all of our funds go into neighborhood projects. We have eliminate the fax and phone lines (we have Google voice), rent for our meeting space, and the costs related to our financial filing. It is all online now.”
Bob Summersgill says
Actually the check register has been online for about 2 years. I created it shortly after I was elected Treasurer. It was just adjusted for the DC Auditor’s changes in categories and few other minor fixes. Everything that appears in the check register eventually becomes part of the quarterly financial report, but all expenses should be available to the public as soon as possible. The money belongs to all of us. It is my intent to post new expenses as soon as the checks are written, although it may take a day or two.
Tracy Johnke says
Bob, thanks for the correction. I’ve updated the story to note that the register has been available for two years. And thanks very much for your efforts.