Editor:

The silent drama continues at City Hall, an one thing is certain: an in-depth forensic audit of city finances is necessary.

The City Council’s only argument has been the cost, $40,000 to $60,000. This is the same council that has had to approve approximately $600,000 for utility infrastructure under “emergency measures” in the last 30 days.

This is the same silent council that has not answered one complaint inquiry relative to Publix during any public meetings over the last 10 months.

This is the same council that is telling us that our utilities forecast a $10 million shortfall in the next five years and that multiple rate increases are coming.

This is the council that asks for suggestions but never listens.

Yes, we need a forensic audit answering any financial allegations, eliminate duplicity, provide an updated accounting method, report on asset value of each utility and its liabilities, just to name a few reasons.

Here are suggestions prior to any 2 percent sales tax being levied:

•Audit

•Review all city utilities individually for costs, revenue, profitability, 5-10 year infrastructure costs and potential sale.

•Reduce our absolute insane attorney fees estimated at $1 million in 2009; $1 million is 25 percent of a 2 percent sales tax.

•eliminating employees or selling a utility is imminent. The council knows we must reduce our employee level by 12 to 20 percent.

•Investigate the Publix project. A failure to conduct a conduct a complete investigation may mean more lawsuits. Furthermore, it is an embarrassment to the city.

Issues surrounding the Publix project: Dyas lawsuit, Fly Creek Preservation federal lawsuit, Tree Committee Ordinance violations of approximately $940,000 in damages, Complaints as of Aug. 4, 2008, filed with planning and zoning and City Council, ordinance violations throughout the project (public safety, buffer, environmental, tree), work done without a permit — removal of right of way on Parker Road buffer, ADEM enforcement is imminent, violation of federal Clean Water Act, Corps of Engineers complaint for filling wetlands without a permit, violation of Fairhope Storm Water Management practices, Environmental Protection Agency enforcement pending, local enforcement, pending in court, plus further allegations, failure by Planning and Public Works departments in all areas, both departments allowed alterations to PUD plan without P&Z or council review, no tree survey and no protection plan.

Coming on the horizon may be another federal lawsuit from the Mobile Bay Keepers organization. Furthermore, there may be one or even two more lawsuits filed against the city for blatant ordinance violations and, in particular, Public Works and Planning Department.

On Monday, May 4, Fly Creek flooded for the sixth time in as many months. Soon the Fairhope Yacht Club will realize all the silt and mud from Publix has filled their channel to Mobile Bay.

Fairhope