Spending Restraint & Cost Scrutiny

A pattern dating to her first year on Council

In March 2019, Suzanne opposed a Public Works radio purchase after arguing the expense could wait until surplus funds were available. During the July 2019 budget review, she questioned Fire Department spending, contracted assessor and attorney increases, election costs, street and park capital transfers, and debt-service increases.

Equipment replacement

In November 2022, she challenged the proposed timing of a plow-truck purchase after researching typical service life and noting that the City had recently purchased another truck. In July 2025, she asked whether a truck liftgate could be moved from one vehicle to another rather than treated as permanently tied to one truck.

Insurance, fees and professional services

In December 2022, Suzanne questioned the cost of the City’s insurance and asked whether competing quotes were possible. At the same meeting she objected to several City fees as too high and tried to delay adoption for additional review. In March 2025, she questioned the Ice Arena electrical charge and an $18,000 auditor expense.

Consultants and studies

When the City proposed a facility-needs study in August 2025, Suzanne asked what specific need the City was trying to define and why staff could not perform the work internally. She also questioned whether the lowest road-resurfacing bid would still deliver acceptable quality.

Resident charges and liability costs

In October 2025, she asked whether penalties attached to delinquent utility accounts could be lowered and questioned whether an increase in liability coverage was necessary. Her budget questioning has also included fuel assumptions, resurfacing, wastewater professional services, equipment timing, and election costs.