"Over the years I've tried to present more (budget) information to the council, and what happens is the council in general tires and they don't want to hear about it," council fiscal analyst Darrin Casper said. "It's not glamorous political stuff. Then all of a sudden November rolls around and they wish they had more information."

Nevertheless, "I love his enthusiasm," Casper said of Crockett. "I think there's going to be a willingness to do it."

Auditor Sean Thomas is also on board. "I think it's a wonderful idea."

As for Ashton, who is perhaps more attuned to political realities, he has taken what he calls "my first stab at the low-hanging fruit" by calling for the council to be informed regarding mid-year line item changes as well as over- and under-expenditures.

"That would at least give us a starting point," he said.

Incoming mayor Peter Corroon is cautiously supportive of the proposals ("I certainly don't mind them having more input,") but said communication between the legislative and administrative side — not only as to the budget, but all county business — is the key to improving government.

"Just taking a budget and handing it to them doesn't help the council at all," he said. "We'll try to be as open and accommodating as we can."

---

E-mail: aedwards@desnews.com