(Richmond, IN)--One thing was clear when Richmond Common Council met Monday night to address next year’s budget, and that is that much remains unclear.  There was some confusion from the controller’s office "I'm not sure if I know how to explain this properly," and from council "I'm not sure if I'm making sense."  The issues that remain in question and that led to attempts at explanation Monday night include potential transfers from police and fire pensions to other departments and a carryover amount from this year that would be applied to next year’s budget.  Council member Justin Burkhardt tried to sum up a shortfall in an exchange with Mayor Ron Oler:

Burkhardt:  "I wanted to go on record and make sure we all understood that."

Oler:  "There's $3 million in savings this year to fund that."

Burkhardt:  "It's unbalanced by $2.3 (million)."

The budget now goes back to the Finance Committee.  "The Finance Committee has a big job ahead of them," said Council President Larry Parker.  Both the Finance Committee and Common Council will again address the budget this coming Monday night.