Archive: March 2024

70% of Largest Cities Don’t Have Enough Money

5 March 2024
Behany Blankley
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By Bethany Blankley, The Center Square

In fiscal 2022, 70 percent of the largest cities in the U.S. did not have enough money to pay their bills.

In the latest comprehensive analysis of the fiscal health of the 75 most populous cities in the U.S., 53 did not have enough money to pay all of their bills, according to a Truth in Accounting analysis of the latest annual comprehensive financial reports from 2022.

In its eighth annual Financial State of the Cities report, TIA found that the 75 largest cities in the U.S. had $307.4 billion worth of assets available to pay bills but their debt, including unfunded retirement benefit promises, totaled $595.3 billion.

Pension and healthcare debt accounted for the majority of debt owed, according to the analysis. Pension debt totaled $175.9 billion; other post-employment benefits (OPEB), mainly retiree health care, totaled $135.2 billion.

All 75 cities are required by law to have balanced budgets. For those with debt, in order to claim their budgets were balanced, TIA argues elected officials didn’t include all government costs in budget calculations, thereby pushing costs onto future taxpayers. Instead, they used “accounting tricks,” including “inflating revenue assumptions, counting borrowed money as income, understating the true costs of government, and delaying the payment of current bills until the start of the next fiscal year so they aren’t included in the budget calculations.”

“The most common accounting trick” used to understate costs is excluding “true compensation costs” of employee benefits like health care, life insurance, and pensions, the report explains.

“While pension and other post-employment costs, such as health care, will not be paid until the employees retire, they still represent current compensation costs earned and incurred throughout their tenure.” Cities should include these contributions in their budgets, TIA says.

TIA also found that some elected officials “have used portions of the money owed to pension and OPEB funds to keep taxes low and pay for politically popular programs. Instead of funding promised benefits now, politicians have charged them to future taxpayers” to appear to have a balanced budget while city debt increases, TIA said.

Some of the financial woes can be attributed to the market value of pensions, the report explains.

“In 2022, the cities continued to receive and spend federal COVID-19 relief funds, and as the U.S. economy reopened, they took in additional tax revenue. Such economic gains were offset by increases in their pension liabilities, which were caused in large part due to decreases in the market value of pension investments,” the report states. “Over the past few years, investment market values have swung dramatically. In 2022, this volatility negatively impacted most cities’ pension investments and their financial condition, which demonstrates the risk to taxpayers when cities offer defined pension benefits to their employees.”

To show how taxpayers are impacted by cities not having enough money to pay their bills, TIA divides the amount of revenue needed to cover unpaid costs by the estimated number of taxpayers. This calculates “a taxpayer burden.” When cities have funds left over after paying their bills, TIA divides the amount by the estimated number of taxpayers to calculate “a taxpayer surplus.”

Cities are also graded according to their fiscal health, taxpayer burden or surplus, balanced budget requirements, and other factors.

Of the 75 cities evaluated, only 1% received an A grade for fiscal health. The majority received D grades, followed by C and B grades, according to the analysis.

The five cities with the greatest surpluses were Washington, D.C. ($10,700), Irvine, California ($6,100), Plano, Texas ($5,100), Lincoln, Nebraska ($4,100), and Oklahoma City ($2,900). Rounding out the top ten with greatest surpluses were Aurora, Colorado; Fresno, California; Raleigh, North Carolina; Virginia Beach and Corpus Christi, Texas.

Of 22 cities reporting surpluses, the majority, six, were in California.

Of the 10 cities with the greatest taxpayer burden, nine are run by Democrats. New York City has the greatest taxpayer burden (-$61,800), followed by Chicago (-$42,900), Honolulu (-$24,200), Philadelphia (-$20,400), Portland (-$20,100), New Orleans (-$18,200), Miami (-$15,500), Milwaukee (-$15,300), Baltimore (-$14,100), and Pittsburgh (-$13,000).

New York City, which has historically ranked as the worst for fiscal health, attributed much of its financial woes to “COVID-19,” mentioning it 38 times in its financial report, according to the analysis. “Despite receiving $6.5 billion in COVID relief grants and a $1.3 billion increase in tax revenues,” TIA points out that New York City still needed $6.1 billion to pay its bills.

TIA notes that cities not properly funding pension and retiree health care promises “burdens future taxpayers and puts retirees at risk of not receiving promised benefits.”

Southeast Montana Burger Trail

5 March 2024
Press Room
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Spend the waning days of winter in Montana exploring southeastern Montana and enjoying some of the best burgers in America on the Southeast Montana Burger Tail.

From the tastiest of small-town burgers to award-winning, finger-lickin’ feasts in Montana’s largest city, you will savor a unique, localized burger at each stop, plus you’ll get to meet the characters who make them. At the same time you can participate in a game of sorts and get much better acquainted with our state.

From Roundup to Hysham and Forsyth, from Miles City and Terry, from Wibaux to Baker, and from Ekalaka to Lame Deer, Laurel and, of course, Billings, enjoy the burger creations of great eating establishments in some 15 cities in Eastern Montana. For details, map and an app go to https:// southeast montana. com/ burgertrail. 

A “Burger Boss” T-shirt is available to anyone who completes eight stops along the Southeast Montana Burger Trail. Get details at www.southeast montana.com/ burgertrail.

New burgers have been added to the trail, such as Bleu’s Burger at Vintage & Rustics on Main Street in Miles City. 

“We don’t have big names or a large advertising budget,” said Brandy Williams, manager of the American Legion Post 28 in Glendive. “The Burger Trail helps us small businesses get noticed. The Legionnaire is our signature burger—the one we started with—and ever since we’ve been on the Southeast Montana Burger Trail, there have been folks that came in specifically to try it. Some have even become regulars.” This burger commands respect – as does the warrior who can handle a hand-pattied burger with the works, plus a fried egg, slathered with peanut butter. Yup, it’s a protein bomb on a bun. We want YOU to try the Legionnaire in Glendive.

Big Game Casino Tavern & Steakhouse in Baker, has a burger in their menu under the “Hamburger Heaven” section, and once you bite into the Frisco Burger it’ll make sense. What’s incredible about this burger is the light, crisp sourdough bread, attentively raised and baked in-house. Though lightweight, the toasted sourdough works well to hold together the smash-style patty, garnished with bacon, American and Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind burger, add this one to your list!

Blue Cat Bar & Grill in Huntley! The Big Ass Blue Cat Burger is exactly what it sounds like—a monstrous number that brings the heat. It’s loaded with diced jalapeños, topped with bacon and pepper jack cheese over a freshly ground ½ lb. patty. If you stop for a burger over the weekend, make sure to ask about their wildly popular Loaded Bloody Mary.

The Burger Dive in Billings is famous around the world. This place is home to multiple World Food Champion burgers. In fact, it’s the holy grail for any burger aficionado. The I’m Your Huckleberry Burger is arguably the finest burger you’ll find in Montana, toting the 2016 World Food Champion title. This burger is tremendous, covered with a cascading layer of homemade huckleberry-hatch chile barbeque sauce, bacon, creamy goat cheese, roasted red pepper mayo and fresh arugula. All presented on a soft, locally sourced Grains of Montana bun. Be sure to save room for one of their imaginative classic milkshakes made with local Wilcoxson’s ice cream.

BW Grill & Bar in Hysham is the place if you are craving a classic burger. This joint won’t let you down. The namesake, BW Burger is served with all the essentials, sourced locally from Cowboy Meats. The patty is drizzled in their house-made concoction called BW sauce. We’d be remiss not to mention their popular tater tots, or gems as they’re often called out here. Remember to bring a marker with you to add your very own John Hancock to their graffiti board in back.

Corner Bar in Baker is the locale of another classic burger. The components of their Cheeseburger are simple; it’s a typical patty with a slice of melted American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickle, onion and tomato. The plate is rounded off with crispy fat French fries on the side. Supposedly they have the coldest beer in town, the only way to test their claim is to try it for yourself. We heard they have a pizza burger, part pizza part burger that comes in clutch when you’re undecided between ordering a pizza and a burger.

Custer Battlefield Trading Post & Café in Crow Agency is the place to stop after touring Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument. Continue your experience in the heart of Crow Country at Custer Battlefield Trading Post & Café—or as the locals call it “Putt’s.” Order the Buffalo Burger, made with 100% buffalo meat, grilled and plated with all the classic toppings. The sweet potato waffle fries are the real treat. Be sure to browse through their collection of Native American made goods in the attached trading post or sit back and admire the interior of the café, decorated with a colorful mixture of beadwork and native art. If you find yourself in for another visit, they’re locally known best for their authentic Indian fry bread which serves as a base for their immense and tasty Indian taco.

Diamond X Beer Co. in Billings adds one masterpiece after another to add to their menu since opening the brewery. The newest creation is the French Onion Burger that quite literally stacks up to the competition. It is a ½ lb. Certified Angus Beef patty heaped with onion rings, caramelized onion, garlic aioli, Swiss and havarti cheeses. It’s plated with an au jus dipping bowl and thick-cut parmesan fries. You’ll leave with the satisfying feeling of overindulgence.

The Grand in Roundup! If you ever find yourself in the friendly cowboy town of Roundup, pull up a stool at The Grand and sit next to the local cattlemen and ranchers for some chow. The Diego is a classic burger with a kick, customized with peppers and pepper jack cheese, loaded with fresh lettuce, onion and pickles. The accompanying brew fries are plenty good, too. One thing is for sure, you will not leave this establishment hungry. When you come back for more, try your best at the real menu centerpiece, aptly named the Big Ass Enchilada. We dare you to finish it.

Heiser’s Bar in Baker is located in a historic downtown saloon. They take great care with every detail of their burger. Each features a giant hand-crafted burger patty served on a locally-made Grains of Montana bun. If you have a craving for something juicy and spicy, the Sriracha Bacon Pepperjack Burger will knock your socks off with its homemade sriracha sauce. Each burger is plated with all the fixings and more fries than you probably have room for. There are two other burger locations on either side of Heiser’s in case you plan to hop around or go back to Baker for another bite.

Don’t let the unadorned exterior of the Homestead Inn in Broadview deter your mission because this place will surprise you. The Mexi Burger looks nothing like a burger, but we promise it’ll be one of the best things you’ll try. It is served on open faced buns with a ¼ lb. patty, buried in a homemade green chili (a secret recipe of the owner), sprinkled with tomato and cheese. You’re going to need a fork and plenty of napkins.

Satisfy your hunger in Glendive with a burger at Gunner’s Ridge Bar.. The burger featured on the Burger Trail is a large patty of Kobe beef on a toasted brioche bun with Havarti and blue cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomato, thus the name: the Red, White, and Blue Burger

Forsyth is a tiny hamlet with huge flavors and servings you’ll find at The Joseph, a town tradition. Owners Alecia and Richard Smith have honored Forsythe’s railroad history by naming their burgers using railroad lingo, like the Broken Knuckle Burger, a massive bacon-pepper Jack cheeseburger crowned with a big cream cheese-stuffed jalapeno pepper served on a brioche bun so divine you’ll wonder why every burger isn’t served this way.

June’s Bungalow in Miles City and Colstrip features the unexpected. Try the Mango Burger, featuring a healthy helping of homemade mango salsa, guacamole and Havarti cheese. These unique flavors pair together well on a giant patty, with juices oozing out on all sides as you take your first bite. Ask for June’s special fizzy tea—it’s a local fav.

Powder River Lanes in Broadus has the Mother Of All Burgers—the MOAB. Powder River Lanes sought to create a top-of-the-line burger that outdoes all the ones who came before it. The MOAB features a half pound patty, assembled between thick sliced Texas toast and filled with grilled onions, jalapeños and smothered in nacho cheese.

Roy Rodgers Bar Grill & Casino in Terry would be easy to drive past on Interstate 94, but you’d be missing out. Across the street from the historic Kempton Hotel, you’ll find this freshly renovated steakhouse that holds a touch of saloon-era nostalgia. It’s your classic cowboy hangout, so you’d expect a likewise rough and tumble burger. Instead, they plate up an impeccable Fried Green Tomato & Bacon Burger that is eloquently drizzled with balsamic glaze. The attention to detail is obvious in this dish. Do yourself a favor and order the sweet potato fries as your side.

Sid’s East Side Bar & Grill is a staple establishment in Laurel and has been for the past 50 years. They proudly serve their food from scratch, that’s what makes The Doc Holliday a phenomenal burger. Their homemade huckleberry chipotle barbeque sauce is like nothing you’ve ever tried before. To complement the barbeque sauce the burger features applewood smoked bacon and pepper jack cheese.

3 North Bar & Grill in Acton is an easy jaunt from Billings. Consider driving a few extra miles for this small-town fine dining establishment. With several mouthwatering burgers on the menu, the best burger here is the one you order. For those who love spicy food, the Stuffed Jalapeño Popper Burger. It is layered with a Certified Angus Beef patty, melted pepper jack, bacon, stuffed jalapenos, cream cheese and 3 North sauce, then sprinkled with jalapeño crisps. Get a side of onion rings and add in a finely mixed cocktail to complete your evening.

The ZooM Burger from Stacked in downtown Billings is sure to leave you with the lingering flavor of perfection. Its patty is smothered with blackberry roasted jalapeño sauce, espresso rub, goat cheese, fried green tomatoes, cheddar cheese and a drizzle of honey. If this isn’t one of the best burgers you will ever eat in your life, the truffle fries may just steal the show.