From Durham comes more evidence that some officials don’t spend taxpayer money with the same caution they do their own. Yesterday, Durham Mayor Bill Bell warned the city must prioritize its spending because of the turbulent economy. He noted the city is $5.5 milion in the hole this fiscal year and expects a $24 to $40 million gap between revenues and expenses for the next fiscal year.

Why then is the city still planning to spend nearly $19,000 next week on an employee luncheon? Common sense tells you the event should be cancelled. At least one city council member agrees.

Moral of the story: Mayor Bell’s words about the need to prioritize spending sound good, but they clearly haven’t made an impact on at least some of those who are still spending the cash. No doubt we will soon hear and read stories about how terrible it is to make cuts in Durham’s budget. When it happens, remember this $19,000.