Each season has its charms, but something about the fall season all makes us rush to get things done. |
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The Budget. Half of your goals as an elected official might be accomplished without money – policy decisions and where to put stop signs. But many good ideas need funding. Our fiscal year runs from the first of November to the end of October every year, so now is the time to follow the money. The council, staff and the mayor spend many hours together in September and October to work on next year’s budget. |
| The Good News. We kept the property tax levy at last year’s level. State law requires us to make that decision by August 31. We have lots of dedicated staff who continue to work hard and find efficiencies. A wide array of services are provided every day without any fanfare. |
The Other News. Health care and fuel are two sectors that are outpacing inflation by wide margins. We use lots of gasoline, and two-thirds of our budget (mostly police and fire) is pure personnel – and therefore sensitive to health care increases. Hence, the challenge. |
| City View. It’s troubling to see lots of trees being cleared, but when the City View interchange is completed, and the grade crossings on 50-63 removed, we will start saving lives. In about eighteen months we will learn to drive through two roundabouts that will keep traffic moving without signals. |
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Citizen of the Month. The prize goes to Jay Jordan for his beautiful new second and third story apartments on High Street. Buy him a beverage at his son’s place next door and congratulate him for a great addition to downtown. |
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Stay safe, and keep your family and friends close. |
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