Article Contributed on: 10/2/2009 3:36:25 PM
I am seeking your support to change the fiscal mentality that is compromising our ability to remain a viable city. (Mayoral Campaign August 2, 2005)
Four years later and five million dollars poorer, the crucial issue still remains the re-establishment of our financial security.
As a result of 25 years of municipal management, I have the following initial suggestions.
1. We must initiate and fund a program that will assist our businesses to survive this economy.
2. Every service and department, including life safety, has expenses that can be eliminated.
3. Personnel freezes currently in effect may need to be modified and maintained indefinitely.
4. Cost reductions should be overseen by those not impacted by potential reductions.
5. We must sustain essential amenities while remaining an affordable community.
Increasing revenues without raising taxes is a monumental challenge. I took the first step. Unfortunately,two members mustered enough votes on the council to create a tie and defeat my suggestion to eliminate the sales tax vendors' fee. Staff estimated the change would have generated $200,000 per year.
At the current time all businesses that collect a sales tax are entitled to keep one percent just for filing a return. That is how it will remain for now. Politics should not have been brought to the council table.