September 5th Council Meeting

There are two items I wish to discuss on the September 5th agenda. The first item is the feasibility report for the 2007 street improvement project and the second item in the proposed levy.

The street improvement project effects segments of

• 4th Ave S
• 2nd Ave S
• 1st Ave S
• Broadway Street
• 3rd Ave South
• Elizabeth Street
• North Brookview Lane
• Pinto Lane
• Palomino Rd
• Appaloosa Lane
• Buckskin Blvd

The improvements range from replacing clay pipes to curb and gutter and finally sidewalks. I believe each area should be looked at individually and its needs assessed. An example is the proposed sidewalk on Elizabeth. My wife and I bike with our kids along the street often. There is very little traffic. This is a beautifully tree lined street. Placing a sidewalk on the north side would do more damage than good.
Sidewalks belong on busy streets were traffic causes safety issues. Elizabeth is a tranquil residential street with mature trees.....lets leave it that way.
The other main issue is the proposed 2007 levy and proposed Budget. I stated my position numerous times. The new budget increases spending by nearly 6%. This is on top of over 30% of new spending last year.
The levy is proposed to increase by about 1/2%. I know this does not seem like much but we can lower taxes by 8% by simply giving back the excess amount of collected taxes from last year. If we do not give theis money back to the tax payers, City Hall will spend the money.
City debt is also a grave concern. City debt per person has increased by over 500% as City population has increased 100%. This is not sustainable. Please read http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=11605485&postID=115639936066225884 for more details.
I have just received the new revised proposed budget. I am asking that a total of $150,000 from the Liquor Store Fund which has a cash balance of $820,000 and $175,000 from the $350,000 of excess taxes collect in 2005. This money should be given back to the Citizens of Isanti, not spent on unbudget items.
The housing slow down will have it greatest effect on our city budget in 2007 and 2008. If we do not get taxes low and government efficient today the repercussions will be severe in the years to come.
We must do long term budgeting and capital improvement plans. Isanti has no plan past this budget. Driving in the dark and spending and taxing with no financial planning is the same thing, eventually you will crash.
Any questions or comments please let me know.