The 2008 preliminary levy will be set at the September 4th City Council meeting. I have put forward a plan that will reduce the levy rate by 5%. The 5% levy rate reduction from last year’s 65% to 60% of our tax capacity brings us half way to my three year goal of the state average of a 55% levy rate. We should also not forget the initial budget proposal had a 70% proposed property tax levy rate.
In a period of difficult financial times it is important to note Isanti is reducing taxes and spending. We are getting our financial house in order as we face greater uncertainties. The solid fiscal base will give us greater flexibility no matter what the future brings.
I am adding links to three previous pieces that might give some greater clarity of Isanti’s fiscal state without rewriting everything thing here---
http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2007/07/isantis-fiscal-future-part-1.html
http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2007/08/isantis-fiscal-future-part-2.html
http://georgewimmer.blogspot.com/2007/08/august-21st-budget-special-session.html
The Council will be receiving an update on the water treatment plant process. The test plant process went well. We will be able to treat for the cancer causing radium and the hard water causing iron and manganese. The next step is to decide when we will be building the facility. This decision will then help give a time table for the varied financial options. I will keep you updated on this important project.
The next item on the agenda I want to discuss is the proposed 2008 street and sidewalk project along historic Elizabeth and Broadway. This project failed last year because several council members wanted to force sidewalks into this area. I have been opposed to destroying these sensitive neighborhoods by tearing down mature trees and virtually eliminating front yards. The lots in these low traffic areas were not designed to support sidewalks. I believe it is important to protect Distinctive Isanti Neighborhoods.
If we are going to add sidewalks to the city lets place them where they are needed, along highway 5 and 23. $126,000 of taxpayer money is slated for the sidewalk portion of this project. Let’s put it where it is most needed and will add tremendous safety value to Isanti.
The agenda has 18 major items---some of which have subsets....there may very well be some other items that will generate some energy....I will let you know after the meeting.....
About Me
- George
- I have served the City of Isanti as Mayor since 2007. We have accomplished great things together and I look forward to building on our success. United, we move forward to a better future. You may contact me at 763-442-8749 or e-mail me at george@georgewimmer.com.
1 comment:
reddgOnce again George, I can see that you're doing a great job! It seems that those that squawk the loudest these days are those that have stood to benefit the most financially in the past due to previous council actions or lack thereof. It has always appeared to me that the contractors were getting whatever they wanted/needed, laughed the whole way to the bank, and the rest of us were left paying the bill. This is NOT fair! This may not be true, but appearances ARE everything you know.
Thank you for once again letting your thoughts be known on the sidewalk issue on Elizabeth & Broadway streets. Why, oh WHY, can these streets just not be left at what they are - simply streets? It's clear that those in favor of the sidewalks don't live on those streets as they would see that the traffic (vehicle AND pedestrian) in those areas is minimal at best.
I'm thrilled to see that the Community Center is finally getting some much-needed attention these days. It has appeared to be an orphan stepchild for years and has just been dealt with when there was no other choice and it shows! When some of the weeds outside were literally the size of trees, extending up to the roof line, I think that it's time that someone does SOMETHING! Let's not even mention the condition once inside it's doors. Mr. Mau (Joe, Jr.) is doing an absolutely awesome job of cleaning since he has recently taken over that position and he should be commended. There is no doubt in my mind that he has put in an unbelievable number of hours in order to bring this building up to at least "acceptable" levels of clean and he claims that he ain't done yet! Bless his heart. This building is in need of some serious updating and I'm glad to see that at least some of it is being looked into these days.
Hang tough George, you're headed down the right road. I'm just thankful that there's three of you willing to walk that road together, there IS strength in numbers!
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