Why we need my Isanti Initiatives

The latest national housing numbers show we are still trending downward in housing. The number of building permits for single-family homes dropped to a 26 year low. Actual new home starts fell to a 17 year low. The permit number is a good indication of future new home starts. I mention this to reinforce the fact that we will be dealing with the negative impact of the housing collapse for several more years. 

This is one of the main reasons for my Long Term Financial Plan and budget strategy. Fiscal discipline is important in any economy but doubly so in our current situation. We must continue to be aggressive in growing our business community as this is the key to future success. 

We must also embrace my Isanti Initiatives such as using our City website to conduct business. We need to allow application and payment for everything from building permits to dog licenses. Most of our residents are unable to come to City Hall between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm and must take time away from work. Doing this will cut the need for City staff time saving money for our Taxpayers. We should be looking at doing what many cities and government agencies have done - retrofitting our vehicle fleet to natural gas. This can help save fuel cost and is more feasible for a group of vehicles that can fill at a central location. We need to work with our surrounding cities and county to do cooperative buying to lower overall cost from everything from office supplies to road repair materials. 

We must change the way we look at how we do business as a City. There are many efficiencies to be gained and tax dollars saved. The possibilities are endless if only we are open to change and not locked into doing business as usual. 

We have had great success in bringing in new businesses to Isanti and growing jobs, services and tax base. We must prove we as a City are good stewards of the taxes paid by residents and businesses alike.