Budget Setting Time Again

I’m anxiously waiting for my preliminary budget package to take with me to the Reno National League of Cities Conference next week (Dec 4 through 10). I’m hoping that I’ll be so busy looking at all those numbers that I’ll be able to stay away from the casino (rather get a poke in the eye with a sharp stick than gamble).

We plan to do our final deliberations starting Tuesday afternoon, Dec 12, at 3:30 and will continue for the next three days if needed.. You are invited. I’d love to hear from any of you who have concerns about our taxes that I should know about – beforehand would be nice.

I haven’t heard or seen anything of concern to date. We’re expecting $600,000 less of a cut in LGA (Local Government Aid) so that will be of some help this year. The projects we’ve been discussing for the last year that will need funding for aren’t too dramatic so I think we’ll not have a big major tax hit this year.

Questions I always ask when making decisions is, “How does this benefit the citizens of Rochester? What does this do for the folks who have to pay the bill?” This not only includes each and every individual resident but all the businesses as well.

What I need from you is some kind of direction … some feeling … some help. Are you and I on the same track when it comes to our expectations as residents of this community? When we talk about “the greater good” do we both mean the same thing? When we look at requests for funding that includes quality of life issues versus the absolute necessities – where do you stand? Bike paths, library funds, art center, civic music, civic theater, diversity education, rebuilding and revitalization of neighborhoods, swimming pools … what do you want us to do?

Cut back? OK. Glad to. Tell me where and why. It’s easy to say “our taxes are too high – cut back!” -- as a retiree and taxpayer I’ll be glad to help here but tell me what you're willing to give up if I do this.

Anyway, as always, would love to hear from any of you who’d like to share input into the process.