I have just finished putting together the Mayor’s 2005 proposed budget. This budget proposal will be delivered to the City Council for their review and consideration.

The budget is developed by asking each department, the commissions and others in the community to provide input and suggestions about the services we continue to support, and what new ideas should be included. Funds to support our Fiscal Year-2005 come from our own resources and some funds from the state and county. Our budget is balanced, and we are in good shape for next year.

However,because of statewide initiatives and the state of the economy our General Fund revenues have been reduced 27 percent over the last several years, and our long-range finances will need some help. Some of the ideas that I will be submitting to the Council in November are:

• Funds to provide for follow through ordinance/regulations adjustments to encourage the future developer of our Town Center to follow the Sustaining LFP Task Force recommendations.
• Reviewing the 1998 Drainage Plan to deal more effectively with flooding.
• Building a walking bridge from Blue Heron Park to Brookside Blvd. to promote walking from the Hamlin Road area.
• Developing a Capital Budget to prioritize our capital improvements needed in the City.

You can comment on the budget at the upcoming special budget City Council meetings.:

• On November 4 you can speak during the citizen comment period.
• On November 10 and December 2 there will be public hearings on the budget.
• November 18 is the public hearing on property taxes.

Copies of the proposed budget are available at the library and City Hall.