Hello Ward 3. While 50 years in civic and governmental affairs, this was my first time doing the mechanics of it. What an experience! The first problem was the misleading deception of a $12-13 million surplus. This surplus came before expenses as $3+ million for city worker health care, and a few million in yet unpaid for expenses. Then, we have expenses for the rest of the year as paying the Town of Russell for the use of their elementary school, our obligations for retirement debts, and if we have any major snow storms, about a million apiece, etc.
If someone can make you think perceptions are real, they are, for you, real. I think from now on to keep this process honest I will be publishing our expenses as they come to us so you get the real story. A big part of this whole problem is that it is an archaic process. The Property Tax is as old as our nation. It came about because most property was a business; you lived where you did business, pretty much until WWII. This year I will be working with friends in different city governments to look for alternatives. But, real change is hard to hard to create.
Anyway what did surprise me is after so much conflict that when it came to setting the levy, the increase in tax difference from businesses and residential, one Councilor said 1.71, which would have added 1 penny per $1,000 was amended to 1.63 and called for a vote; passed without any debate.
OK, if you have any real financial savvy you know, and always hear that it is vital to put money into savings just in case. We have too often not had money in reserve so when it came to maintenance we were remiss thus not able to spend a million to repair roofs, we ended up spending $14 million when they got dangerous, and the damage was already done. If you own a home you know paying a little on maintenance saves you a lot when the roof, electric, or plumbing fail. I guess those in the past did not think of that. Luckily our economy is doing better and we got the funds to help us to do that.
Next, Westfield has been given a very good rating by Bonding financials due to how we have been doing things, thus a low interest rate for loans. And, our fiscal planning has made us a city moving in the right direction by those who monitor such things.
I probably have the lowest income on the Council, am retired and have a mortgage so I do not want higher taxes, but I have to also be responsible, for our city to compete, to deal with our responsibilities and to have a future I have to accept being fiscally responsible and that may not be what I personally want, but what is good for our city and al of its members.
OK, sad and bad over with…I want to recognize our Vocational High School, where I am a Greeter at Tiger Pride lunches, so say hi; for so many students participating in their blood drive, and service projects. This is what I am talking about, doing things because they are the right thing to do. CONGRATS. And, while this column is coming after Christmas, I want to wish you all a Happy and Safe Christmas, and Holiday Season. Your Ward 3 City Councilor, Brian Hoose
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this column are those of the author and not the staff, editor, or publisher of this publication.
