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Around the Neighborhood

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The dire forecasts of the last several years are upon us. With some to the wire forecasting, we were able to close out 2009 in the general fund (tax side). As was forecast, we lost a great deal of ground from the closings the prior year.

In hopes of stemming the bleeding, we put a ballot initiative on to keep our police department. It failed and with it, I believe we are bound to lose our police department. As else has been done, the cupboard is bare. Our last several meetings at council have revolved around the fact that we just can't support this entity any longer and, God bless 'em, council has taken a very serious approach to this to provide for the future.

In event we do have some money available, discussions have already been started with the township to maximize what resources we have to work together on road and paving projects. The township may not be part of us, but we are part of the township and working together is in both our best interests.

As for the economic outlook, my hopes and concern is that the state gets its act together on several of the regressive tax issues that are very damaging to doing business within our state. The decrease of 19 percent in the general revenue fund that comes back from the state put the dagger into everyone's general fund. We have been working hard here locally to get new business, as well as keep and expand current business. There has been a big disconnect in what the state has been able to do for us these past several years. My hope is that progress will be made this year.

I forecast the last two years to be a bumpy years in the economy. For Byesville, it has been down right painful and every morning I think of those that are still waiting to be re-employed in this stagnant economy. I personally am looking for a job for several of those I know and push to hire Byesville people. We must all be vigilant in helping out our neighbors and be supportive in their efforts to re enter the work force.

Again, this year will be a year of working on projects that we already have supplies for or in sprucing up what we already have. With the sewer plant ready to go online later in the year, we have set the groundwork for future growth. Many times when I first became mayor I was told we couldn't add this or that because we lacked either the capacity or the funds to complete it for new industry. Today, we stand alone in the county with what we have and are competitive worldwide with what we have to offer.

Additionally, we can now have talks and discussions with our partner to the north, Cambridge, about working on water and sewer projects together. Being strong allies in attracting those that wish to move here and starta business. It was only a few short years ago, the D.O. Hall park was started. Now we are on to phase two. There will be additional growth. With Cambridge, we will be able to work together to find and get ready even new areas for potential growth. We are having those discussions today.

Last year, we discussed putting the sewer plant on hold for a few months to take advantage of the potential of stimulus money. Half the plant is now funded by it. Along with the Cumberland waterline to Byesville, we collected up to $5.75 million in stimulus. More than our entire yearly budget. It was a coup, but we worked hard for you.

This is the final step of phase one in upgrading Byesville. Phase two begins with the selling of water outside the village. Providing sewer outside the village and growing our customer base. When was the last time you had your bills go down? Here, at the village, we are under the same constraints, but with our new facilities we are now able to maximize our revenue within the fixed costs that we have already incurred. What that means is that the more people on the system, the less it costs each of us individually. That keeps any raises farther down the road.

As we transition this year (or pivot, as Washington likes to say), to a new phase of completing new lines and roads for this village, we will be looking ahead for grants and other means of completing these tasks. Today's plans will be the work for the next five years. As long as we continue to move forward the results will speak for themselves. As this administration begins its twelfth year, there has been a lot done, but there remains a lot to do.

In closing, as stated last year, this administration has worked hard to get the information out there before it happens. Forecasting is not an exact science but it helps us here on the local level keep things on an even keel. Working together we will be able to make things happen. Council's service committee has already met with us during the yearly projects report and my hope is that they continue to be a part of what is happening. Input from all helps keep a positive approach to what we are doing.

Publicly and privately, this administration is taking the bull by the horns so to speak and working on the downtown. Much can be made to include the railroad as it is progressing nicely. Now is the time for us to match their desire and determination to make things happen. It is our hook into the world of tourism and that is several billion dollars just here in Ohio. Along with this comes jobs. This administration will be working on that with great fervor this year as the time has come to step up and get things done. Personally, I think I will take a page from Dave Longaberger or Les Wexner and just get it done.

Finally, I look to appoint a park commission that will be active and aggressive in obtaining grants and formulating a mission statement for our park systems. I said this year and with the help of councilman Jay Jackson, I plan to make that a reality. I think we all can benefit from these projects, especially our children. Things have fallen into place as to the availability of lands and other matters which could lead to a real breakout year for the parks.

Thank you and may God bless.