Mantorville Spotlight February 1, 2013
The future of Mantorville will be shaped in a large way by the decisions we make today. After
talking with the Mayor of Rochester, Ardell Brede, during an
informational meeting, we now know how a portion of the Rochester sales
tax will be distributed and the limitations on how those funds may be
spent. Mantorville has several Economic Development opportunities which
would qualify for the use of these funds. The state legislature
has a preliminary picture of what the cities Local Government Aid is
going to look like. The new numbers are different than what we thought
it might be; however, the city is still in a good position to meet our
financial needs for the next year. Even with the zero percent levy
increase the council approved, the city is planning on moving forward
with the projects identified for inception in 2013 and 2014.
During
my discussions with many of you last year, it was very clear that the
city and council still need to work on communication. I have established
a blog where I will post additional information of current topics the
city is looking at, one of our new council members councilman Ballard
has agreed to help city staff with web updates and support. While the
city is going to make an additional effort to reach out to our citizens
we need your feedback, concerns and ideas as well. My challenge to our
neighbors is to contact us, visit a council meeting the second and
fourth Monday of each month, send
us an email, or share your thoughts when you see us or comment of one
of our blogs. Links to all council members personal blogs can be found
on the cities web site. My blog is located at MayorBradford.BlogSpot.Com.
The city will have to finalize plans for the waste water treatment
plant during 2013 while continuing to meet the needs of the city
including setting responsible taxation policy. The council will need to
work with our sub committees to promote Mantorville, nurture tourism and
provide a stable / welcoming business environment.
I
look forward to the next year, to the possibilities and the work
challenges we will face together for Mantorville. Together, I am
confident Mantorville can and will be successful achieving our goals.
Thank you again for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of the team
that will help shape our future and for your confidence in me!
I want to thank the DCI for the opportunity to reach out the citizens of Mantorville by means of a bi-weekly column.
Yours in service,
Chuck Bradford
Mayor, City of Mantorville
