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

MantorvilleMayor@GMail.Com