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| Jeff Wan |
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At our last meeting, the Council discussed several signficant items:
- We approved a new job description for a Community Services Coordinator. Given the volume of community events and the level of effort needed to facilitate these events, as well as contemplating new events, staff recommended repurposing an existing unfill role to perform these duties. The role would serve as point on logistics for community events and be on site during events as needed.
- We continued our discussoin around the City's financnes. In our previous meetings, the Council established some aspirational goals around maintaining infrastrucure (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and compensation. Based on those goals, the City would need to increase revenue so this meeting we also continued our discussion around various potential revenue options.
Now that staff has done the dilligence in determining the need, and the dilligence in determining what options are available, it will be up to Council to decide on which of the options move forward with. The simple question of more taxes, less services, or both remains the same, however now we equipped to make informed decisions. There were a few follow up questions to get more detail, and staff will return at our next meeting.
- We gave feedback on updating the City's logo. The current logo is sometimes difficult to see in various forms of media. We provided feedback on ways it could be improved and staff will come back with updates.
- We approved a new job description for a Community Services Coordinator. Given the volume of community events and the level of effort needed to facilitate these events, as well as contemplating new events, staff recommended repurposing an existing unfill role to perform these duties. The role would serve as point on logistics for community events and be on site during events as needed.
- We continued our discussoin around the City's financnes. In our previous meetings, the Council established some aspirational goals around maintaining infrastrucure (roads, sidewalks, etc.) and compensation. Based on those goals, the City would need to increase revenue so this meeting we also continued our discussion around various potential revenue options.
Now that staff has done the dilligence in determining the need, and the dilligence in determining what options are available, it will be up to Council to decide on which of the options move forward with. The simple question of more taxes, less services, or both remains the same, however now we equipped to make informed decisions. There were a few follow up questions to get more detail, and staff will return at our next meeting.
- We gave feedback on updating the City's logo. The current logo is sometimes difficult to see in various forms of media. We provided feedback on ways it could be improved and staff will come back with updates.
And to think, Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven wanted to go right to a $400 parcel tax increase without knowing our numbers. Nothing like putting it to the citizens without doing the hard work. - Brian and Kathy -
ReplyDeleteThey knew the numbers. You just did not like them along with Bret Prebula and Reina Schwartz. They came to the same conclusion as what is happening now. The city needs more revenue. Full stop, end of story. And they are going to do that mostly by adding taxes: parcel, sales, or otherwise. Oh, and the new city manager, Mr Lofthus, said soon after his hiring that the city had a revenue problem. Also see the GJ report which makes a recommendation that the city should fully investigate increases to revenue to address structural deficit. The city's (aka Jeff Wan) response was it has already been done. Well, if it was why are we now looking to add taxes, etc?
DeleteIt’s really disappointing to see some people still spreading false information about the city’s finances. The facts are clear, and anyone who takes the time to review the audited financial statements can see that the numbers used in the Civil Grand Jury report simply don’t match reality. That report also claimed the city hadn’t looked at ways to increase revenue — another claim that was proven false.
DeleteFor years, past management left major issues unaddressed. Current leadership has been working hard to fix those problems, renegotiate contracts, and finally get the city’s finances on solid ground. That’s progress, and it deserves recognition, not distortion.
Our community deserves honesty, transparency, and responsible discussion. It’s time to stop recycling misinformation and start focusing on the verified facts so we can move forward together.
Great job, Jeff. Now that we finally have accurate financial numbers in front of us, we can begin making informed, responsible decisions for Clayton. For far too long, past leadership operated without a clear understanding of our actual reserves or the condition of our general fund. Having clarity now allows us to move forward with transparency, accountability, and sound financial planning. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteCity council meetings are actual city business now not endless self congratulations for attending CBCA meetings and photo ops. Getting rid of council member “reports” was the best thing. No more self adulation or grand standing. Of course one council member still has to grand stand on every vote but fortunately that council member can’t derail meetings anymore. It has been an excellent year to see the council actually getting things done.
ReplyDeleteAgree. Let’s not pretend the grand jury report was some noble pursuit of truth. It was a hit job, plain and simple, cooked up by people bitter about losing the power they once had. They thought they could twist the narrative and get their control back, but it blew up in their faces. Everyone can see it for what it really is: a desperate, transparent grab for relevance. Nice try but no cigar. Please stick to your fundraisers. - Keller Ridge Resident and Clayton Business Owner
ReplyDeleteDiscuss, Discuss, Discuss - when is are Council ever going to show some leadership and demand the services we pay for. I could site many instances of neglect but I will cite just one. Lokk at the fountain its a disgrace. But don't worry Oakhurst residents who all pay a separate parcel that should be funding the maintenance and operations ...we have put it in a fund. Or how about the last 2 years of LMD funding. I am told there may be as much as $800K in funds that were not spent as any casual observer can witness by the looks of the LMD areas. Once again don't worry we are getting a 4% return on that account. Hey, while I would have preferred the services were provided but now, Hey how about a rebate!
ReplyDeleteThe fountain is in the process of being repaired once and for all. If the fountain is your main issue after years of being led down a path of bad governance by prior councils then you really have nothing else to complain about. Keep in mind that while this council actually discusses and is working on a reasonable plan, we had two council members last year who were in a hurry to pass ANY tax along with a bad city manager who just wanted to grow city government. The fountain is minor issue at best.
DeleteThere’s still a lot of misinformation being shared about the City of Clayton. To help everyone stay informed, I encourage all of you to attend the State of the City meeting on Wednesday, November 5, at 6:00 PM in Hoyer Hall.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil Grand Jury process should promote accountability, not political agendas. Unfortunately, some personal disagreements were elevated into an “official” narrative, which has caused confusion in our community. It’s important that we look at the facts — not rumors.
From what I read and hear, we are on solid ground, and the picture is bright. Let’s show up, stay engaged, and continue working together for Clayton’s future. - Roy
The facts are the city council is exploring various options to increase revenue in order to meet expenses. I believe this is one message that was delivered in the Grand Jury report. This does not appear to be a political agenda, just facts surrounding the city budget.
DeleteIs this site going to ever move on from the "Grand Jury" Report? Our services suck and all we get is discuss, discuss, discuss. Look at the fountain what a joke. Look landscape maintenance is many areas non-existent to the point that entire areas are un-watered and plants dead. Will thy ever be restored. Meanwhile the City hoards unspent funds and pts themselves on the back for their portfolio return. Potholes all over, street resurfacing non-existent or done poorly. Meanwhile our leadership takes governing classes - wow! Its time for us citizens to demand results or at least our taxes and assessments back if they are not going get the work done or the services provided. And please no more we need more revenues or we can't afford. Stat holding folks accountable.
ReplyDeleteNow all of sudden the folks who couldn’t shut up about the civil grand jury report now are fixated on the fountain. But but, turnover, but but, the roads, but but, the fountain, we need to elect CBCA people! Laughable. Claytonwatch, keep up the good work reporting on things that matter. It’s pretty clear those who are behind the bogus civil grand jury report suddenly will have reason to back track.
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