Mayor seeking community cooperation

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert Mayor Don Farmer laid out his agenda for the coming year in a positive State of the City address before Van Wert City Council on Monday evening (click here for a copy of the address).

The mayor talked about his goals for 2012 and also highlighted his 2004 State of the City address to talk about the success of his administration then in maintaining a fiscally responsible budget, while improving North Washington Street and assisting development of the Towne Center retail shopping center.

Noting that the city is continuing to recover from the economic downturn that began in 2008, Mayor Farmer said continued fiscal frugality is crucial to Van Wert’s future prosperity. He also complimented former mayor Louis Ehmer’s administration for its efforts in maintaining services while also being financially responsible.

“There has been a diligent effort on the part of the past administration, department heads and employees to work within a very tight budget to continue delivering the services that you, our citizens, expect,” he noted.

Mayor Farmer continued by saying that this year’s budget remains lean, but is still centered on providing core services to the community. “We must work again within the budget restraints we know revenues exist today,” the mayor noted.

The tightness of the current budget was highlighted by the fact that the city has only $150,000 in unappropriated funds to see it through emergencies during the year.

“This is not the type of balance for the year that we would like to see for unplanned expenses or emergencies,” Mayor Farmer said.

The mayor said his administration would continue to monitor revenues through income tax collection while keeping discretionary funding at a minimum. However, with state funding cuts being phased in this year, the city will also need to find ways to increase revenues this year and in 2013.

With 1,400 fewer people working this year than in 2008, Mayor Farmer said his administration will work to reverse the economic situation for the good of the community. As part of that plan, the mayor has set six goals for the coming year, which include the following:

Work again within budget restraints.

Continue efforts to certify the 1,600-acre Jobs Ready Site at the north edge of the community.

Create an attitude and appearance in the community that is attractive to individuals, new business and industry interested in locating here so that the local workforce will have more job choices.

Promote and positive and cooperative dialogue between City Council, the administration and the community to help create a better Van Wert and “reflect that image to the outside world.”

Continue to improve our main arteries, such as the reconstruction of West Main Street planned for 2013.

Set a schedule for improvement of secondary streets within the city.

The mayor also noted that trash enforcement will be a priority of his administration, while he wants Law Director John Hatcher to investigate new legislation to deal with abandoned properties in the city.

Mayor Farmer noted that the success of city cleanup initiatives depends on the community, as a whole, not just city government.

“It is much preferable if the individuals that are involved in such property take it upon themselves to remedy the situation,” the mayor noted. “I would ask each one of us to step out our front door and ask these questions: ‘Am I a good neighbor in this neighborhood?’ (and) ‘What can I do to help my neighborhood that needs help to make the area more presentable?’

“The budget and job growth hinges on how we feel about our community and the image that we set for those people that look at us for either business or industrial expansion,” he added.

Mayor Farmer also said he wants to continue efforts to clean up the drug situation in the community. “I have assured our police chief and his department that they have our complete support in addressing this situation in Van Wert,” the mayor said. “I want Van Wert to have the reputation that, if you are trafficking, selling, buying or using (drugs), this community is not the place.”

Overall, though, Mayor Farmer said he feels the potential for growth and improvements in the city is great.

“There is a great opportunity, I feel, for Van Wert during the next four years. We have a new Chamber of Commerce director, a new Main Street director, a new economic development director coming aboard in the near future, several new Council members and this administration that are all on the same page,” he said. “Let’s make Van Wert happen.”

The mayor also noted that it is imperative for the community to support local businesses if Van Wert is to see economic improvements.

“Our community has many great assets that make it a great place to live, work and play,” Mayor Farmer added. “I feel we are postured for great things to happen.

“I know we will see new retail and service businesses open,” the mayor said. “Remember those people who have, or will open those businesses have invested in our community. They need our support as customers. Every dollar spent locally will multiply itself by about sevenfold in other income and business within our community.”

He concluded his address by urging the community to do whatever is needed to bring growth to the community.

“This is a time for opportunity for the City of Van Wert; we must do everything we possibly can to encourage job growth,” Mayor Farmer said. “Let’s build on the spirit of cooperation to get the job done. Turn the negativism into positives and unite with common goals for the good of our community.”