January 2009’s purchases that are eligible for sales tax have shown a decrease of slightly less than 3 percent from the same time last year. For those who closely peruse Salida’s data you will see a non- adjusted drop of 5.62 percent. Finance Director Jan Schmidt investigates these monthly numbers and has found that certain inconsistencies in collection do occur. Obviously, looking over a longer term than monthly the previously-mentioned anomalies will wash out. But due to the delicate state of the economy the City of Salida is taking the time to look over the sales taxable sales closely so we can anticipate trends and take a more educated guess regarding the effect locally of the global recession.
At the March 23 Finance Committee Meeting Ms. Schmidt gave the committee members the first look at the City’s quarterly report. The City’s finances look good into the first quarter of 2009. As mentioned last month, the City Council had requested monthly financial updates and these will start in May. The City of Salida has already trimmed the budget 5 percent by deferring some projects to 2010, utilizing Stimulus money on the Highway 50 Corridor improvement project and projecting the use of future grant funds. The 5 percent contingency plan that City Administrator Jack Lewis had requested from all the Department Supervisors is also nearly complete. This plan puts in place a department wide 5 percent cut in expenditures. If the City sees a major negative trend, this 5 percent plan will already be in place thereby reducing reaction time.
Although some of the above information has already been distributed I think it is important to reiterate to the residents of Salida and Chaffee County that Salida is being diligent in it’s use of public funds. No one knows how, when or if the United States economy will turn around and the City of Salida’s public officials and staff are committed to being fiscally responsible to our current and future residents.
It is still important we maintain and improve our city. 2A and 2B fiscal enhancement ballot issues both passed last November. The 2A money will go towards much needed improvements of our roads. The first chip seal project is contracted and will start as soon as weather permits. The 2B funds will aid the refurbishment of the Hot Springs Pool and other recreational and cultural needs in our town. We need to keep Salida vital. We have the advantage of being close to large urban populations that will seek recreational opportunities regardless of the state of the economy. That proximity will aid us as long as we continue to thoughtfully enhance our city.
Inner Mountain Colorado is a tourist mecca. Understanding the complexity of tourism is important to creating a thriving community while not trading the characteristics of our place for short term gain. We are lucky in that our tourism assets are diverse. Boating, fishing, biking, hiking, events like FIBARK and the gem of Monarch Ski Resort offer many options to the tourist and make Chaffee County a desirable destination. I believe we can make our area a wonderful place for everyone. My litmus test is that as we enhance these assets we also make Salida a better place for our residents.
On a different note: After a year and a half as mayor it is obvious that Salida City Government needs to improve its communication with its residents. We do not have a public information officer and our administrative staff is extremely busy with their current responsibilities. I would like to make everyone aware that I recap the City Council Meeting the Wednesday morning after each council meeting from 7 to 8 a.m. on KVRH. I will be available at Hattie’s the Monday evening before every council meeting from 5:30-7:00. As a reminder, the City Council Meeting is available on Channel 10. A DVD of the meeting is at the Salida Regional Library a day or two after each council meeting. Finally, your Councilmen and Mayor’s contact information is on the City of Salida web site. It’s never been more important to know what is going on in your city government and to seek information rather than rumor before making your opinion.
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