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.

By July 1 the process for the bidding of Phase 1 and 2 of the improvement of the Highway 50 corridor will begin.  The project is funded over 2009 and 2010 with a total cost of $700,000.  City staff deserve enormous credit in getting this project funded as the application process was lengthy and time consuming.  Their hard work is not yet done because, while the Project is  funded with federal dollars, the city has management responsibility.  Local contractors should note that you have to be a CDOT approved contractor to bid on this project.  Public Works Director Rob Vance can point an interested contractor in the right direction to gain  CDOT approval status.

Work has begun on the conversion of the old hospital into a Community Services Complex.  This is a joint effort between the City of Salida and Chaffee County.  Both the county and the city are committed to having as much of the work done by local firms as possible.  DSI has been selected as the general contractor.  Ron Mazzeo has been on board for some time as architect. The costly heating, ventilation and air conditioning project will mostly be done by local contractors with oversight by the energy performance contractor ENNOVATE.

Approximately $400,000 in improvements will be made to the water plant.  These funds are largely allocated to get the high zone water tank on line.  Also, last winter the reservoir  roof was weather damaged.  It has been temporarily patched but if not fixed it could cause a problem with our water quality.  It will go to bid in August and should cost about $300,000.

Salida’s elected officials and staff are fully aware of the global financial crisis.  We plan on staying in a positive position while watching costs and revenue very closely. The Finance Director has been directed to give monthly financial reports, rather than the normal quarterly reports, so major trends can be caught quickly allowing us to modify expenditures accordingly. City Administrator Jack Lewis has requested all Department Supervisors to have a 5% cost reduction plan complete within a month with the intention of reducing our reaction time  should the financial situation worsen.

I see our strong commitment to hiring qualified local contractors as Salida’s own local stimulus plan.  I strongly disagree with those who say now is not the time to ask much of anyone.  I see this moment as an opportunity for Salida and Chaffee County.  By maintaining our city and responsibly investing in it’s future we will be poised to come out of the financial crisis in a stronger position.  We can only do this by avoiding the fear that keeps us from working together as a community.  Fear is divisive and destructive.  By emphasizing our common views and goals, by reaffirming our desire to be a part of the community as a whole, each of us, as a member of Salida and Chaffee County, can help the entire area to continue to thrive as the gem it truly is.