Clarkston area leaders face a difficult year ahead, with falling revenues near the top of everyone’s 2010 agenda.
Supervisor Dave Wagner said Independence Township will look at the budget continuously as, well as look ahead at 2011 and 2012. His biggest goal is not to lay off more than what they committed to in the 2010 budget.
‘Laying off people is really not the entire answer because when you lay them off, they’re not going to the stores, they’re not going to the movies, restaurants, so those businesses suffer right along with us,? he said. ‘You’re actually looking at a trickle down effect because of your actions ? it’s affecting other businesses.?
Springfield Township Supervisor Mike Trout also expects another tough year for revenue, but the township budgets conservatively and always looks for ways to deliver services efficiently.
“We will probably see a decrease in revenue, between property values and state shared revenue, of over 10 percent and maybe 15 percent,” Trout said. “The good news is many people will see a decrease in their tax bills.”
They will continue to look for grants and other funding sources to offset decreases.
“While it might seem like there is lots of money out there, its very competitive in most cases,” he said. “We recently partnered with Independence and Clarkston for an energy efficiency grant and will likely receive consideration to upgrade various systems like heating, air conditioning, and lighting in some of our buildings.”
The City of the Village of Clarkston will also work to minimize budget effects of falling home values and state revenue sharing funds, said City Manager Dennis Ritter.
“The dramatic reductions we’re experiencing on the revenue side of the ledger requires daily monitoring of our projected revenues and expenses,” Ritter said. “Mayor Steve Arkwright, with his strong financial knowledge and leadership, has been a huge help and thanks to our city Treasurer Jan Gillespie, a real nickel-nabber I might add, we’ve managed to keep afloat.”
Wagner noted they are looking at cross training employees so with a smaller workforce they’re still ‘able to give the service people expect of this township.? He would also like to draw in new business.
“Even though it’s hard times, there are new businesses moving into other municipalities,? he said. ‘We have a lot to offer in this township for new businesses and to our new residents. This is something I think has to have 100 percent effort put into.?
Clarkston Community Schools goals include demand legislators seek long-term solution to education funding in Michigan, said Elizabeth Egan, Clarkston PTA Council president.
“We will advocate for fair educational funding with written communication and direct contact with our state legislators,” Egan said.
Goals also include improving student and community health through events such as the Clarkston Health and Wellness Exposition, March 27; and encourage and provide opportunities for parental involvement in schools to increase student achievement.
Wagner said he also hopes everyone in the township will work more cooperatively together this year.
‘We’ve talked a lot about doing this facilities and grounds division where we can combine all of our services under one roof. I think this is very important we do get this put in place as soon as possible,? he said. ‘I’m looking at several different alternatives to see what makes sense. I would hope in the near future I could bring something to the board to show them what my thinking is and get their input.?
Springfield Township priorities include infrastructure, with preventative maintenance on roads, buildings, and equipment
“This is important so we don’t end up with a huge capital expense because we put things off for short term savings that cost us more in the long run,” Trout said.
Plans for 2010 include extending pathways, he said
“Wouldn’t it be great if we could connect downtown Clarkston with downtown Davisburg and our beautiful parks with a safety path,” he said.
Other plans include new signals at Dixie and Davisburg roads, and studies of Dixie Highway at I-75 and downtown Davisburg.
“This can be a challenge because of our duty to enforce our ordinances as part of doing our job and not allowing all kinds of blight, including the types of signs we do not allow, without being overly restrictive given the current economy,” Trout said. “Finding that balance can be very difficult so we are looking for ways to allow temporary signage, for instance in a way that won’t create a blight situation.”
Future goals include local soil-erosion permits and inspections, relocation of sheriff substation and fire station one in downtown Davisburg.
“Both facilities are old and have restraints in terms of upgrading them,” he said. “We will continue to support our residents’ needs and concerns by whatever means we can and will use our website, cable station, email, and other technology to provide services effectively.”
For Clarkston Mayor Stephen Arkwright, 2010 goals include balancing the budget, managing services, Ethics and Conflict of Interest Policy, naming city hall after Artemus M. Pappas, improved website and eectronic services, consolidation of services, and resolution of use of 90 North Main.
Clarkston goals also includes finishing a three-year budget projection, Ritter said.
“Our finance committee meets regularly in an effort to accomplish this task,” he said. “Budget years 2011 and 2012 show falling home values continuing, but 2012 at a slower rate. The objective of having a three year budget, is to be prepared for what’s ahead rather than being completely surprised.”
Clarkston Board of Education goals include higher academic achievement for all students, useful and timely financial reports to the board, Balanced Budget Process, and matching budget priorities with curriculum goals and finance parameters, said board President Stephen Hyer.
Trevor Keiser contributed to this report.