Tuesday, October 27, 2009

One city gets it

My column for the West Bend Daily News is online.  It’s called, “One city gets it.”  Here’s a chunk:

The professionalism shown by the city leaders and union officials is commendable. Alderman Michael Schlotfeldt said that they entered the budget process with the primary objective to “keep taxes low and try to provide the same level of service, which we have achieved.”

   The entire proposed budget is available on the city’s Web site as is this year’s budget. Any citizen can easily access and evaluate the full proposal – not just roll-up summary data. The city also puts all of its spending on the Web site filtered by amount, department and vendor so that citizens can track how the money is actually being spent. The city is setting the model for transparency for which other units of government should strive.

   The proposed budget is not perfect. No budget ever is. But it shows what determined city leaders can accomplish when they have a will to do so. When times are better, we must remember their responsiveness during these tough times.

   The public hearing about the budget is on Nov. 16. Be sure to attend and encourage them to pass this zero percent tax rate increase budget. In a time when every other unit of government is on a spending spree and sticking it to the taxpayers, the city of West Bend is getting it right.

(5) Comments
Posted by Owen at 0650 hrs
Politics + Politics - Wisconsin

  1. At least someone in West Bend is fiscally responsible.  Thank you, Dennis Melvin! And thanks to the unions for taking the initiative.

    (Common Council—don’t screw it up!) grin

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0745 hrs


  2. When the going gets tough good leadership steps up , good management like Melvin has shown he can motivate people and work toward a common goal.
    Unlike other taxing authoritys the City did not threaten us with dirty drinking water or no police protection. It is so good to see for a change goverment that is not blind to the problems around them.
    Somehow its a bit more comforting knowing the City will ride this thing out with us unlike some other taxing authoritys where the motto is wait till they are down and hurting then kick em again.
    Something to ponder? The City takes helm of the school district.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 0819 hrs


  3. Something to ponder? The City takes helm of the school district.

    Wow, are you kidding? You have seen all those non-producing TIF districts in the City or all the vacancy signs in the industrial parks.
    And while they may have come to Jesus lately, remember that the City needs to cut taxes to compare with the low rates of the School District.
    Look up the term “crocodile tears” in the dictionary and you will see a picture of Michael Schlotfeldt.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1313 hrs


  4. Valid points Charlie perhaps the new council make up can turn things around for the better. Did someone say we should not hold current boards responsible for the situation prior boards created ? Come on Charlie you can at least mutter one atta boy to this group for keeping this years taxes in check.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 1545 hrs


  5. Come on Charlie you can at least mutter one atta boy to this group for keeping this years taxes in check.

    Sure, why not, atta boys (and girl). Sadly, it doesn’t help me much. I work in but do not live in the city. We’ll see what Trenton does (or maybe already has done). I wish Owen lived in Trenton so he could obsess about them a little.

    Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on October 27, 2009 at 2241 hrs


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