By DALE GIRARD
With the start of the new city council term, it is customary to begin a discussion on goals and objectives for the next 2-year cycle.
At the end of 2023. City Manager Manale requested department heads provide him with a list of priorities for the next fiscal year. This information is necessary to assist in looking for grants and setting FY 2025 budget recommendations.
Following the department head’s recommendations, the city manager prioritized their information to align with existing council goals.
On January 24, the city council received this list. We were given the opportunity to provide feedback. The list allowed councilors to recognize those areas our department heads believed we should focus on. The council discussion that ensued focused on several areas that we would like prioritized.
The discussion began around blighted properties. Many community members reached out to councilors to share concerns for unappealing displays along entrances to the city, along with unsightly neighborhood properties. Cleaning up our entrances is important, as this is the first impression our city makes when people are entering. Cleaning up blighted properties in neighborhoods is just good for everyone. This is a continued priority from past councils.
Blight is currently being addressed by several departments, including the city clerk, fire department and planning. Planning and fire continue working through code enforcement.
The city clerk recently brought a list of properties which were behind on property taxes. She is working through the many steps for the tax deeding process. Once completed, we can auction these properties. This will improve the city in many ways. We will recoup up to 100% of the back taxes, we can request buildings be brought into code compliance or removed, giving the new owner a timeline, and the assessed values will be adding favorably to the tax base.
If properties are not purchased during the auction, departments can clean up or remove current unattractive conditions. This past year, we were fortunate to receive grants allowing removal of blighted buildings on previously tax deeded properties, minimizing the cost to the taxpayers.
Fiscal responsibility is a top priority. Our goal is to have the city manager present us with a budget in line with the cost of living or below, while providing services to the community. I’m sure his budget will create lively discussions during the upcoming budget season. Over the past few meetings, we have heard taxpayer concerns about the shift in the tax burden. We hope residents will show up and participate during the budget process. To assist our budget, we need to continue looking at grant opportunities. In the past, we received much less than many other area communities. This caused us to eliminate projects and positions in the community.
Over the years, many projects have been discussed. Councilors requested to have more actionable projects moving forward. We recognize citizens want to see progress. I believe residents do recognize projects can be delayed by financial issues or while working with State or Federal programs. This past year, we have had more actionable items by addressing our capital projects, which had been forgotten in the past due to the lack of funding sources.
Most department heads provided goals which are important to their long-term success but may not be listed as one of the council priorities. These are changes to their day-to-day operation. They may not have significant costs but will take time and effort to implement by their entire department. I commend each department for providing these goals. Citizens may find some of the goals difficult to detect but they will add quality to the department which will assist in recruitment and retention of employees.
As we continue to move towards budget season, please reach out to me or a councilor to discuss your thoughts for the community.
— Dale Girard is the mayor of Claremont, N.H.
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