Lynchburg Finances Looking Better

I'am happy to report that the Lynchburg Village Government is up to date on paying it's long term and short term debt. At the first of the month the first half of the years long term debt payment, for capital improvements on past water and sewer projects was payed totaling more than $80,000. After all operations and monthly invoices were payed, the fund balances were still in the black. They were very close, and money is still very tight, however it is looking like things are getting better. On the current course, I sincerely believe that monthly utility invoices on the local wastewater, sewer, should decrease drastically in the next 5 years.

The Council and myself discussed the EPA,s request to guarantee the upcoming long term debt for the phase one and two of the current capital improvements at the wastewater treatment facility. The Council did decide to start a process to assess certain properties affected by the upgrades. Many scenarios were looked at, for instances, not doing anything, adding the amount to the current monthly utilities invoice, pay off the debt,add an income tax, assessment to certain properties.

Burgess and Niple was chosen as the Engineering firm for phase two of the sewer plant project. This project is being fast tracked, due to the fact that Lynchburg will be receiving stimulus and other grant monies

The project plans for phase one and two are at the Municipal Building, along with the contracts, for anyone's review.

The Council passed the first comprehensive plan in the history of Lynchburg. This plan has been more than a year in the making. It is also available for review.

Turn The Street Lights Off in 2011 & Pay for the Glenavy Sewer Project

The Council Meeting was a very long and intense meeting. Several resolutions were passed in the beginning. I presented quite a list of important and challenging problems that must be solved in order for the Village Government to properly represent the citizens of Lynchburg and to dig out of the mess that has been inherited. I was reminded after the meeting that each of these challenges our opportunities to provide for a brighter future. Each of these items are the responsibility of the local government to look into and in fact it would be irresponsible if action is not taken immediately and the projected negative outcomes occur. These outcomes are higher utilities, higher taxes, and less services to the community. A couple council members even said shut off the street lights when the contract is up in 2011. There will be a Special Council Meeting to work on hand full of these Items next Tuesday at 6PM. The focus will be the budget, more specifically The New WWTP debt repayment and the Glenavy Subdivision Sewerage project debt repayment. Below is a copy of my presentation, which is in an outline format, however the basic idea is probably understood. I projected as clear as I can that I need the assistance of the Council Members and Community to get things done. There are many important problems that have to be addressed, most importantly the growing budget concerns. Budget Numbers for income our becoming available that are accurate, and it is very scary. We have halted a fiscal emergency for now, however it is still on the horizon if we do not make some hard choices and investigate the options so that we continue tho understand the problems and turn those into Opportunities for the future.

The outline below carried much discussion about how we got were we are. The different options available and costs associated with each. Each of the topics will have more discussion in the near future, and will be in depth.


Serious Problems that are Our Responsibility to Address immediately

Long Term Budget:
Law Enforcement (How do we pay for it!)
Streetlight(s) (How do we pay for it!)
Glenavy Sewer Project (How do we pay for it!)
WWTP Phase one & two (How do we pay for it!)
Old Wastewater System Debt (How do we pay for it!)
Park Mowing (How do we Pay for It!)
Council, Mayor, Fiscal Officer (How do we Pay for it)
Cemetery Maintenance (How do we Pay for it)

Capital Improvements on the Table:
Glenavy Water Loop (Phase Three)
Glenavy Sewer Project
WWTP Phase one
WWTP Phase two

Drainage:
How do we repair the water run off in Glenavy?
How do we repair Storm drainage backup on Pearl Street, next to Methodist Church?
How do we repair water run off on South Broadway?
Where do we start when opening up and repairing old storm drain system?

Street
What is the maintenance plan?
What is the street upgrade ( Capital Improvement) plan?
Do we have a long term streetlight replacement plan? (Solar)

Development
Infrastructure Development
Nature / Park Development
Economic Development
What do we need? (Dave Alpern Reported twice on the Needs through community Open Houses and investigating and a comprehensive plan draft,,(where are we)…)
How are we going to get it?
How are we going to clean up downtown?
How are we going to grow business, MFG, Dist, Retail? Tefabco MFG
Comprehensive Plan…..?!!!

Infrastructure:
Water Needs Assessment?
Sewerage Needs Assessment?

Grants and Appropriations - Needs
Infrastructure?
Marketing Study?
Natural Disaster Plan!
Cost Study?
Advertising Study?
Affects?

Ordinances, Resolutions, and General Legislation……
What do you want to change?
What do you want to make better?
Have you made a difference as an elected official?

Problems My Office heard since the Last Council Meeting!
Cat Problem!
Dog Problem!
Possum and raccoons!!
Alleys!!!
Green Space!!!
Heating and A/C Problem at Municipal Building!
People not taking care of Pets!!
Children running the Streets after dark!
People Soliciting Door to Door!
Trees rotting and falling!
Tree Maintenance!
Speed Limits!
Vehicles squealing wheels and loud radios!!
Stop Signs!
Obstruction of Safety Devices!
Drainage, Flooding!
Speeding Ticket!
Parking!
Maintaining Village Buildings!!!
Sewer Backup!!!
Falling down buildings!
Falling down Homes!!
Sidewalks!!
Grocery Store!!
Cemetery Maintenance, Cemetery Vandalism!
Street Lighting!
Sex Offenders not registered Correctly!
Roads Falling Apart!
Right of Way Problems!
Is Demmy Construction fixing Glenavy or the Village repairing, when? What is getting fixed?
People not mowing and maintaining property!
Utility Invoicing complaints!!
U turns, and driving on the wrong side of the street!!
Mosquitoes!!!!
RESPONSIBILITY!!!!


I can not do this on My Own, I need your help. This is a team effort. Specifically what do you want me to do within my Power as Mayor under the O.R.C., I need the help of Council because they hold the legislative power and authority to appropriate.

Important:
Identify Problems
Plan Solutions
Implement