Council: City Moving Toward Stronger Financial Future

If there were a word that could sum up the message behind Tuesday’s State of the City, it would be “recovery.”

All five council members took turns addressing different topics. And each talked about a recovery with a level of positive energy they said had been missing from the last two years.

“The former and current city councils have made it their priority to retain the character and integrity of the city even in the face of tough economic times and the State’s seizure of local funds,” Mayor Larry Schroeder told the crowd of about 140 people who filled Claremont’s Candlelight Pavilion.

“I am pleased to say that the City has been able to maintain the quality of services and programs so important to our residents with strategic planning and a commitment to fiscal sustainability even with reductions in State and Federal funding,” Schroeder continued.

Unlike the past two years, where the State of the Union presentation included discussion of cuts and reorganizations, this one touched on a $1.8 million surplus that, when added to the city’s reserves, increased it from nearly 27 percent to 29 percent, Mayor Pro Tem, Opanyi Nasiali told the crowd.

“In comparison, most cities’ strive to have a 25 percent reserve fund,” Nasiali said. “The Council also established a reserve fund to pay for facility maintenance and equipment not included in the two year budget presentation will be focused on the future and exciting projects we have planned for this year.”

The event was presented by the Claremont Chamber of Commerce and included residents, dignitaries and members of the business community. Council members moved quickly to summarize past accomplishments and list future goals.

Councilman Cory Calaycay listed the city’s priorities that included economic development, financial stability, sustainability and local water issues. Councilman Joe Lyons gave some detail on the city’s effort to be environmentally responsible. Among the achievements last year he listed, the city helped 130 homeowners retrofit their homes with energy saving improvements.

Councilman Pedroza spoke economic development. Among the achievements Pedroza listed for the audience was the renovation of the Promenade Center, on the south side of Interstate 10. Changes include the opening of a Super King Market and the addition of a Chase Bank and several restaurants.

“As you can see, the city is moving forward thanks to our businesses and business partners,” Pedroza said.