Mayor's Welcome
Dear Web Visitor:
On behalf of the City Council of the City of Sidney, our staff, and the residents of our great community, I welcome you to the City’s web site. Whether this is your first visit to our web site, or you are a frequent browser, I hope that this “visit” to our community will not only be informative, but cause you to visit the City of Sidney in person.
The City of Sidney has a proud heritage. Founded in 1819, Sidney became the County Seat of Shelby County (Ohio) in 1820. From its beginnings as a crossroads village, the city has become home to more than 20,000 residents, and is a full-service provider to area citizens. The following departments provide services to our citizens: Police, Fire (including Emergency Medical Service), Water, Sewer, Public Works (Engineering, Streets, Graceland Cemetery), Transportation (Shelby Public Transit and Municipal Airport), Parks and Recreation, Planning and Community Development. Further information about each of these departments and the services they provide can be found within this web site.
Clearly, last year and 2010 will be greatly influenced by the demands of the nationwide recession. While the recession has provided us numerous challenges, we are fortunate to be in a much better position than many of the communities in the surrounding area. This is due, in no small part, to the diligence of the city staff and past City Councils who have instituted sound policies that have helped to buffer the impact of the economic downturn.
With the combined efforts of the Shelby County Commissioners, the West Ohio Development Council, City Council and our fine staff, the City of Sidney is poised to play an important role in future development projects. I firmly believe that the current recession will mean a future of pent-up demand. The City of Sidney will be in a good position to answer the needs of our local businesses and industries when they are ready to grow.
In 2008 the City saw a rare 7% decline in income tax revenue. We project an additional 13% reduction in income tax in 2009. The income tax comprises approximately 60% of the General Fund ($13 M) and so the 20% reduction has made it difficult for all City services to be maintained. We have managed the budget shortfall in part through employment attrition due to retirements and resignations, the reduction in part-time staff and minor reductions in services (i.e. shortening of pool operating hours, reducing the number of times per month the streets are swept, etc.) For the most part, these have allowed the City to maintain the level of services that our residents expect. Any additional economic slowdowns will result in our having to make difficult decisions in 2010.
Even though we have limited operational funds, there will be a large number of capital projects undertaken in 2010. These projects are being funded primarily through funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Due to staff efforts, the City received approximately $7.8 M in grants (40%) and no-interest loans (60%) to upgrade and extend water lines throughout the community. Some projects have already begun and others will begin in the first half of 2010. Since the water lines are primarily located within the City right of ways, traffic flows may be a challenge in 2010.
With the help of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Council will also be reviewing the best way to expand Tawawa Park into the former Brookside Girl Scout Camp. The former camp area is located immediately east of Tawawa Park. The additional 27 acres will provide a wonderful addition to Tawawa Park, and was made possible through a contribution from the Community Foundation of Shelby County. Funds for the improvements will be solicited from both private corporations and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. I expect the final approval of the plans in 2010.
Recognizing that drinking water availability from the Miami River and Tawawa Creek will continue to be a challenge, the City is moving forward on the acquisition of a new water source. This source is located in Washington Township. In 2009, due to the national recession, the City Council chose not to increase water rates to pay for the entire improvement but did direct the staff to proceed with the acquisition of the property. This will pave the way for the development of this new water source in the future.
Finally, due to the challenging economic conditions, the City staff has been reduced through attrition. Many long time employees have retired and less than a hand full have been replaced. During the past year, we celebrated the retirement of Police Chief Steve Wearly, who contributed 37 years of service to this community.
We also welcomed his successor, Kevin Gessler. Chief Gessler was formerly the Chief of Police in Wheeling, West Virginia. Chief Gessler continues the long tradition of those who have held his position to serve and protect the residents and visitors to the City of Sidney.
We look forward with confidence to the New Year! I firmly believe the future is bright and Sidney continues to be a great place to visit, work, worship and raise a family. If a member of City Council, the staff, or I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to contact us at 937.498.8143.
City Council meets on the second and fourth Mondays (excepting holidays) of each month in regular session at the City Hall. We welcome your input and participations at our meetings. You may also email questions to us through the City Clerk’s Office at jfahnestock@sidneyoh.com.
Again, welcome and enjoy your stay with us!
Respectfully yours,
Michael Barhorst
Mayor