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City strong but faces challenges, mayor says
(by Sue Reid - March 26, 2009)
City strong but faces challenges, mayor says
By SUE REID
Mayor Kevin C. Patton cited Solon's strong financial position amid a harsh national economy and identified major goals for the future during his state-of-the city address Tuesday.
"Despite the economic hardships that plague the majority of municipalities in our region, state and nation, the City of Solon, today, remains financially strong and focused on another year of growth and improved quality of life," Mr. Patton told the crowd gathered at the T.S. Macklin Event Centre on Enterprise Parkway.
The city's balance sheet, or financial position, "has never been stronger," he said.
"We are blessed with a broad tax base, good reserve levels and a business culture that seeks opportunities, even in the most difficult situations," Mr. Patton said. "We hope to meet the current challenges and eventually emerge from the economic downturn still a strong and vibrant community."
Mr. Patton said Solon will remain both optimistic and cautious.
The eroding economy is creating challenges all around, including in Solon, he said. "This is the harshest financial time that we have seen since our incorporation as a city some 48 years ago. Nonetheless, it is our goal to continue to provide quality services and programming to our constituents using existing revenues."
The city will need to be "careful as we struggle to not go in the direction that many are headed, of reducing programs and services and delaying important projects," Mr. Patton said.
In the area of economic development, he said, the city has a long history of supporting existing business, promoting new business and fostering reinvestment in the commercial and industrial areas. To remain in a position of economic prominence which Solon rose to in the 1970s and 1980s, he said, "The city must continue to pay close attention to the needs of our business community.
"As for what lies ahead, in the short term of one to two years, Solon's economic development will likely be affected by the dire state of the national economy. And although the city enjoyed an influx of new businesses and increased revenues in 2008, it is not immune from predictions of company downsizings and closures that are already impacting communities in our region," Mr. Patton said.
In the area of planning, Mr. Patton touched on target areas of the updated comprehensive master plan "that will serve as a guide for Solon's future development."
He also shared a few comments on the Coral Co's. Central Park proposal that was under consideration for over eight months last year. He said that despite the fact that the project "quickly faded due to significant and drastic changes in the economy," it was a learning experience for the city's elected and appointed officials.
"When economic conditions improve, it will be important for Solon to be positioned and ready to deal with proposals for redevelopment," he said. "So, at some point, there just may be a renaissance of our retail shopping areas and our downtown central business district."
Mr. Patton also delved into other city departments, including service, law, engineering, building, water reclamation, public works, Grantwood Golf Course, senior services, recreation, police, fire, information technology, human resources and the Solon Center for the Arts. He credited both the city staff as well as all elected officials for their continued hard work and dedication.
Moving forward, Mr. Patton defined several goals for the new year. They include the review and adoption of the master plan, the construction and completion of the Veterans Memorial Park and the Pettibone Road improvement project. He also cited the formalized plan for the Bainbridge Road improvement project, continued expansion of automated-rubbish collection and continued focus on storm-water improvements.
The city also will maintain a high level of safety and response time for residents and businesses as well as complete the construction and equipment installation at the water-reclamation plant. Solon will continue to explore the adoption of "green" technology in city buildings and operations, Mr. Patton said, as well as to explore current and new funding opportunities for the arts center, seniors and other programs.
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