The Mayor's Message

 

Mayor’s Budget Message

To:          Council Members, Employees and the Citizens of Walton, Kentucky

From:      Wayne M. Carlisle, Mayor

Date:       June 23, 2011

Subject:  The 2011 – 2012 Budget Proposal and Message

The Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) set forth the requirements and certain guidelines for financial administration of the fiscal affairs of cities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. KRS Chapters 91A.010 through 91A.060, 83A.130(12), 83A.140(8) and 83A.150(5) specifically address the requirements of financial administration and fiscal responsibility.

This budget proposal and message is presented to you in compliance with these statutes. Also, this proposal is intended to address all requirements of any state or federal programs that the City may be participating in at this time.

The following is an explanation of four basic areas of the budget proposal that must be addressed in this message as required by statute (see KRS 91A.030(7)).

  1. City Goals Proposed by the Adoption of this Budget.

As the City of Walton continues to grow, there is a continued need to improve and repair the existing infrastructure (streets, sidewalks and storm water control) for improving the quality of life in Walton. It is also important that we properly market the City of Walton to future businesses in such a manner as to raise their awareness that our City is rapidly growing and expanding. We can and will offer potential developers marketable locations suitable to their needs. It is our goal to keep a balance of residential and business growth. Even in these current economic times, we should still be able to keep pace with infrastructure requirements.

 

  1. Capital Improvements and Purchases the City of Walton Anticipates in this Budget.

This year’s budget is shifting to better City services and cutting costs by upgrading our maintenance department with new equipment. Some of the equipment we anticipate purchasing this fiscal year; a new Tractor with a Bush Hog and Finish Mower and a Sewer Sludge Press. The City will also be adding a new part-time maintenance employee to take on some of the workload created by our growth. It is time we stepped up and took responsibility of more of our services. In the next General Assembly, the City of Walton could become a Fourth Class City which would put Walton in the same classification with cities such as, Edgewood, Ft. Mitchell, Ft. Thomas, and Ft. Wright.

 

Due to recent developments in the City, we have shifted our focus to Edwards Avenue and the upgrading of the street, the water and the drainage systems.

 

  1. New Programs and Program Goals.

We have started some new programs that we believe will make the City of Walton an attraction as well as the place to make your home or locate your business.

 

We have the Historic Gaines House now available for rental for weddings, family reunions, church picnics and other gatherings. We believe it’s time the City saw an income from this incredible piece of history instead of just pouring money into it.

 

Our First Annual Classic Car Show June 24th and 25th is expected to bring a tremendous number of visitors to the City. More visitors equates to more retail sales for our local businesses. In addition, those businesses that have been considering the move to Walton are certain to be influenced by those numbers.

 

We are working feverously on attracting the YMCA to Walton. This would create about 125 jobs and reach out to the entire southern region of Northern Kentucky. It will take a lot of effort from the community to make this happen.

 

  1. Fiscal Policy Changes.

Effective June 6th, the City changed its hours of operation to more citizen friendly access. No more noon closing and the City will stay open until 6 PM Monday through Friday. We also installed video cameras in the City building for the safety and security of the employees. The Gaines House will get extra security as well.

 

We have taken an aggressive stand on violation of our City ordinances and are working closely with Boone County for enforcement. In some situations, it hasn’t been pleasant. But, it is the responsible thing for your elected officials to do. We will not tolerate the few that degrade their neighbor’s property and the City.

 

The City is fiscally sound. This administration will not raise property taxes. We have installed a full time Economic Development Coordinator to work primarily on attracting more business. More business equates to more tax dollars.

 

City Council also needs to continue their hard work to make Walton an attractive and desirable location for businesses and families. Only through a solid working relationship with the City’s Executive and Legislative branches can we take Walton to the next level.

 

This financial report is designed to provide our citizens, taxpayers, customers, and creditors with a general overview of the City’s finances and to show the City’s accountability for the money it receives. If you have questions about this report or need additional financial information, contact Peggy Gray, the City Clerk/Finance Officer at 40 North Main Street, Walton, Kentucky.

Respectfully,

 

Wayne M. Carlisle,  Mayor

  • Share this