Dayton Daily News

It will increase strain on budget. Solutions: We need proper planning and reduction of city's debt; Extravagant expenditures must be eliminated (parties, fireworks, etc.); First priority full and proper funding of basic services (fire, police); Institute policies assist senior citizens property taxes; All businesses must pay their fair share. No more free rides; Reduction of fees at community center; Elimination council’s attitude, "Mason can do everything alone." Solution, join newly formed Northeast Fire Collaborative.

If the recession continues, Mason will be forced to cut services or raise taxes. I WILL NOT raise taxes, unless forced to cut basic services. (Fire, Police Infrastructure). Temporarily, Mason could reduce expenses to its park program, and its festivals programs. If matters were extreme, Mason could close the community center as it loses over 1 million a year. Please remember these cuts would only happen if we were faced with major money proplems!

When using actual revenue figures from 2008 with estimated revenue 2009, revenue is already projectd to decline. Current economic situation will excerbate trend. All departments excepting emergency services need review for 5% decrease expenditure, consider delay of capital expenditure projects where possible. The Economic Development Department should provide council additional steps taken to step up recruitment of small, medium and large size business to improve revenue.

A continuing recession would clearly have a negative impact. How much, would depend upon its length and depth. Mason is fortunate in that while we have lost some jobs recently, we have also gained new jobs that have mostly offset the negative effect. Also, Mason has been proactively addressing this issue for some time. All city departments are reducing their budgets, minimizing overtime, and discretionary spending is closely scrutinized.

Mason has been proactive in implementing cost and spending controls for all departments, including the privatization of some services and the elimination of outside contracting for others. This has been done to maximize the efficiency of expenditures of taxpayers’ money. Additionally council has and must continue to focus on economic development, for cuts alone may not be able to sustain the current level of services going forward.

The City of Mason should continue its efforts at attracting new business developments. Additionally, the City should look for the best ways to develop its downtown center. These efforts will work together to support the tax base in Mason allowing Mason to keep its tax rates low. Meeting essential services (fire, police, and emergency services; and then utilities and roadways) must always be the priority of council if revenues continue to fall behind.