Council Passes Budgets - McKeever Retiring

The city council passed both the 2008 operating budget and the 2008-2009 capital budgets. By my quick count we added $245,750 to the 2008-2009 capital, but also cut $407,000 from the mayor's proposed capital plan for net reduction of over $161,000.

On the other hand, we increased the operating budget levy from 2007 by 5.82% (including about 2% for debt service). We increased the general fund levy by the maximum 3.86% allowed by state law, which is about $178,000. However, we are using most of that increase (about $133,000) to offset planned use of fund balances. The city's property tax increase for a median $277,000 home is $87.32 in 2008. I will post more details after sleeping.

Sadly, Alder Peter McKeever announced that he is not running for reelection in the Spring 2008 elections when his term expires. I say sadly and it will be very much so for me personally and for the city as a whole. I will miss his genuine camaraderie and collegiality - not to mention losing a political ally. He's a helluva guy and we were lucky to have him serve our city. Agree or disagree you always knew where you stood with Peter. He also challenged all of us with new ideas and ways of looking at things.

But not so sadly for his wife Marena and for Peter himself. I know a couple years ago I was shocked when he mentioned late in the season that he had not been out paddling yet. I know he has other things he wants to try that don't involve sitting around discussing city government until 1 AM - although he enjoyed it as much as anyone ever has!