I’ll start this month by congratulating Kirtland Public Works Director, Joe Fornaro, for being selected one of the top ten Public Works Directors in the country. I may be partial, but I can think of no one more deserved than Joe to receive such a distinguished award. Joe exemplifies hard work, dignity, and honor, in not only his profession but in his personal life. Joe works, tirelessly on behalf of our residents and as a matter of fact, it is Joe that instituted his department’s motto “Our Residents Come First.”

Staying with the theme of Public Works, I’d like to thank City Council for passing a city budget that includes $2.5 million in road funding. Over the last four years, we’ve worked with our Finance Director and Council to responsibly manage city debt. Our commitment to aggressive debt payments allows us to issue short term notes to fund another season of road paving and repairs.

Here at City Hall, we recognize that strategic utilization of our debt capacity is only a temporary solution to paying for fixing roads. And the way to put the road funding question behind us, once and for all, is to have a dedicated source of funding. Over the next weeks and months, we will continue to have the discussion discerning what the best mechanism to finance future road funding might be. And with that, what should be put to the voters in November.

The fundamental question will be whether a road levy that affects property tax or an income tax adjustment is the best source of funding for our road program. I lean heavily toward a Charter amendment that dedicates a portion of an adjusted income tax to fund our roads. The main reason is that a levy will disproportionately affect our fixed income senior population. Whereas income tax does not affect seniors’ retirement income and is paid by folks that live in Kirtland as well as those who live outside Kirtland but drive our roads to work in our city. Regardless of the approach, I look forward to the thoughtful conversations related to road funding that will be taking place over the next few months.

Prior to closing, I want to thank my wife, Jeni Potter, for her extraordinary volunteerism. Year after year, Jeni spends hundreds of hours each year coordinating the Shamrock Shuffle & Shenanigans 5K and organizing and overseeing an entire week of Safety Town for Kirtland’s youth. This type of volunteerism is not uncommon in Kirtland but I’m not sure I thank Jeni enough for all she does for the city.

In closing, thanks to everyone for their patience during road, bridge, and sewer construction season. And please continue to use caution as we pass through any construction areas around town.

Thank you, Mayor Potter