Spending Criteria 3-23-09

Discussion ensued over how the trustees should base their decisions on spending or allocating the remaining Investment Fund (formerly Frohring) dollars.

I am adamantly opposed to the spending of any monies out of the investment account that cannot first be identified as part of the township's Strategic Plan, a needs-based model that should guide the leaders in their decision-making. This Strategic Plan DOES NOT exist, and therefore, we should refrain from spending any of these dollars on wishlist items until a needs-based plan is presented and adopted.

I will lobby for a long-range vision for the township, with best guess assumptions made as to where this township will or should be in 10-20 years. What does a complete buildout of the township look like? How long will that buildout take and when does redevelopment enter the picture? How much and where will the traffic be? How much more will be charged to us in taxes and can we mitigate these taxes with some other method of paying our bills? How much more commercial and residential development can or should occur? What will the burden be on existing services? What additional services will be required? What will the revenue from property taxes and other sources provide?

Armed with this data, we then need to ask this next question...what will the residents need in terms of services to live, work and remain in this community? What would the residents want or expect the township to look like in that timeframe?

Absent a long range plan, how can we spend short term dollars, other than for absolute needs (roof repair, basic maintenance, operations, etc.)? This has to be the point that is reinforced time after time, especially when the trustees intend to spend money from the investment account! If the trustees don’t have a plan for the future of the township, we are merely treading water, and not moving towards a goal. Some will argue we don’t need a goal, as saving here and there is the only result that matters. I would contend that if we don't understand where we'll be or hope to be in the next 10-20 years, we will have squandered our limited resources, stretched a levy or two back a year, but not really gained any long term benefits. If saving money is the only goal, then why are we entertaining a wishlist at all? To satisfy the County Auditors?

Lets be smart about the plan and budget we put together, and make sure it satisfies the NEEDS of the Bainbridge residents first, not serving a political agenda because of a slogan on a sign! Bainbridge Township needs to stay current, focused, efficient, lean and productive in providing services to the residents. That should be our only focus!

One way to achieve that vision and plan, is to ask the residents. Why did you move here? Why do you stay here? What do you like best about the community? What do you like least? What is the greatest asset and what is it’s most alarming liability? What is missing and what do we have too much of? Where would you see the township in 10-20 years? Where would you see the township in 3-5 years?

I'd like to hear your thoughts!