Mayor Pam Bobst

State of the city is good news for River
By Allison Pritchard
Rocky River
Published June 3, 2009

Not everyone gets a standing ovation before and after they speak — but Mayor Pam Bobst did when she gave the yearly state of the city speech at the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce meeting May 28. The mayor cited the ways Rocky River rocks as a city, as well as noting the challenges it continues to face.

“If you know me, you know I don’t exhale in 45 minutes,” Bobst said, about her fact-filled speech in front of a crowded room of luncheon guests.

While introducing Bobst, Chamber President Jim Riedl called her one of the best mayors in the state of Ohio and someone who keeps the city moving in the right direction.

Bobst noted the financial stability and quality city employees as reasons why the city is running smoothly, before tearfully getting out the end of her speech and tearfully choking on the words “I’m honored to be mayor.”

One of the first facts Bobst presented was that income tax (1.5 percent) hasn’t been raised and is one of the lowest in the region.

A conservative budget has also allowed Rocky River to be successful in finances, Bobst said.

The total 2008 revenue for the city was more than $27 million, Bobst said, and the total 2008 expenditure was more than $23 million. When you do the math, that’s good news for the city, she said.

Although Rocky River is in a “very solid position,” with the “challenges due to the economic position facing” the nation, it still needs to prioritize, Bobst said. For example, Rocky River’s number of layoffs is low, it’s still an issue that layoffs in the region are taking place, Bobst said.

Bobst additionally noted the “ongoing importance of my favorite subject and my favorite document, the Comprehensive Sewer Maintenance and Rehabilitation” that addresses the 180 miles of aging sewer infrastructure. The city hopes to repair, replace and build capacity for the system.

Along with sewer issues, another concern for the city is the 86 foreclosures last year, and the 48 active home forecloses this year. Other issues for Rocky River including the volume and expanding needs of an aging population, the mayor told the crowd at the civic center.

Rocky River has made improvements by adding even more trees to the city (270, totaling more than 1000), making park improvements and addressing Wooster Rd. storm water issues. The city has also been working on the Detroit Rd. streetscape and has plans for the first Fall Arts Festival.

The mayor also gave kudos to the court, noting it’s the second largest two-judge court in the state, and in 2008 ended the year with a positive balance.

As in the past, Bobst additionally mentioned that she enjoys having the city help out with community building such as the 46 block parties that took place last year.

Near the speech’s end, Bobst said her outlook is a balance between “realism and optimism.”

“Both residential and commercial investments continue…[the city is] highly effective in securing outside funding for critical projects…We’re doing more with less,” Bobst said, summing up the good news. “Our outlook is positive.”

Before the luncheon ended, “top secret” envelopes were passed around to each table as the mayor announced the good news inside: Rocky River is rated the number five suburb by Cleveland Magazine. Bobst showed her exuberance for the honor.

On the Web:

• Rocky River City Hall