Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough said the city will continue to provide municipal services at current levels despite a sharp downturn in revenue. (West Life photo by Larry Bennet)

Clough: City services to be maintained despite recession
By Kevin Kelley
Westlake
Published March 17, 2010

Westlake residents can expect municipal services to continue as they have in years past, despite a decline in city revenue, according to Mayor Dennis Clough.

Clough presented his 25th State of the City report at a luncheon meeting of the West Shore Chamber of Commerce March 9 at the Westlake Holiday Inn.

“We have not had to deal with any layoffs because of the fact that when times were good, the city of Westlake put dollars away,” Clough said. “So we are dipping into our reserves.”

For 2010, general fund expenditures are expected to outstrip revenues by $540,000.

Income tax receipts to the city have declined by 4 percent for the first three months of 2010, Clough reported. This continues a downward trend over the past couple years. Income tax receipts dipped 3 percent in 2009 after falling 5 percent in 2008.

Clough noted initial reports for March show receipts turning up, though he said his administration will continue to be cautious when it comes to spending and look for ways to be more efficient.

The municipal government’s mission still is to enhance the quality of life for residents by providing a high level of services in an efficient and cost-effective manner, Clough said.

As he stated in previous annual reports, Clough said Westlake’s success is due to good and careful planning.

“That is one of the reasons why we are able to withstand the downturns in the economy — because we have a diverse economic base,” Clough said. “That’s why we’re pretty financially stable.”

The mayor noted the city millage rate on property taxes has declined 25 percent since 1985.

“There are very few cities that can say they reduced the rate at which you are taxed on your property, but the city of Westlake can say that,” Clough said.

“Our government believes in low taxes and responsible management of the tax dollars the we currently have,” Clough said.

Clough, who supports the creation of a regional fire district, noted an initial study on the proposal was being released last week.

“We think it’s a great idea,” the mayor said. “We think it’s a good way to maximize the resources, whether they be personnel or equipment.”

New construction was down in 2009 compared to other years, the mayor reported. Nine new single-family homes were built at a total estimated construction cost of $3,991,600. Three new condos were built at an estimated construction cost of $840,000. And three new construction permits were issued for projects with an total estimated cost of $6.5 million.

Westlake continues to offer various incentive programs to attract and keep business ventures, the mayor said.

“We don’t like to have to compete against other communities, but that’s a reality,” Clough said.

The city still believes in maintaining its infrastructure, Clough said, and will continue to invest in road and sewer projects.

“You’re still going to see those orange barrels,” Clough said. Major road projects planned for 2010 include the widening of Clague Road and the continuation of the Hilliard Boulevard water main and street rehabilitation project, the mayor noted.

WATCH THE MAYOR’S SPEECH: Mayor Dennis Clough’s State of the City Address will be broadcast at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. through the end of next week on the city’s cable access channel — 21 on WOW, 20 on Time Warner and 99 on Uverse. The speech can also be viewed on the city’s Web site, cityofwestlake.org.

On the Web:

• City of Westlake