The Sandoval Village Board heard a recap of accomplishments and a list of goals for the coming year when reviewing their budget at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Village Administrator LeAnn Speicer says the past year has been busy, led by the opening of the library.
“We oversaw the construction of a new water tower in the village, had our first annual street fair, we finished our park improvement project and held a baseball dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony.”
And Speicer expects a busy year ahead.
“Focus on economic development, try to bring some new businesses in to town. Another key thing for the village is our census. Our population has been steadily decreasing over the years. That effects our revenue, not just with property taxes but also our past due funds from the state and federal government. I would like to see interested developers contact us. We need more affordable housing, senior housing, that would help increase revenues in our housing stock.”
Speicer says they also have to address the low water pressure problems in parts of Sandoval since the new water tower went on line. She also sees a need for a waste water management plan. Speicer says a new comprehensive plan now being prepared will provide direction on most of the goals they want to accomplish.
Speicer says the village enters the new fiscal year in good financial shape, with $600,000 available in various state and federal grants as well as tax increment financing district revenue available to complete public infrastructure improvement projects.
Board member Heather Day suggested with an employee at village hall soon retiring, they look at making the village clerk fulltime to address issues that are now falling through the cracks.
Police Chief Joe Lyons was given permission to hire a fourth fulltime officer because of difficulties in keeping part-time officers. With the addition of the new fulltime officer, the number of part-time officers will be reduced from two to one.
The board has decided to go to two meetings a month. On the first Tuesday, all committees will meet in addition to the regular third Tuesday meeting.
