The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mayor holds town hall meeting
Concerns of community addressed by leader
Residents got a chance to ask questions and speak out about community concerns at a recent town hall meeting at the Wickliffe Community/Senior Center.
Wickliffe Mayor John Barbish facilitated the discussion on Sept. 19, which focused on finances.
He immediately addressed budget concerns.
Administration and council had already projected a $900,000 spending deficit in 2018, he said.
In efforts to generate more money going forward, Wickliffe officials decided to add a 3-mill fire and police levy to the Nov. 6 ballot. If the levy passes, it will generate over $800,000 a year.
The levy will be specifically for police and fire, but if approved,
Barbish said it will free up more money in the general fund to help with other projects and necessary expenses.
“All of our money that comes in goes into the general fund,” he said.
Citizens also heard from Service Director Joe D’ Ambrosio, Police Chief Randy Ice and Fire Chief James Powers, who further explained why the fire and safety levy is needed.
Residents questioned the progress of economic development and revitalization, noting that when Barbish was campaigning last year he pledged to fill vacancies along Euclid Avenue
Barbish is scheduled to meet with the Lake County Visitors Bureau to discuss a few properties and representatives from University Hospitals, who are at possibly having a small family practice on the Western side of Lake County in Wickliffe, he said.
and said he would be the chief salesperson of the city.
“I’m doing everything I can,” Barbish said. “I am meeting with as many people as I can. It takes time.”
Barbish is scheduled to meet with the Lake County Visitors Bureau to discuss a few properties and representatives from University Hospitals, who are at possibly having a small family practice on the Western side of Lake County in Wickliffe, he said.
Aside from building relationships with prospective business owners, Barbish said he has been strengthening ties with existing business owners.
The Euclid Avenue Corridor Committee meetings are an example of how he has been connecting with business owners with a goal to revitalize and redevelop Euclid Avenue in Wickliffe.
“We are constantly exploring ways to be more efficient,” he said.
The city recently implemented BoardDocs and will reduce leaf pick up this fall, which will be a cost-savings.
“People need to use their Kimble bins every week,” he said. “We are not going to pick up any piles that can fit in the bins. There’s no way as a community of 12,000 people, we can’t change our habits overall and be a little more efficient.”
There was positive dialogue at the town hall meeting between city leaders and residents to identify issues and explore possible solutions.