"Thomas Jefferson said a democracy is dependent on an informed citizenry. I don't care whether it sounds corny or not. It's the truth." -Jim Lehrer
Carefree Truth
Issue #881, December 28, 2020
Issue #881, December 28, 2020
In Carefree Truth, Issue #874, we reported on the 3 public workshops that were held in the spring to generate a Strategic Plan and its Pillars, to be the guiding principles for 2020-2021 term of the current Council. The link to that Issue is below.
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-874.html
At the December Council meeting, the Plan was presented for Council approval. Gary Neiss reiterated that the Mission Statement is designed to appeal to the greater market area in order to generate sales tax revenue (STR) necessary to operate the Town. Carefree does not have enough residents to generate that STR, so the town needs to attract others from around the area to come to Carefree to shop and dine.
The Value Statement is more specific to the quality of life for Carefree residents and businesses, maintaining the infrastructure and operation of the town without imposing a municipal property tax. Quality of Life is the nucleus. The Pillars are infrastructure maintenance, creating quality community development, economic development for financial stability, and communications/marketing/community engagement. Tasks are outlined within the Pillars. This is a working document that will evolve over time to meet the adjusting circumstances and needs.
This is a starting point, and each element has a citizen participation element associated with it. The workshops were held via Zoom, and the summaries were published in COINS. Citizens were encouraged to provide input. The Council members and staff are willing to go out and meet with residents and businesses. The Town will continue to solicit input moving forward.
Mayor Les Peterson felt this was an excellent blueprint. He thanked everyone for being involved in its generation. He encouraged each Council member to choose a Pillar that is of interest to them, to get involved, and to become an expert. He noted that Carefree's is a working Council that assists the staff. Vice Mayor John Crane added that public comment is always welcome. This is a dynamic document, subject to modification.
http://carefreetruth2.com/carefree-truth-874.html
At the December Council meeting, the Plan was presented for Council approval. Gary Neiss reiterated that the Mission Statement is designed to appeal to the greater market area in order to generate sales tax revenue (STR) necessary to operate the Town. Carefree does not have enough residents to generate that STR, so the town needs to attract others from around the area to come to Carefree to shop and dine.
The Value Statement is more specific to the quality of life for Carefree residents and businesses, maintaining the infrastructure and operation of the town without imposing a municipal property tax. Quality of Life is the nucleus. The Pillars are infrastructure maintenance, creating quality community development, economic development for financial stability, and communications/marketing/community engagement. Tasks are outlined within the Pillars. This is a working document that will evolve over time to meet the adjusting circumstances and needs.
This is a starting point, and each element has a citizen participation element associated with it. The workshops were held via Zoom, and the summaries were published in COINS. Citizens were encouraged to provide input. The Council members and staff are willing to go out and meet with residents and businesses. The Town will continue to solicit input moving forward.
Mayor Les Peterson felt this was an excellent blueprint. He thanked everyone for being involved in its generation. He encouraged each Council member to choose a Pillar that is of interest to them, to get involved, and to become an expert. He noted that Carefree's is a working Council that assists the staff. Vice Mayor John Crane added that public comment is always welcome. This is a dynamic document, subject to modification.
The Plan was unanimously approved.
https://vimeo.com/486258711
Economic Development Director Steve Prokopek had previously spoken at length about the Economic Development and Financial Stability Pillar of the Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 (See Carefree Truth #874). At this meeting, he provided a summary, noting that this Pillar is designed to bridge the gap between the anticipated financial shortfall of the next 10 years and the amount of funding needed to supply the services wanted and needed by Carefree' residents and businesses.
https://vimeo.com/486264553
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.
https://vimeo.com/486258711
Economic Development Director Steve Prokopek had previously spoken at length about the Economic Development and Financial Stability Pillar of the Strategic Plan for 2020-2022 (See Carefree Truth #874). At this meeting, he provided a summary, noting that this Pillar is designed to bridge the gap between the anticipated financial shortfall of the next 10 years and the amount of funding needed to supply the services wanted and needed by Carefree' residents and businesses.
https://vimeo.com/486264553
Lyn Hitchon
Prepared by Carefree Truth
Copyrighted
Visit our website at www.carefreetruth2.com If you know anyone who would like to be added to the Carefree Truth email list, please have them contact me. Feel free to share Carefree Truth with others on your list.
Visit www.carefreeazbusinesses.com to see more info about businesses in Carefree. Please support our merchants.