First, let me once again praise “Mac” for trying to bring information forward to the public. Although ultimately the decisions effecting all of us will be made by our elected officials, personally I believe that an informed citizenry helps to build a stronger democracy.

Second, I greatly appreciate her efforts to address the issue through a combination of steps, including streamlining operations at city hall. I’m glad that there isn’t just a simple “raise taxes” answer.

However, as I asked back when Mac was the guest on our radio show, what is the whole picture and what does it mean for me? Perhaps more clearly, what is the total annual financial impact on the average citizens, Steve and Stacey Sixpack?

The tax increase to cover the deficit was about $50 on a $250,000 home. When Mac discussed the CIP, I believe that she said we could get the whole $50 million package for an extra $295 a year on a $200,000 home, or approximately $355 on a $250,000 home.

Some of that $50 million we could choose, or ask our elected officials to choose, not to do right now. However, Mac indicated that some of the work, such as the road projects, are already in the pipeline. I suppose the City Hall project, unless the petition is successful, would also be included.

So I’m not sure whether we’re already at a $405 or $227.50 tax increase for next year. As I said on the show, I guess my opinion on the projected increase depends what I’m getting for my $300.

Then there is the business park. Brian O’Connell, Rick Estenson, and Frank Dunbar all made clear last week that it’s almost certain that the citizens of Northfield will be paying for the infrastructure.

Dunbar also estimated that the first 250 acres, all that he’s recommending the city pursue for the immediate future, would cost about $7 million. This is just for the infrastructure on the site and does not include the $7 to 8 million estimated by the former city engineer to bring the infrastructure from our existing network to the site. Nor does it include, as I understand it, any of the roads and related infrastructure, necessary to make the property “shovel ready”.

Brian O’Connell suggested that he would recommend adding this cost to citizens’ water and sewer bills instead of their taxes. Again, what’s the annual financial impact for Mr. and Mrs. Sixpack?

Finally, Mac suggested that there is likely to be another shoe dropping. The State’s decision on Local Government Aid will also impact the City of Northfield. I’ve got to imagine that there is at least a range of estimates on what that amount could be and its effect on Steve and Stacey’s budget.

Perhaps all of these figures should be on the table at the same time. Hopefully it’s not just the Sixpacks’ dining room table but also the Council’s work table. Perhaps some of the decisions not too far down the pipeline will be reconsidered in light of the big financial picture.

- Ross

I think that former City Administrator Al Roder at one point suggested that there would be no effect on the budget from the (Rate Search) missing millions.

It would seem that if we’re drawing from reserves to cover the budget, wouldn’t having another $2.5 million be helpful?