Jasper mayor Terry Seitz has unveiled a strategic plan for the use of EDIT funds in the city.
Seitz made his pitch this morning during a public meeting in the council chambers at Jasper City Hall. The analysis, which was done by Umbaugh and Associates, states goals of leveraging city EDIT funds, sustaining a healthy EDIT reserve and projecting the potential EDIT funds that might be available for bonding.
Mayor Seitz also pointed out that the city has been conservative with EDIT usage recently. The city is projected to spend around $1.2 million of its EDIT reserves in 2016. That reserve is currently at $4.7 million according to clerk-treasurer Juanita Boehm.
Now several members of the Jasper City Council were on hand this morning and the presentation was the first time that they viewed the document. Councilman Kevin Manley was among those who expressed concern, saying the 5 year timeline presented is a tall order for the city to follow:
Meanwhile, Seitz argued that long-term plans for using EDIT funds are needed in light of the many projects going on in Jasper:
Some of those projects would include work at the Parklands property, matching funds for a state trail grant and the Jasper Lofts and Vine Street Lofts housing project among others.
Of course, this morning’s plan was a public proposal. Seitz says it could be presented at upcoming board and council meetings.
