Orlando: Keeping Chandler economically sound

The state of the economy has taken center stage in almost every conversation. Many families and businesses are already hurting, and hopefully the actions recently taken by our federal government and the contemplated actions to be taken by our state governments, as well as our financial community, will provide some short- and long-term relief to those who are suffering.

As I reflect on the events of the past few weeks, I am proud of how well our community is doing in this environment. Chandler is one of the few Valley cities not facing a budget crisis. This is owed in part to fiscally conservative policies implemented and strengthened by the City Council over the past 20 years. Of those 20 years, I served 12 years on the budget subcommittees and either supported or implemented many of those policies that now serve us so well.

Our city’s economic strategies have been instrumental in Chandler gaining thousands of new jobs: In the past five years, we have added almost 15,000 industry and office jobs and more than 6,000 retail jobs. Dozens of new industries have either expand or re-located to our community.

Additionally, this current budget will not cut existing programs or services to residents. And while we will continue to deliver these services and amenities, we have had to make some adjustments to ensure our city remains financially sound. The city has delayed a number of capital projects. These are non-critical projects that will be deferred a year or more until we are certain we have the revenue streams to pay for ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with the projects. We have identified more than $3.5 million is savings.

The City Council and staff are continually taking a hard look at current operations to see where we may become leaner. That will include ways to deliver services more efficiently, setting priorities on when capital projects are undertaken, and streamlining the budget process itself.

Finally, over the past four years, including this year, we lowered the tax rate by 9.86 cents per $100 of assessed evaluation; this translates into a small savings for the average homeowner, but a savings nonetheless.

Chandler has a great financial foundation — better than most communities.

I’m running for re-election to the City Council to continue working for the residents of Chandler — that we will have programs and fiscal policies in place to continue our great quality of life.

To find out more about my priorities for Chandler, please go to my Web site The state of the economy has taken center stage in almost every conversation. Many families and businesses are already hurting, and hopefully the actions recently taken by our federal government and the contemplated actions to be taken by our state governments, as well as our financial community, will provide some short- and long-term relief to those who are suffering.

As I reflect on the events of the past few weeks, I am proud of how well our community is doing in this environment. Chandler is one of the few Valley cities not facing a budget crisis. This is owed in part to fiscally conservative policies implemented and strengthened by the City Council over the past 20 years. Of those 20 years, I served 12 years on the budget subcommittees and either supported or implemented many of those policies that now serve us so well.

Our city’s economic strategies have been instrumental in Chandler gaining thousands of new jobs: In the past five years, we have added almost 15,000 industry and office jobs and more than 6,000 retail jobs. Dozens of new industries have either expand or re-located to our community.

Additionally, this current budget will not cut existing programs or services to residents. And while we will continue to deliver these services and amenities, we have had to make some adjustments to ensure our city remains financially sound. The city has delayed a number of capital projects. These are non-critical projects that will be deferred a year or more until we are certain we have the revenue streams to pay for ongoing maintenance and operational costs associated with the projects. We have identified more than $3.5 million is savings.

The City Council and staff are continually taking a hard look at current operations to see where we may become leaner. That will include ways to deliver services more efficiently, setting priorities on when capital projects are undertaken, and streamlining the budget process itself.

Finally, over the past four years, including this year, we lowered the tax rate by 9.86 cents per $100 of assessed evaluation; this translates into a small savings for the average homeowner, but a savings nonetheless.

Chandler has a great financial foundation — better than most communities.

I’m running for re-election to the City Council to continue working for the residents of Chandler — that we will have programs and fiscal policies in place to continue our great quality of life.

To find out more about my priorities for Chandler, please go to my Web site

www.mattorlando.com

.

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Matt Orlando is a member of the Chandler City Council.