Occupation: Accountant/CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
What qualifies you for the position: Prior and current experience on city council and my financial background.
Community involvement: Big Brothers Big Sisters November 2004 to present; Green County Leaders 2008-2009; ER & Day Surgery Monroe Clinic and Hospital volunteer 2002-2004.
Education: UW-Platteville, Bachelor degree in Accounting
Previous experience: January 2008 to April 2010 Alderman 9th Ward City of Monroe (appointed in January and elected in April 2008); Chairman of Finance and Taxation Committee, August 2010 to present; Alderman 9th Ward City of Monroe (appointed in August 2010).
Q: In expectation of falling revenues (such as state shared revenue) and increasing costs (such as health care and pension plan costs), what should the City of Monroe do to balance its budget next year?
The proposed decrease in state shared revenues along with the proposed property tax freeze as part of the budget repair bill will present challenges during the budgeting process for next year. The shortfall in revenues will be partially offset by the requirement of employees, other than sworn officer union employees, to contribute toward their pension plan. Additionally, requiring employees to contribute more toward their health insurance will be addressed. Other options such as privatizing services, restructuring departments and making cuts where possible may need to be considered. However, I believe it is a realistic goal for the city of Monroe to continue providing the quality and level of services the citizens are used to while holding property taxes steady.
A: Equalized property values in Monroe's five Tax Increment Districts (TID) fell by about $6 million total last year. If a TID does not raise enough tax revenue annually and does not have enough excess funds to meet its debt payment, the city must pay those shortfalls from its general fund. This was a concern during the budget meetings this past fall. What should the City do to help generate tax revenues specifically for these districts and to increase business, industrial and job growth in general?
The city needs to provide additional incentives for businesses to locate within the TID. Some options would be to offer grants, low-interest loans, or land at below fair market value to "qualifying" businesses or prospective businesses to locate within the TID. Criteria could be established defining a qualifying business by the number of jobs created or the increase in the assessed value of the TID attributable to the new business. Other options to consider are to re-examine the TID boundaries and locations. With careful planning TIDs can be very successful at revitalizing underdeveloped areas in this city. Due to economic conditions and the recent decline in property values, it is now more important than ever to address this issue.
Q: Mayor Bill Ross has said, what is good for Green County is good for Monroe, and therefore, he has worked with Green County Economic Development Corporation, Green County Department of Tourism and other county offices and municipalities to promote economic growth in the area. The opposite saying, what is good Monroe is good for Green County could also be true. Monroe Main Street, Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cheese Days Committee have worked to promote more tourism to Monroe. What should the city do to help promote Monroe - its history, its products and its recreational opportunities - as a destination for more visitors?
A: Agriculture, cheese making and recreational opportunities are the heart of the City of Monroe and the surrounding area. To preserve and promote our culture, heritage and identity, the City of Monroe needs to partner with the above entities in a focused and targeted effort to promote the city. Technology is an essential tool for promotion. Evaluating ways to most effectively utilize the city website for promotion is a consideration. Another option is holding more community festivals and celebrations to attract visitors to the city.
The proposed decrease in state shared revenues along with the proposed property tax freeze as part of the budget repair bill will present challenges during the budgeting process for next year. The shortfall in revenues will be partially offset by the requirement of employees, other than sworn officer union employees, to contribute toward their pension plan. Additionally, requiring employees to contribute more toward their health insurance will be addressed. Other options such as privatizing services, restructuring departments and making cuts where possible may need to be considered. However, I believe it is a realistic goal for the city of Monroe to continue providing the quality and level of services the citizens are used to while holding property taxes steady.
A: Equalized property values in Monroe's five Tax Increment Districts (TID) fell by about $6 million total last year. If a TID does not raise enough tax revenue annually and does not have enough excess funds to meet its debt payment, the city must pay those shortfalls from its general fund. This was a concern during the budget meetings this past fall. What should the City do to help generate tax revenues specifically for these districts and to increase business, industrial and job growth in general?
The city needs to provide additional incentives for businesses to locate within the TID. Some options would be to offer grants, low-interest loans, or land at below fair market value to "qualifying" businesses or prospective businesses to locate within the TID. Criteria could be established defining a qualifying business by the number of jobs created or the increase in the assessed value of the TID attributable to the new business. Other options to consider are to re-examine the TID boundaries and locations. With careful planning TIDs can be very successful at revitalizing underdeveloped areas in this city. Due to economic conditions and the recent decline in property values, it is now more important than ever to address this issue.
Q: Mayor Bill Ross has said, what is good for Green County is good for Monroe, and therefore, he has worked with Green County Economic Development Corporation, Green County Department of Tourism and other county offices and municipalities to promote economic growth in the area. The opposite saying, what is good Monroe is good for Green County could also be true. Monroe Main Street, Monroe Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Cheese Days Committee have worked to promote more tourism to Monroe. What should the city do to help promote Monroe - its history, its products and its recreational opportunities - as a destination for more visitors?
A: Agriculture, cheese making and recreational opportunities are the heart of the City of Monroe and the surrounding area. To preserve and promote our culture, heritage and identity, the City of Monroe needs to partner with the above entities in a focused and targeted effort to promote the city. Technology is an essential tool for promotion. Evaluating ways to most effectively utilize the city website for promotion is a consideration. Another option is holding more community festivals and celebrations to attract visitors to the city.