The number one issue facing Taylorsville is Economic Development. The economic recession wiped out a significant part of Taylorsville's retail tax base.
The same recession did not wipe out any of Taylorsville's expenses! We have seen increases from the Police and Fire contracts almost every year. We have also seen increases for state-required retirement programs
Economic Development encompasses so much more than just filling empty stores. Economic development includes infrastructure, maintaining improvements already completed, not standing idly by while neighborhoods decay, crime prevention, and smart incentives for businesses.
All of these issues are encompassed within economic development.
The same recession did not wipe out any of Taylorsville's expenses! We have seen increases from the Police and Fire contracts almost every year. We have also seen increases for state-required retirement programs
Economic Development encompasses so much more than just filling empty stores. Economic development includes infrastructure, maintaining improvements already completed, not standing idly by while neighborhoods decay, crime prevention, and smart incentives for businesses.
All of these issues are encompassed within economic development.
- 2013: Bring retail businesses back to Taylorsville - improving our quality of life, closer shopping destinations, and increase city revenues from sales tax. As a Council and Administration, we have been meeting with developers, meeting with property owners, suggesting new uses, new restaurants, and helping to overcome obstacles to make re-development possible. We are moving things forward and as soon as due diligence is completed, there are exciting announcements to come. The investments made in the past few years in Economic Development have not been wasted. We are on the cusp of a lot of great things happening in Taylorsville, and we hope to share those in the near future. The number one source of revenue to the City comes from sales tax dollars. The City took a significant hit to sales tax during the worst economic recession since the Great Depression. We no longer have declining revenues, but we can do more to alleviate pressures on property taxes.
- 2015: Redevelopment is in full swing. We have seen the demolition of the empty (for 7 years) Furniture Warehouse building, Circuit City, Petsmart, Blockbuster, haunted house, and the old Roundtable Pizza building come down. A new luxury movie theater is coming to the Harmon's block of the old Family Center -- now Crossroads of Taylorsville. New restaurants and retail are in negotiations and many have been announced.
- 2013: Fiscal Responsibility - Tax dollars are sacred. I'm a fiscal conservative. Taylorsville has had two property tax increases in two years. We must help invest in our infrastructure, restore and redevelop our retail and commercial centers - creating centers that will attract residents from neighboring cities. Right now, Taylorsville residents shop, eat, and play outside of Taylorsville. Sales tax dollars spent by Taylorsville residents in other cities, go to fund the fire, police, and economic development of those cities where we shop. Let's renew our shopping centers and give us shopping, eating, and entertainment options within our City, and keep our tax dollars here to improve our City.
- Several City Projects have been completed - a series of storm drains, curbs and sidewalks have been completed, we are in the process of constructing Gateway signs to let folks know they are in Taylorsville, we are investing in parks and trails, and increasing green space, we are seeing a satellite emergency room nearing completion near City Hall.
- 2013: Public safety is a priority. Our police and firefighters must have the necessary tools to adequately tackle crime and quickly respond to emergencies. The first job of government is the safety and security of our citizens. I support both the UFA and UPD. I appreciate the service of fine men and women who respond when we need them.
- Public safety is an area we constantly evaluate and the City has invested in public safety and we are seeing returns. Crime is decreasing across the City and we are making it difficult for career criminals to operate in Taylorsville.
