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Barb's Resume'
Accomplishments as Tell City Clerk-Treasurer
Managing Issues and Looking towards the Future, as Mayor of Tell City
Accomplishments as Tell City Clerk-Treasurer:
Throughout my 19 years
as Clerk-Treasurer, I, along with my staff, have operated the Clerk-Treasurer
Office with the utmost dignity and respect while providing effective leadership
of city government. My office has always
operated with an Open Door Policy, listening and assisting many tax payers
while utilizing these leadership skills to make decisions and solve issues.
As Clerk-Treasurer, I have wisely invested city tax dollars on behalf of the citizens of Tell City, resulting in additional interest revenues of over $1,000,000. Smart investing of City tax dollars has resulted in many city improvements for the citizens.
During my terms as Tell City Clerk-Treasurer, the Indiana State Board of Accounts has conducted annual audits of the city records resulting in outstanding audit reports. I am very proud of the excellence in city operations through the Clerk-Treasurer Office as shown in these annual audit reports.
I have been able to implement the most advanced technology available to Indiana Clerk-Treasurers. By continuously improving technology in the office, we are able to gain efficiencies and pass that savings on to the taxpayers.
As Tell City’s Clerk-Treasurer, I have continuously strived to achieve effective operations of the office while considering the needs and savings to the taxpayers. Changes in payroll procedures have been implemented resulting in an annual savings to the taxpayers over $11000. I also managed the codification of all city ordinances in an effort to provide better service and accessibility to the citizens. In the 2008 city budget, I have requested funding to place the codification on the city website for better public accessibility. Also proposed for the city website is the addition of the city zoning and subdivision control ordinance. This addition to the website would allow for more efficient usage by the developers, as well as, the general public.
In conclusion to my accomplishments as Clerk-Treasurer, it has always been my philosophy to explore how we “do more with less”! It is that same spending philosophy that I will bring to the entire operations of the City!
Managing Issues and Looking towards the Future, as Mayor of Tell City:
AS MAYOR OF TELL CITY, I GIVE TO YOU A MAYOR WITH VISION!
I have many “Visions” to share with you over the next couple of weeks. Most of my visions are the same as those you dream about every day. Visions of a clean community, well kept streets, properly cared for properties, planned and managed tax dollars, growth in population, and new and higher paying jobs. Everyone striving for the same vision will truly build a strong community. That is why I am calling on all citizens of Tell City to work together towards something I refer to as “Partners in Pride”. This partnership brings City elected officials, City department heads and employees, the business community, and residents working together for a better Tell City.
AS MAYOR OF TELL CITY, I WILL PROVIDE EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP TO CITY GOVERNMENT!
Tell City needs a Mayor who will listen to the needs and concerns of all citizens. As Mayor, I will hold neighborhood meetings to learn and be in a better position to act on those needs. These neighborhood meetings are the perfect forum to listen to your needs while keeping you informed about the challenges facing our community and the progress we are making. I will encourage everyone to attend and voice their opinion openly. Everyone should be heard and their opinions considered!
AS MAYOR OF TELL CITY, I WILL DEVELOP A LONG RANGE PLAN
Planning is crucial to the success of any business. The City of Tell City is no different. The City’s current Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1995 and is no longer a vital tool in city planning and development. An updated Comprehensive Plan is crucial to effective city growth, thus avoiding a “scattered approach” to development. I believe we should work together to complete a comprehensive review of the needs of our City and build a VISION for the future. Once we have established an updated plan, we will be in a better position to properly apply our community’s resources towards its future development.
AS MAYOR OF TELL CITY, I PLEDGE TO YOU A MAYOR WITH STRONG FISCAL MANAGEMENT
Your tax dollars are important to you! As Mayor, I pledge to be responsible with those dollars. I understand the importance of evaluating the needs of the city and prioritizing its spending. It is important to use your tax dollars wisely and meet the needs of all citizens of Tell City.
As Tell City’s Clerk-Treasurer, I have had the privilege of serving as the Chief Financial Officer for the past 20 years. Throughout my years in office, I have raised over $1,000,000.00 in interest revenues on behalf of the citizens of Tell City. Smart investing of your hard earned tax dollars has resulted in many city improvements while holding tax increases to a minimum!
Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) is another valuable revenue source for Tell City. During the past four years, the City has received over $1,400,000 in EDIT funds. You deserve to know and see the results of investing those dollars. In addition, over $400,000 of a surplus fund that existed four years ago has been depleted. I will manage those dollars and SHOW RESULTS!
STATE OF INDIANA CHANGES LOCAL TAX REVENUES
When the State of Indiana changed our Property Tax calculations and dropped the Inventory Tax, local government was faced with many tough budgeting decisions. Many changes in property tax structures are still forthcoming. Over the past year, I have been committed to educating myself on the changes in state budgeting legislation and how these changes affect our local community. As your Mayor, I will be able to utilize my strong budgeting skills to provide to you, the citizens of Tell City, the most effective use of your tax dollars. With increased state mandates facing our community, the city administration must efficiently and affectively administer its revenues. This is why it is vital that Tell City voters elect a Mayor who understands municipal budgeting and can lead this city.
DRAINAGE AND STORM WATER RUN-OFF
There are major erosion issues along Windy Creek and its tributaries which can cause loss of property, safety issues, and potential health problems. Some work has been competed, but only in an area experiencing water back-up problems. A comprehensive maintenance program, including dredging, has not been completed for the past four years. I have met with many homeowners affected by storm water run-off. As Mayor, I will work with local and federal officials to address the current drainage issues while implementing a plan that will correct and prevent these problems from surfacing in the future.
We should also work with property owners and FEMA to re-evaluate the flood plain areas of our city. The current flood plain has not been re-evaluated in recent years. If we are successful in obtaining adjustments to these areas, we could save those taxpayers thousands of dollars by reducing or eliminating the need for flood insurance.
COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS
Tell City is being faced with a $7.8 million unfunded mandate on combined sewer overflows. Engineers have presented a plan on the elimination of the CSO’s. However, funding of the project still remains. While bonding is an option, the Mayor must address this issue efficiently and affectively. As Mayor, I pledge to work with state and federal representatives in pursuing potential financing. Our citizens must be protected from rate increases in this unfunded mandates.
STREET AND SIDEWALK MAINTENANCE
Tell City residents have always been proud of their wide city streets, as
established by our forefathers. However, without an established maintenance
plan, some deterioration has occurred. As Mayor, I will work closely
with the City Council and City Department Managers to develop a five year
improvement plan that addresses our city streets.
Sidewalk maintenance will also be addressed through the “Partners in
Pride” program which allows the city and its citizens to partner together
in improving the appearance and safety of the sidewalks.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, BUSINESS EXPANSION, AND IMPROVED EARNINGS POTENTIAL FOR RESIDENTS OF PERRY COUNTY
Organizations such as the Perry County Development Corporation and the Perry County Port Authority are organizations working towards improving our economic future. I believe it is important for the City to have a strong voice in organizations such as these. I will commit to offering this strong voice in the further advancements of these organizations through offering support and input. Always remembering, any successes are shared as a group, not the results of one individual.
WORKING WITH OUR YOUTH
On September 29th, I announced plans for a “Youth Council” that will allow our young adults the opportunity to discuss and listen to the needs and concerns of our community. I have met with some of our youth and they are very excited about the possibilities the Youth Council brings to Tell City
QUALITY OF LIFE
The Mayors office must support and plan for improving the quality of life for our citizens. I have worked closely with groups such as the Arts Council, Schweizer Fest Committee, the Historical Society, Perry County Community Foundation, United Way, and Tri-Kappa over the years in striving to ensure this takes place. Realizing this is an important ingredient to the growth of our community, I am committed to continuing this involvement and support.
CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
Our school systems are the “heart and soul” of this community and play a vital role in our economic growth. As Mayor, I will be a “partner” with our local School Board, Teachers, Ivy Tech Community College, Perry County Learning Partnership, and our Students as we provide opportunities to young and old alike. Any and all opportunities for a continued educational growth must be considered to strengthen our economic development incentives.
How the next four years are managed will be critical to the growth and pride of our community. The knowledge I have gained over the past 20 years makes me the most qualified individual to serve as our next Mayor. I believe by bringing my proven leadership skills to the office of Mayor, and by working together, we can build a better future for Tell City!
LET’S GET TELL CITY MOVING AGAIN!!!!!
Thank you.