Personnel costs typically make up the largest expenditure of any municipal budget and regardless of our budgeting philosophy, our approach to these costs as managers and budget directors is often formulaic. We project the personnel hours needed to fulfill our … Continue reading →
When it comes to mayoring a municipality, bigger doesn’t always mean busier. Meet Don Farmer, mayor of Van Wert, a city of about 10,700 in northwest Ohio. Self-described as a “young 75 years old,” Farmer stays on the move and … Continue reading →
The new year brings dreams of hopes, challenges and priorities. Many cities are working on major projects, and all are trying to make due with the budgets that they have to work with. In Staunton, Va., City Manager Stephen Owen … Continue reading →
While the recession has been declared officially over by most economists, local governments continue to feel the impact of the 2008 global financial meltdown and housing crisis. Unlike downturns of the past, the current recovery looks much different from anything … Continue reading →
Transportation investments: According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the surface transportation reauthorization that took place in 2012 represents an 80 percent increase in funding over the previous surface transportation reauthorization. Over the next six years, $47 billion … Continue reading →
November of 2008 wasn’t the easiest time to be appointed fire chief for the city of Naperville, Ill., Mark Puknaitis said. With the country immersed in the mire of an economic recession, he knew that every city and town would … Continue reading →
