NEWS & UPDATES – Oct: 2019
Ivanhoe to Vote on a Local Sales and Use Tax
In addition to the City Council election, Ivanhoe will be voting to continue receiving the 1½% sales tax that it currently collects. During the October 10th City Council meeting, it was pointed out that in the past year the city collected over $38,000 in sales tax and with the new Dollar General about to open, the sales tax is expected to increase considerably. If Proposition A does not pass, Ivanhoe will not collect ANY sales tax.
Hi Everyone!
First of all I would like to thank Kimmy Shavers for stepping up to the task of producing a newsletter for our community! I would also like to thank/recognize Patsy Morris who let go of the job after years of having done it.
Next, I would like to thank all of the folks who made the Fire Department Fish Fry and Civic Club Bake Sale the successful event that it always seems to be, most especially TJ and his lemonade stand!
This is an especially busy time of the year for the City and even more so this year. Our fiscal year begins the 1st of October so we are working on our upcoming budget and holding Public Hearings for both the Tax Rate and the Budget. The proposed budget is posted above. The next Public Hearing will take place Sept. 10th at 6:30 PM. We do hope to see you there.
Along with all the planning for the upcoming year, is the reflection on what has been accomplished and when I began to look at all that has happened here in our City in the past few years, it was really amazing.
It was not that long ago (about 3 years) that I jokingly told folks that we did not even own a lawn mower! All of the work done was contracted, even the mowing. At that time Danny Muzny would take his tractor and mow the right-of-ways on our main streets (thanks Danny!). We decided to look into getting a mower and about that time the Muznys offered to sell us their tractor. That was the first piece of equipment we acquired and the rest is history! We are now able to do all of our normal day to day street maintenance without having to pay overhead! We have a great crew headed up by David Marshall and Michael Webb. Thanks to all of them!From the time we incorporated, the two things that were most important to our residents were the roads and security.
At that time we contracted with the County for a Deputy to patrol 30 hours a week. We now have our own City Marshal’s department (with a brand new car that was acquired through a grant) and the hours will be going up to approximately 60 hours per week. Along with that, we have a very active and effective Municipal Court.
This past year we were blessed to have two employees paid for through Workforce Solutions. We are thrilled to be able to keep them on this coming year as they have proven to be invaluable.
Another thing that I am extremely proud of is that our City received an A rating by Standard and Poors. This is outstanding for a little City like ours with the short history we have! This was due in large part to our conservative budgeting and spending. A big thanks to Tommy Morris!
I could go on and on! This is only scratching the surface. I am so very grateful for the team we have that has made it all possible, starting with our outstanding City Council.
Please be sure and join us for the Public Hearings coming up and please attend our Council Meetings. We look forward to seeing you.
Cathy Bennett
PS See agendas under the Government tab for scheduled meetings.
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