With the new year fast approaching, Cleveland Heights leaders are once again facing the prospects of a tough financial year. The national economic crisis has wreaked havoc on local government budgets and the mortgage foreclosure challenges have further plagued many communities.

In March, Heights residents struck down Issue 29, which would have raised the city’s income tax rate from the current 2% tax to 2.4%.

Given this rejection, City Council has been forced to make numerous cuts. Councilman Mark Tumeo has been actively involved in the budgeting process.

“The tough economic times have hurt many people. We've been forced to cut non-essential government activities, including crossing guards and a reduction in leaf pick-up,” said Tumeo.

The city eventually worked out a compromise with the schools to maintain the crossing guards as an issue of public safety. Council has also stopped pay raises for city employees and increased many fees throughout the city.

Ciyt Hall employees are bearing the brunt of difficult times. Many are carrying two job duties, including the current assistant city manger. Council has combined the jobs to help save on salaries. To their credit, city employees are doing their part to keep the city strong, but this model is not sustainable as the city risks employee burn out.

Dozens of other cuts have been made throughout city departments. Nevertheless, these cuts may only be the tip of the iceberg. Council estimates that city revenues will once again be flat and perhaps even down in 2009.

Over the past several months Council has worked to shore up the budget. Expenditures appear to be less than income for 2009 with some caveats. Fewer resources will be spent in 2009 on purchasing, as larger items will be put off until revenues become available. In addition, the city will be looking into more joint-cooperation models with surrounding communities, including University Heights.

On the positive front, City Hall continues to look to the future. Tumeo indicted that Taylor Road will see improvements and paving in 2010 and 2011. These projects had been in the pipeline before the economic meltdown and are scheduled to be executed as planned. Future capital improvement projects are also planned for Monticello and other portions of the city’s infrastructure.

In addition, the city continues to work to address the foreclosure crisis. Councilman Dennis Wilcox indicated that the city has been working to acquire vacant properties and is partnering with the Home Repair Resource Center to rehabilitate and sell them. This will strategically impact areas with high vacancy rates.

Council will focus more intently in 2009 on redevelopment of the "top of the hill," an economic artery for Cleveland Heights. Much of the city’s efforts will go towards developing a plan for this area. Other economic development activities continue.

2009 will be filled with many of the same struggles of this past year. City Hall will once again be forced to make tough budget decisions.

“This has not been a positive experience for Cleveland Heights and has involved too much pain for residents with the loss of homes and jobs. It has been very traumatic for many. However, when this is over, Cleveland Heights will be able to come out of this downturn quickly and strongly and we will be a stronger community in the end,” said Tumeo.

Toby Rittner lives on Coleridge Road and is an active community volunteer.