At the City Council meeting on January 20, 2011 the major topic of discussion was the unprecedented snow and ice storm we experienced recently. Much of the discussion was centered on suggestions for snow removal supplies and equipment the city could purchase, borrow or rent the next time we have a similar storm.
The problem with making plans for dealing with big snow storms is they don’t happen very often in our area (the last one I recall that was similar was almost 18 years ago in March, 1993). While all of us dislike our community being nearly shut down for almost a week, I am uncomfortable with the idea of spending taxpayers’ money on snow plows and large supplies of disposable goods such as gravel, salt and other chemicals in order to respond to an event that happens every 20 years or so. And since Flowery Branch is only responsible for about 26 miles of roads (most major roads in the city are owned by the state or county), it makes it even harder to justify an expensive investment.
I support some of the ideas advanced by others who suggest contracting with outside companies to provide snow removal services as needed, or exploring the idea of sharing equipment owned by larger municipalities through an intergovernmental agreement. These ideas are great concepts for fiscal conservatives to embrace and are especially well suited to Flowery Branch with its 26 miles of roads.
I also encourage everyone to make their own plans for dealing with snow storms. Self reliance can take the form of companies purchasing businesses interruption insurance coverage, from all of us making sure our walkways are cleared and safe, and from residents who live in subdivisions working with their neighbors and Homeowners Associations to develop a snow removal plan for the streets in their community.
Remember that for every dollar a government spends it must either take a dollar from another program or take it from citizens’ budgets by requiring them to pay additional taxes. It is good for all of us when residents and businesses practice self-reliance to the extent possible and to contract with specialized companies that are ready and willing to go to work when needed.
Upcoming Events
In preparation for the beginning the budget process for the upcoming fiscal year, I would like to hold two open forums very soon so constituents can let me know what they think the priorities are that need to be addressed: what do you want cut, where do we need more revenue, how can you help our city, and what services or facilities are you willing to pay more for if necessary. These are just a few topics to discuss, but any other ideas you may have are welcome.
I’m thinking of having one in-person forum on a Saturday morning and another forum live and online. I hope you will visit my website often for announcements about these open forums; I will also post details here in my blog once more information is available.
And of course, I welcome your input any other time as well. Both my phone number and e-mail address are listed on my website.
