Looking ahead for Saratoga Springs

Looking ahead for Saratoga Springs
Lance Madigan - North County Staff
Each year at this time Americans take a moment to look back at what went right -- and wrong -- and then look ahead to the future hoping to build on things done right and correct shortcomings.

This is true for cities as well as individuals. Saratoga Springs is no different.
"This (2008) has been the most difficult year in the history of our city, which is somewhat ironic with it being our 10th anniversary," said Jefferson Moss, Saratoga Springs City Council member. "To say that the budget issue was difficult would be putting it lightly. ... But what happened next is what I think makes our city great."

He talked about efforts on the part of employees to trim costs and save dollars, as well as efforts by the city to enlist the help of volunteers to meet city needs.

"In order to save costs on our parks, we asked for volunteers to help us," Moss said. "We had residents from all over the city step up and put in the parks. This again saved the city thousands of dollars."

Another area volunteers are assisting the city is in financial reviews themselves.

"As a result of our financial situation, the council felt that it would be a great time to launch a finance committee made up financial experts in our city," Moss said.

The new Finance Committee was put in place in December, and will start meeting this month to review the city's revenues and expenses, and make recommendations to the council and administration to help prevent another economic crisis.

Bud Poduska, Saratoga Springs City Council member, added that there many new projects also ahead that would help ease financial burdens on homeowners by expanding sales tax revenues, including the opening of Wal-Mart, new Intermountain Healthcare and Alpine Pediatrics facilities, and a number of other smaller businesses and restaurants.

"The fall 2009 opening of our new high school and Fox Hollow elementary school will provide education for thousands of our children and job opportunities for hundreds of citizens," Poduska said. "These benefits will be even greater when the new middle school is completed the fall of 2010."

Poduska also noted that the Redwood Road expansion is scheduled for completion in the fall, and the east-west Pioneering Crossing from Saratoga to American Fork is expected to start anytime.

"These roads will make Saratoga Springs more appealing for residential development, commercial growth, and those looking for a new place to live," Poduska said.

Saratoga Springs has also sent out requests for citizens interested in helping plan civic events in the coming year. One position eliminated in last year's budget cuts was the civic events coordinator in the city.

Although some council members have tried to pick up the position's duties, they have other responsibilities and can't devote the time they feel it deserves.

The Saratoga Springs Web site states, "The city's objective is to continue to have this celebration (Saratoga Splash), but without expending city funds. Volunteers should have an interest in participating and leading events during the celebration. Some of the related tasks will be soliciting volunteers, putting teams of volunteers together for events, leadership of groups of volunteers, event planning, fundraising and generally donating time and energy to the city celebration."

The idea, according to Mayor Timothy Parker, is "to form a committee, put out the word, and sign up volunteers and put them to work." Those interested in helping can contact Valerie Christensen at vchrsitensen@saratoga-springs.net, or by visiting the city offices.

"We really do have an amazing city," Moss said. "I strongly feel that we will make it through these difficult times stronger and a better city."

Other council members made similar conclusions, saying that the strength of the city lies not in the elected officials or administration, but in each and every one of its citizens.

"It is not unheard of to have new people moving in talking about how friendly their neighbors are," Poduska said. "Thank you for being who you are, and making this citizen what it is."