As Mayor, I understand that our progress is determined by our financial sustainability.  Harvey’s finances are key to our prosperity and survival.  This is only a snapshot of what is needed immediately.  Here are only a few things our city must continue to do:

• Develop a Balanced Budget with an interim analysis of departmental spending;

• Ensure timely Financial Audits and Implementation of Audit Recommendations;

• Ensure adequate funding for providing services needed by the community;

• Re-enter the municipal bond market with the proper oversight and risk mechanisms in place;

• Negotiate existing debt with all currently owed vendors to provide consistent debt payment;

• Work with Harvey firefighter and pension boards to develop reasonable solutions regarding pension debt:

• Protect the City Council’s policy-making ability by ensuring that important policy decisions are not dictated by financial problems or emergencies to prevent financial difficulties in the future;

• Provide sound principles to guide the decisions of the City Council and management;

• Employ revenue policies which prevent undue or unbalanced reliance on certain revenues, distribute the cost of municipal services fairly, and provide adequate funding to operate desired programs;

• Provide essential public facilities and prevent deterioration of the City’s public facilities and infrastructure;

• Protect and enhance the City’s credit rating and prevent a default on any municipal debt;

• Create a document that staff and Council members can refer to during financial planning, budget preparation, and other financial management issues.