Having served Sycamore publicly since 1972 as a Pension and Library Board trustee, treasurer and mayor, it has been my custom to provide a report at each fiscal year’s end.

Therefore, the following is offered in evidence that Sycamore continues to serve and grow in a managed and responsible manner. The operating and capital budgets were adhered to this past year, as has been the case for over 10 years under City Manager Bill Nicklas.

General fund revenues were just over $11 million against costs of about the same level, which left a reserve balance of $4.3 million with all funds and accounts in balance.

Capital projects included Firehouse No. 2, Treatment Plant Expansion 1st Phase, California Street reconstruction, Peace Road Bike Path and various equipment purchases tallying nearly $5 million of capital costs funded by general fund reserves, impact fees, jet fuel sales tax proceeds with United and American Airlines and a lower City property tax rate.

The 2008 and 2009 “budget versus actual” facts, meeting agendas, minutes and other Sycamore information is displayed at www.cityofsycamore.com or at Sycamore City Hall.

Looking ahead, we anticipate Firehouse No. 2 to be in service in June, the new Jewel/Osco complex open at Peace, Plank and Route 23, the improved Treatment Plant operating and a new water tower on the Engh Farm integrated into the water supply to stabilize and increase city water pressure uniformly.

Other planned projects include South Main Street 100 block reconstruction, other street, alley and sidewalk maintenance, and equipment purchases and upgrades.

Major street resurfacing begins next fiscal year and each year thereafter as new revenues gained from increased sales and gas taxes are dedicated to and used for streets in estimated amounts of $1.5 to $1.8 million annually.

The operating and capital budgets are balanced, and although this year is a tougher year financially for all of us, city operating revenues are projected to grow by about 4.7 percent against cost increases of the same percentage. City bond rating is a strong “Double A.”

I will seek one more term, my last as mayor, in April, 2009, and I ask city council to leave the mayor’s salary at the level it has been since 1996. My privilege and honor is to serve the people of Sycamore, and as partial retirees, the Mundys live conservatively, stretch our income and weigh costs as others must.

The City of Sycamore team is a group committed to providing affordable local services for all the people. Thank you for allowing my service these past 36 years as your vote and support is sought one last time.

Finally, let’s use our income stimulus funds to shop and support local businesses. May god continue to bless us and provide our needs to support our families as we have lived, worked, learned, worshiped and played in the great community for 150 years.

Mayor Ken Mundy
Sycamore

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