A “state of the town” address from the mayor

MEEKER I We are well into the new year, and it is a good time to check in with your local municipal government.
As always, the Town of Meeker’s staff and leadership — police department, public works, water, planning, recycling and administration — are taking a conservative approach to spending while maintaining the excellent services provided to the residents of Meeker.
There are also some very important changes in 2012 that everyone should celebrate. First, the Town of Meeker is very proud to be a debt-free municipality. Last year, the loan for the Market Street water line was paid off; then in January of this year, the last payment on a 30-year loan for water infrastructure was made. Being debt-free puts the town in a more solid economic position and helps us focus on capital planning and building reserves.
Much of the town’s steadfastness and progression over the past 30 years can be attributed to the leadership of our town administrator, Sharon Day. It is Sharon’s positive attitude and consistent, ethical management that has kept our municipal government running smoothly for decades. The recent announcement of Day’s upcoming retirement has left everyone thinking about how her dedication and hard work have inspired others during her tenure at town hall. We know Sharon will be happy to be spending more time with her family and grandchildren this summer.
As you may have read in last week’s paper, there is a new town administrator coming to Meeker to fill in where Sharon Day will leave off. The board of trustees plans to appoint Scott Meszaros to the town administrator position in April and is looking forward to working with him. Scott is going to be a great addition to our town hall staff and to our community.
Lastly, Meeker residents will soon be seeing a ballot in their mailbox for the municipal election. This year, not only can you elect town trustees and the mayor but you can also help streamline funding for the Walbridge Wing by voting “yes” on the ballot question. A “yes” vote will allow the town to transfer the Walbridge Wing facility and accompanying hospital fund to the hospital district, effectively removing town government as an intermediary agent in the operation of the Wing. This transfer will maintain the integrity and intent of the Walbridge Wing and is a move that will hopefully allow for more effective use of town resources.
Remember, Meeker Board of Trustees regular meetings are the first and third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. in town hall. And if there are ever any questions or concerns (or compliments!) regarding the Town of Meeker please feel free to contact me, Mandi Etheridge, mayor, at 970-878-3103 or [email protected].