Note: This is a copy of a June 8 letter from the Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce and its Board of Directors to Mayor Warren Gooch and members of City Council, and Chairman Keys Fillauer and the Board of Education.
Mayor Gooch and Chairman Fillauer:
The Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors voted, following the recommendation of our Advocacy Committee, to request the following be given serious consideration as discussions and voting occurs for your respective Fiscal Year 2016 budgets.
Spending Priorities:
- Development and funding of a prioritized capital improvement plan for infrastructure improvements such as city/school buildings, streets, utilities, etc.
- Pay increase for Oak Ridge Schools teachers and staff and City of Oak Ridge staff.
- Waterfront improvements.
While we understand that the city is faced with adjusting the tax rate to reconcile with lower property appraisals, we do feel strongly that the city needs to prioritize spending around these three areas in order to position Oak Ridge as a community of choice for new and expanding businesses and residents.
Sincerely,
Melinda Hillman
Chairman of the Board
Parker Hardy
President/CEO
Mark Caldwell says
Short and to the point. This seems to be a reasonable suggestion for the city’s spending priorities.
Joseph Lee says
I agree with these spending priorities and would add to infrastructure improvements a continued focus on housing issues. The value and condition of our housing stock is key to attracting young families to Oak Ridge.