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Eighteen years ago, West Park was created based upon the need to be able to control our own destiny. Because of our diligence, we have surpassed the expectations of others, and since inception had a balanced budget. From our senior programs, assistance programs to residents and businesses, beautification projects, youth programs, economic stability, road improvement projects and much more- we have survived because we are survivors!
Although we are proud of what we have done in the past years, we must stay focused to continuously build West Park into the city of positive progression. I challenge all of us to help move our city in a new direction. To commit to collaboration and innovation. To break down silos and build up new ideas. To focus on getting the basics right, and to set an example for our neighbors as ambassadors for our city.
I challenge you to embrace a vision for One West Park– where we work to find common ground and reject divisiveness. Where we strive to bring people together. Where we inspire the best in one another by leading with equity, kindness, inclusion, and humility. It’s clear that we all are up to the task. Many have stepped up to the plate and we are seeing early results. There is progress to be celebrated for sure, but there’s much more work we must do together.
After challenging pandemic years, today we stand at a pivotal moment in our city’s history. At this intersection of change and challenge, we know the investments we make in this upcoming budget can chart West Park’s course for years to come.
A budget must be more than just a list of numbers. It should be an expression of our shared values and a progressive blueprint for our shared future. As we diligently work on our budget, our guiding principle will be how to best meet the urgent needs of our communities and empower our employees to deliver the essential services our residents expect every day. But to be clear, a budget also reflects the reality that sacrifices are needed in the work that lies ahead.
We closely scrutinized the work we do, looked for efficiencies, and found savings wherever we could. Above all else, we learned the most by listening – creating a collaborative budget built in partnership with community, City staff, and the Commission. Through this process, I’m proud to say that we will be able to propose a budget that sustains the high-quality city services our residents expect. It protects critical staffing and makes smart funding decisions to address emergent needs.
Delivering public safety is our core responsibility. As a city, that’s what we were founded to do. But too often, residents feel unsafe on the streets – I believe that in One West Park, every person has an absolute right to safety. We have made the necessary investment to fund public safety services at the level our residents expect and demand – this budget accomplishes that goal.
This is a budget for everybody. It covers the basics and it prepares for the future. It’s financially responsible while making important investments. It’s bold and it’s sensible. No matter the neighborhood; no matter your age; no matter your walk of life, this budget has something for you.
Together, we are investing in … we are taking care of … our city … that’s where our heart is.
The proposed budget is designed to build on our optimism through investments in quality of life, economic growth, and, always important, in basic needs … tools the city needs to continue to provide outstanding services to its citizens, and to do the due diligence required to take care of our growing hometown.
Finally, our budget isn’t just about spreadsheets and accounting, it’s about services and people. If you remember anything about this budget, remember it as a recommitment to that higher value of public service – serving the people of West Park with excellence.
With that being said, please join the West Park Commission and staff for the 2023 budget hearings. The budget debates continue to be difficult as our needs grow, but our dollars must keep up. Your feedback and input is crucial and these meetings, as well as your participation provide a great opportunity to not only learn how the decisions are made and how taxpayer dollars are spent, but also to have your concerns and comments considered for deliberations. The budget hearing dates are:
- Wednesday, September 6, 2023: First Budget Public Hearing, 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, September 13, 2023 Special Assessments Public Hearing, 6:00 pm
- Wednesday, September 20, 2023 Second Budget Public Hearing, 7:00 pm
Working as one city, we can accomplish anything. As one city, we can get these things done! All it takes is for all of us, in one clear voice, to stand up and say: “YES!”
Yes, much progress has been made! But I’m hungry for more and I know you are too! We must continue to find ways to offer viable alternatives as we have so much more to do. That’s why we must keep moving! We must continue to provide more services and more support to our residents. We must be prepared to do more. We’ve made good progress West Park — and a good part of this field has been plowed — but we still have so much to go before all of West Park can reap the benefits of the goodwill it has sown.
The key to all of it is planning, preparation and forward thinking. Those are the steps that will lead us down the road to successful, sustainable progress. If we continue to make progress on all these things – enduring prosperity and a financially sustainable city government– then we will go a long way toward achieving our most important goal, which is to maintain and improve the quality of life of the people who live in West Park, both today and in the future. For the eyes of the future are looking back at us and praying that we see beyond our own time!
I am the eternal optimist in our city. I know West Park’s best days lie ahead, and I know that they can only be realized through the teamwork of our community. We as public servants, community leaders, neighbors, we have the standing, the position – the opportunity – to inspire our community to move forward – together. Let’s get to it. One West Park.
No doubt there was a past, which is now gone forever. But we have a bright future ahead of us which is still ours to own. We are standing on the threshold of a historic moment in our city. Now is the time – now is the time – for all of us to join together around our common mission and our common purpose. Our goals are bold, because they have to be.
Today and in all the days to come. We will put everything on the line and fight with everything we’ve got to make sure every West Park can thrive.
I would like to conclude by thanking our residents for helping make West Park such a special and wonderful place to live. Our city’s financial position is strong, and we are in a position to make substantive progress towards improving our community for the long-term, while also addressing the challenges of today. This balanced budget prioritizes keeping our public safe, provides investments to the most underserved part of our city, and makes our neighborhoods more livable. I am humbled every day that you have entrusted me with the stewardship of this great city we all call home. And I can’t wait to continue our journey of transformation together in the weeks and months ahead. I look forward to working with the Commission, Staff and you-the community at large to lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
Remember to contact me at City Hall with your ideas, suggestions or concerns. I represent you and appreciate your input into the continued success of our beloved city. I can be reached at (954) 329-8990 or by email at: fbrunson@cityofwestpark.org.
