City Council introduced the 2021 budget for the City of Bradford at Tuesday’s meeting, and the budget does not include a tax increase.
The property tax rate is currently 18.52 mills, or 1.842 cents on every $100. That rate will remain the same for 2021.
Council member Brad Mangel said, “This is the first city budget I feel confident in the projections. The normal contractual obligations for 2021 are included, along with the projected increases for normal conduct of city businesses.
“At this time last year, we were projecting a 7 mill increase in taxes that did not happen. In 2021, the city may be able to increase our capital reserve,” Mangel stated.
Office of Economic and Community Development Director Sara Andrews was present for her final meeting before retirement. Council gave statements thanking her for her 34 years of service, noting that her hard work and skills allowed the city to successfully complete numerous projects, including the recent Main Street Improvement project and also has led to the city receiving numerous awards and statewide recognition.
Andrews thanked council for their words and assistance to facilitate the success of various OECD efforts during her tenure and thanked council member Brad Mangel in particular for his advice and support over the years.
Resolutions were passed to approve contracts to hire Andrews as a consultant for 2021 and to formally hire Shane Oschman to fill the position of OECD director.
Bradford resident and former mayor Tom Riel addressed the council and questioned Mayor James McDonald on statements he made via social media prior to his election to office, disparaging various city employees. He also made note of a statement from a former city employee that put city employees who work in City Hall in an unfavorable light, which McDonald appeared to support.
In response, McDonald said, “In the 11 months I have been in this position, I have made amends with people I’ve needed to, I’ve talked personally to people I’ve needed to and I was wrong about a lot, Tom. Because on the outside looking in, there was a lot I didn’t know. I’ve learned a lot and I have nothing but the utmost respect for the workers of this city. There were things I said that were wrong and they were misguided and frankly, I was ignorant to a lot of the facts, sir.
“If you want a public apology, here it is, I am sorry for the things I said that disparaged the city workers in any way, shape or form. And I have made amends personally with, I think, everyone you referenced there.”
McDonald also noted he has maintained healthy working relationships with everyone he is in touch with in the city.
Riel stated he knew of a few people who have not received personal apologies. McDonald said that anyone who felt slighted could reach out to him to let him know.
Local residents Garrett Newhouse and Angelique Gobin spoke to the council about the possibility of an adult co-ed kickball league, with plans to hold both a spring and fall season. Recognizing that the current pandemic will determine when the league might be able to actually start, Newhouse explained another main concern facing the proposed league currently is finding fields with adequate lighting. Another consideration is whether or not the league will include the ability to consume adult beverages during games. McDonald stated he was willing to work with the duo to help them see the league become a reality, while other council members offered suggestions for potential locations for the league to be held.
During the correspondence portion of the meeting, McDonald reminded residents that anyone whose garbage is normally picked up on Thursday will have a Friday pickup this week, due to the holiday.
McDonald also noted that, in recognition of the current COVID-19 case counts in the area and the fact the Bradford Area School District is moving to remote learning next week, McDonald and council will be considering either limiting attendance to the meetings, live streaming meetings or other moves. Residents will be informed of any measures that are enacted prior to the next council meeting.
