http://youtu.be/lAWcEXnrWGY
Careful fiscal management continues to be one of the highest priorities for Las Cruces officials. During his address, Mayor Ken Miyagishima described the state of the City as strong.
Since this time last year, hundreds of new businesses have registered with the City of Las Cruces. Unemployment has gone down and the city's gross receipts tax income is climbing back to pre-recession levels. Although economic conditions remain challenging, Las Cruces Mayor Miyagishima says fiscal and budgetary responsibility remains a high priority.
"We continue to maintain in the City's General Fund twice the level of reserve that is required by the state. We reduced our city budget by over 3.5 million dollars in Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and 4 million dollars last year without a significant reduction in services," he said.
In his state of the City address, the mayor says a strategic plan is in the works. The plan will give leaders direction to where the city will devote its resources and attention for the next two years.
"The plan is developed in public through careful discussion. It will be mailed to all city residents as well as being published on the city website. Everyone in the community can see what we're trying to accomplish, and whether we're making progress on what we said we would do," he said.
In just one area, the city plans for a bike and walking trail and leaders are negotiating to obtain 350 acres for a public safety complex on the east Mesa.
"These are, of course, just a handful of the projects that our Parks and Recreation Department will be developing, and they represent a small portion of activities for the city as a whole," he said.
The mayor is committed to improving transportation and public safety. He says the City will continue to increase the effectiveness of police and fire departments. He is also focusing on a high quality of life for everyone in Las Cruces
"We are a great community, and getting better everyday," he said.
