Rathdrum mayor gives state of the city address
Published: February 19, 2010
RATHDRUM - Lois Lyon has lived in Rathdrum for 52 years and has no reason to leave. "It still has a hometown feeling and people are always willing to help," she said while relaxing at City Park on Thursday.
When her two daughters needed help - one due to cancer and the other open heart surgery - individuals and civic groups pitched in.
That rally spirit was also a theme during Mayor Vic Holmes' State of the City address to about 60 attending the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Highway 53 at the Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church.
"Though the past year has certainly been difficult for many residents, I can't think of a community that's been more unified to overcome recent economic times," he said. "The state of the city is strong and represents everything great about America.
"Rathdrum is still an ideal place to do business and raise your children."
Holmes said the city wants to continue to partner with civic groups to tap into the area's natural beauty and historic buildings to make it a vibrant place to live and a place that attracts visitors.
Holmes said he hopes construction on roads into the future Majestic Park next to the city's water tower will start this year. Sports fields and a water splash feature are planned for the 12-acre site. "We're in a crunch for park space," Holmes said. "As the city gets bigger, the parks get smaller."
Other projects the city looks forward to seeing advance are the future professional-technical campus on the Rathdrum Prairie, purchasing property for access to Rathdrum Mountain, a youth science center, the town's first motel in several decades and restoration of the old county jail.
"They will make Rathdrum a (tourist) destination stop," Holmes said.
Successful annual events such as the fishing derby, December D'Lights, Rathdrum Days and music in the park, along with the recently completed pathway project in front of Lakeland High and highways 41 and 53, also add to the quality of life.
While the city's population has reached about 7,500 - up 58 percent from 10 years ago - it grew just 1.7 percent in 2009.
Police calls for service have increased 28 percent over the past four years, with 5,722 in 2009.
Holmes said city departments continue to explore ways to stretch their budgets during tough times by tapping into technology, equipment and support, including police e-citations and reserve officers, recreation volunteers, a Dura Patcher and deicer truck for the streets and a volunteer effort to add bays in public works.
No new full-time positions - and two part-time jobs - have recently been added to the city staff.
However, to maintain the city's level of service, especially if growth continues, the city may have to raise property taxes more than it has in recent years, Holmes said.
The city has only raised taxes a total of 3.84 percent in the past three years, but cities are allowed to raise them up to 3 percent each year.
"If we stay in a low growth rate, it will be hard to maintain that low of a tax rate increase," he said, adding that revenue projections from state sources are expected to continue to drop.
Paul Matthews, a chamber member who owns an architect firm across the street from City Hall, said he appreciates the fiscal responsibility from elected officials and city staff.
"This community pulls together and doesn't look for government to solve all the problems," Matthews said.