Tom Yeoman, Council Ward 4

Name: Tom Yeoman

Address: 102 Shomont Dr.

Why did you want to re-run for city council? I am running because I want to continue to help improve the community for everyone. I enjoy the interaction and diverse opinions that residents bring to the table.

What are some challenges the city will face in the near future? The most important thing is to keep the city budget balanced. We have been fortunate to have an expanding tax base, which gives us the flexibility to continue to make improvements within the community without raising the property tax rate.

     Another issue is promoting retail business. We have a few empty storefronts and it benefits the entire community if we have them full and generating business.

     In addition, there is always a street or curb section that needs attention or replacement. It’s an ongoing issue that we need to address every year. We are currently in the process of constructing bid packages for street repair and reconstruction for Spring 2018. Street reconstruction often includes water and sewer line replacement, new curb and gutter, and replacing existing streetlights with the new period fixtures we introduced a few years ago.

How should the city of Monticello manage growth and economic development? The City of Monticello needs to be proactive in growth and economic development. Over the past 15-20 years, great strides have been made with additions to the amenities within the community, i.e. aquatic center, all-weather track, library, as well as public and private recreational facilities, to mention a few. Without public/private partnerships, these improvements would not have been possible.

     The city needs to continue to encourage private property owners to keep their businesses and residences up to date, clean, and free of nuisances. We have local programs as well as state and federal programs in which we can take advantage. One example is the federal bridge funding we received for the replacement of the East First Street Bridge. Being able to take advantage of this program saved the taxpayers of Monticello several hundred thousands dollars.

     The city has developed and encouraged private property owners and commercial developers to take advantage of a tax abatement program. One example of this is the new Boulders Inn constructed last year. An additional benefit to this program is that it helps expand our job base and bring more families to the community.