Fiscal, Financial, and Economic Development Issues

Village Green 

Proximity to nature is part of what makes our City great, and I take pride in that.

• Green spaces in higher-density areas help make our City an appealing place to live. 
• I preferred another location, but suitable land is purchased and design is under way.
• Parts of every Ward are within walking or biking distance of Community Park, Town Center, and this new Village Green. 
• The new Village Green will be great place for City events of all kinds.

City Parks & Trails sales tax 

• Nobody likes taxes. 
• Sales tax rates in surrounding communities range from 0.5% to 3% higher than ours. We're among the few STLCO municipalities with NO local property tax OR sales tax. 
•  I support seeking voter approval for a sales tax for our outstanding park & trail system. 
• I also support the concept of adding storm water control to such a Ballot Initiative.
• Perspective: A family spending $2,000/month of their hard-earned dollars at retail in Wildwood would pay $10/month for a half-cent, dedicated sales tax.That's solid value.

City’s budget priorities and decreased reserves

• Our City Government enacted a balanced 2020 budget. Meanwhile, 
• The MO Supreme Court just upheld the STLCO Sales Tax Pool structure, making future revenues more predictable. 
• Many City projects from the last few years (Hwy 109, Parks…) drew on our reserves.
• These seem to have been reasonable, one-time expenditures to the benefit of our City.  

Full-time Wildwood Economic Development Department 

• Economic Development is one of the pillars of our Master Plan. 
• Wildwood's low population density presents a challenging environment for businesses.
• I believe the City should support local businesses and actively promote Town Center.
• Such efforts seem to be a cost-effective way to attract and retain desired businesses.
• We should scrutinize such activities and expect tangible results from such efforts.