MAYORS ANNUAL REPORT from Mayor Donna Hawkins

Section 733.41 of the Ohio Revised Code requires that I as Mayor give an annual report each January at our first regular Council meeting.

As Council knows at every Council meeting Council and the Mayor are given Bills of Resolution, those items being paid for the month, fund status reports, balances available in funds. Current revenue status, income received and Appropriation Status reports. There is no need at this point for me to reiterate what is known by all of Council as brought to even further light by the recent audit. Although I am new to this office it is clear that we are presently forced to make financial decisions based on past decisions that have placed our Village finances in a highly negative position, unfortunately while at this point in time we have little choice but to act in response to the current situation it is my hope that with purpose of heart we will turn this situation around. We need to be proactive rather than reactive. Strengthening the Village financial condition will require our leadership, it is our responsibility to prioritize services and set goals. Consequently, in order to do that it is critical that we receive useful, clear information that is easily understood by all. Successful leadership will require both myself as Mayor and Village Council to develop plans and policies based on principles that we believe will enhance the quality of life for the 440 households we were elected to represent. We must learn to match our priorities to our resources. There is no doubt that there will be many decisions that will not be easy. It will be an uphill battle but one I am confident we can achieve together with dedication, and foresight.