Garden County Nebraska

GardenCoNe.com

Oshkosh, Lewellen, Lisco

Mayor: Cynthia S. Talley 305 West 1st Street, Oshkosh NE 69154 Phone: (308) 772-3686 email CTalley@gardencone.com

March 7, 2006

On the project front.

First, there will be an ag team that will be meeting at City Hall in April. This team is going to be looking at agriculture and how it could become more prosperous. We will begin to ask questions about the way we do things, are there steps that could add value to the crops we raise? Are there different crops that could be raised? Can we discover new ways to grow crops and uses for our crops and their by-products? I am very excited about the possibilities this could mean to our county. Rob Eirich is on the project with me. I will keep you posted.

Engine Brake Signs have been posted at city limits.

City Staffing. Bill Campbell and I have been looking at staffing. Administratively, duties keep adding with water regulations, street planning, security, the list grows, but our staff size remains the same. Is is possible to balance all the additional work with the same number of people doing the work? I believe Bill has 13 titles at last count. We are searching for solutions.

Health Board. The health board has met to investigate complaints that have been brought to us. We are working on those issues. Please, make certain that your property is well kept, safe, and in good repair. Many times we never know the minute or the hour when visitors pass through who just might happen to be looking for a place to call home or start their business. It will take all of us to ensure that when they do see us, we have our best foot forward and are a place we can be proud to call home.

Finally, trash rates. The council and staff have taken a long look at our current rates and the increases in cost. The landfill has raised our tipping rates, fuel prices have risen, wages have risen, truck costs have increased, but our trash rates have stayed the same for many years. You will note that the rates are increasing. The rate changes are to address those issues and make certain that this service continues into the future.

I will remind you once again- if you know of someone who wants to expand their business or would like to start a business, have them contact me. I will make every effort to match them with resources. Together we can build a bright future. Keep moving rocks one at a time until the mountain is moved. Take an active role in your neighborhood and community. You matter.

Remember, this is our community. It will be what we make it.

Your mayor.

Cindee Talley