Photo by File photo Marc Kaschke

“While negative headlines dominated the national and state media, locally we continued to show progress.”

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So began North Platte Mayor Marc Kaschke’s State of the City comments prior to the Feb. 2 meeting of the North Platte City Council.

Kaschke said that North Platte’s progress in 2009 was workmanlike.

“Changing the way the government operates is slow difficult work. It requires consistent persistent effort, but we are making progress,” he said.

Kaschke stated the city lowered tax rates when many other municipalities were forced by the tough economy to raise them. He also said that his administration cut general fund spending by two percent and “We saw extensive new commercial construction.”

“The hiring freeze implemented at the start of my term is providing results. We have seen reductions in staffing that will save hundreds of thousands of dollars over the next year,” he added.

Kaschke praised city Administrator Jim Hawks for his fiscally conservative approach to city management, which he said put the city in position to handle new challenges. He also lauded the city’s department heads and employees for their efforts in providing services.

Kaschke said that public and private cooperation will be necessary as his administration continues to streamline the city government and increase efficiency.

“Teamwork will be the theme for the upcoming year,” he stated. “It becomes essential that we work together to accomplish our goals.”

Kaschke touched on the goals reached by the council and administration during the 2009-2010 budget process:

• lower property taxes.

• shrink the city government.

• working with the city’s partners.

• encouraging retail development.

• downtown revitalization.

Kaschke said the administration has been exploring options to accomplish the goals and would be presenting some of them in the near future.

He continued that in the coming weeks the administration would begin working with department heads to prioritize programs and look for ways to reduce spending.

Kaschke said he wanted to re-examine the downtown corner where buildings are being demolished. He said he saw ana opportunity to create a “dynamic and inviting space that could serve as a gathering place and location for special events.

“This could be a first step in the process of revitalizing downtown and creating a vibrant and thriving area,” he said.

Kaschke also mentioned developing a new and innovative website that could aid in efficient delivery of city services. The cutting edge website and a filming project this summer, he stated, will “showcase the best in North Platte.”

The mayor also called for an expansion of volunteerism in the community. “North Platte was known worldwide for the “Canteen Spirit” and it was one of the greatest volunteer efforts ever undertaken,” he said.

Kaschke also expressed his belief that keeping youth engaged is critical to North Platte’s long-term success.

“I believe the best days are ahead for North Platte and I intend to work tirelessly to ensure we take the necessary steps to keep our city moving forward,” he concluded. “We’ve laid the foundation. Now it’s time to begin building the future.”