44°
RYE, N.Y. - Rye Mayor Doug French delivered his annual State of the City Address on Wednesday evening at the city council's first meeting of the New Year. French began by acknowledging the 70th anniversary of the city's incorporation by quoting Rye's first mayor, Livingston Platt, on the challenges asked of city government.
"Seventy years later," French said following Platt's quote. "While the circumstances are far different, the same spirit now is called for all of us for now is the time for the city to once again be pioneers and look forward."
Among the things French stated the city would "pioneer" in 2012 were property tax relief, healthcare, fair and affordable labor deals, flood mitigation, capital investment and environmental sustainability. French and the city council acted on flood mitigation by immediately passing a resolution to create a Flood Advisory Committee for the city.
"Rye has flooded and will flood again," French said. " Our plan is to retain more water upstream, starting behind Bowman Dam and to ensure that individuals and businesses make smarter decisions downstream for better preparedness."
French also spoke extensively about the city's plan to implement property tax relief.
"While the average property tax levy increase per year in the prior 10 years was about $1 million in each year, for the last three years that amount has totaled to roughly that amount," French said. " So, we will continue to manage costs and explore new revenue sources."
When Mayor French shared his 2012 New Year's resolutions with the Daily Rye last weekend, he spoke at length about the city's desire to continue capital improvements despite the institution of the 2 percent tax cap levy.
"The citys roads and infrastructure are worn," French said. " The city will review with the community infrastructure priorities for immediate need, and will review how best to fund capital improvements that may include a potential bond at the end of this year."
French ended his address where he began, by quoting the words of Mayor Platt.
"So, as the city council pauses at this address and to recognize the 70th Birthday of the city; we want to acknowledge the contributions of all those who have served before us," French said. "We will heed the words spoken by Mayor Platt at his inauguration, 'to govern wisely for the greater benefit of all."
The entirety of the Mayor's address can be viewed on the city's website through RyeTV.
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Rye and receive free news updates.
