Your Take Topics
What's "your take" about how to get a complete count for the 2010 Census
Since 2010 census data will affect funding for local projects such as roads, transit and schools, give us “your take” about how to achieve the most accurate count?
0 Comments
What information and features would you like to see on Mankato's Website?
Give us "your take" about what information and features you would like to be available on Mankato's web pages?
0 Comments
Give your take about proposed utility changes
Evaluating systems, the cost to do business compared to results, and reviewing internal processes periodically can improve service and create efficiencies to build capacity. Learn about proposed utility changes and give us your take.
2 Comments
Give us "your take" about what street projects should be designated priority
Since resources are limited, the city strategically plans far in advance for capital improvements. The City Council is committed to preserving the city's infrastructure investment while recognizing the economic stimulus value. As we plan for our upcoming construction season and beyond, what's "your take" about which street projects should be designated as a priority?
17 Comments
What is "your take" about Mankato's proposed 2010 budget
Economic pressures, including a $1.3 million reduction in local government aid, have forced the City of Mankato to redefine service levels in order to reduce expenditures by approximately $3 million. Mankato's proposed 2010 budget attempts to balance the needs of a thriving regional center and address unprecedented budget challenges. In order to balance our community needs, we have identified, defined, and redefined core, secondary, and livability services. The proposed budget also includes adjustments and organizational alignment to promote efficiency and customer service. Since the city is down 16 positions, it will result in service level changes.
7 Comments
What is "your take" about a Mankato and North Mankato merger?
The City Manager did a merger study in response to a challenging economic climate. Preliminary results were presented at the Mankato City Council’s recent work session. The study revealed if Mankato and North Mankato merged a minimum savings of $2.2 million would be realized and passed directly to taxpayers.
This study was based solely on the 2008 financial and bond statements. It establishes a baseline only and does not make judgments on service delivery or financial stewardship of either city. Initial numbers reveal some basic savings.
16 Comments
What is "your take" about public safety study?
In anticipation of retirements affecting upper level Public Safety staff positions, an independent/outside evaluation was initiated by the City Manager to gauge key items in public safety--departmental internal communication, teamwork, training, diversity, operational issues—deployment and resource allocation and city spending comparisons.
1 Comments
What is "your take" about additional partnerships the City of Mankato should be involved in?
Partnerships are a priority of the city of Mankato organization. In addition to current partnerships, give us "your take" about ways to expand the list.
0 Comments
What is "your take" about Mankato's preliminary 2010 budget?
The national and state economic climate is having a profound impact on city government. The
2010 preliminary budget recognizes these economic pressures by taking responsible steps to reduce spending and adjust revenue streams so we do not place undue hardship on local taxpayers. The budget offers organizational changes to build future service capacity while meting and exceeding demands for services as the local economy gradually recovers in the future.
Learn more.
See comparables. An online survey is coming soon. What is "your take" about Mankato's preliminary 2010 budget?
2 Comments
What volunteer opportunities should the city of Mankato offer?
The City of Mankato is exploring options to further connect citizens to their city government through volunteer opportunities. Volunteers would provide an effective and efficient means of supporting and enhancing city core services. As the city faces unprecedented budget challenges within the coming years, volunteers will be essential to sustain a service level that our community and region is proud of.
2 Comments
Give us "your take" about ash tree disease
The
Emerald Ash Borer, discovered in Michigan in 2002, spread quickly to Ohio and Indiana and discovered this spring in central Minnesota. It is a species of metallic wood boring beetle that attacks ash, usually killing trees within two to four years by feeding on the inner bark of ash trees, disrupting the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients. Although stressed trees are more vulnerable to attack, the Emerald Ash Borer is an aggressive wood borer that attacks all species of ash.
0 Comments
What is "your take" about federal funding to enhance local law enforcement programs?
The City of Mankato and Blue Earth County qualify for $18,873 (this is in addition to the recent grant application of $77,643 to implement 311) in federal funding to enhance law enforcement programs. In addition to 311 implementation, the additional grant dollars would be used to purchase additional in-squad video cameras for law enforcement vehicles used in the county.
2 Comments
What information and features would you like to see on Mankato's web pages?
Give us "your take" about what information and features you would like to be available on Mankato's web pages?
3 Comments
What's "your take" about implementing 311 in Mankato?
The City of Mankato and Blue Earth County qualify for $77,643 in federal funding to enhance law enforcement programs. The four-year grant is a one-time allotment if approved.
The Department of Public Safety is considering two opportunities:
- Implement 311 to offload non-emergency calls from 911
- Implement an online reporting system for citizens to report minor crimes and public safety opportunities within the city
11 Comments
What is “your take” about declining LGA and how it impacts Greater Minnesota’s quality of life?
Local Government Aid (LGA) is a state tax-relief program to help keep tax rates uniform for Minnesota communities and ultimately provide parity in municipal services. Nonprofit think tank-Minnesota 2020 recently released a
report about declining state aids to rural cities.
Mankato could lose up to $3.1 million. What is
“your take” about declining LGA and how it impacts Greater Minnesota’s quality of life?
3 Comments
Give us "your take" about priority street projects
Annually, Mankato adopts a five-year
capital improvement plan that prioritizes street projects. Streets are rated on the condition of the pavement and underground utilities. Springtime is when identification of street projects begin.
What is "your take" about what projects should be at the top of the list for 2010-2014?
4 Comments
What is "your take" about possible local federal stimulus projects?
The federal stimulus package sets aside money for eligible federal capital projects in greater Minnesota. It includes projects that are ready to build (key criteria is that it must create jobs), but delayed due to funding constraints. Areas that will be dedicated for federal capital improvement assistance include airport improvement, local roads with high volumes of traffic, transit, railroad crossing safety improvements, water quality and area highways under the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Some possible capital projects delayed because of lack of financing include:
- Installation of a gated railroad whistle-free crossing on Pine Street (at Fifth Avenue and the Union Pacific main rail and siding)--a residential neighborhood with significant daily train crossings
- Resurfacing of the secondary runway at the Mankato Regional Airport
- Purchase of two transit buses, including one hybrid and one diesel
- Various sewer and water projects that would enhance water quality services within the region (Madison Lake)
Give us "your take" about other ideas.
11 Comments