Congratulations on Riverfest 2009
Thank you to the Windom Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest Co-chairs and all of the Riverfest volunteers and participants. I greatly appreciate all of the work that goes into the planning, organization and operation of all of the Riverfest events.

Local Government Aid (LGA) - 2009 and 2010 Unallotments
On June 16th the Governor announced the anticipated cuts to LGA. Windom will lose $94,753 for 2009 and $218,631 in 2010. The City Council had proactively planned and budgeted for the 2009 cut; however, this also resulted in the loss or reduction of some city services. The 2010 budget will be much more difficult as the level of LGA cuts increase. The City continues to seek suggestions from citizens about ways to save the City money via SaveWindomMoney@windom-mn.com. As the City Council starts the 2010 budgeting process there will be additional opportunities for the public to participate in these discussions.

June 16 City Council Re-cap
In addition to two temporary street closures for community events there were three licence applications approved and a variance application for 968 6th Street.

The City's 2008 Audit was presented by Dennis Rick, LTD. The highlights of the audit included the recommendation from the auditor that the City continue to take a strong financial position in maintaining the General Fund balances as this helps to protect the City against unforseen or emergency expenditures and allows the City retain a good credit rating, which results in lower interest costs. The 2008 unallotment of LGA cost the City of Windom $110,120 or about 5% of its General Fund balance. The City's Enterprise Funds (Liquor, Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom) were in good financial condition and profitable, with the exception of Telecom. Telecom showed a loss for 2008 of about $233,000; however, this was a significant improvement over 2007. Mr. Rick said that overall the City's finances have been improving over the past couple of years and he congratulated the City Council, Department Heads and Administration for their efforts.

Windom Airport Improvement Project
On June 16th the City Council approved the Authorization needed for the federal entitlement funds that are a companion piece to the federal stimulus funding we received for the runway project. The project is scheduled to start on July 13. Overall, nearly $1.6 million in federal funds are being leveraged by about $20,000 in City funds.

2009 Street Project Update
The weather this last week has slowed down the work on this project. They crews are still on schedule and paving will continue next week on 4th Avenue from Abby Park to the Perkin's Creek Bridge. During the next two weeks work on Langley Street will continue with underground utilities and road construction.