As many of you may have heard, as of July 1, 2008 the City of Highland Heights annexed Northern Kentucky University into the city. Over twenty years in the making, the current administration, led by Mayor Meyers, former Mayor Chuck Roettger, City Attorney Steve Franzen, Planning and Zoning Chairman Steve Crawford and professional consulting team Jim Parsons and Robert Cooper, were able to strike a deal to ensure the viability of Highland Heights in the years to come.

On July 17, 2007 City Council received an intense financial study of the City's financial feasibility prepared by Jim Parsons of Taft, Stettinius and Hollister. The report highlighted the City's grim long-term financial outlook. Specifically, within five years the report indicated the need for the city to dip into reserve funds in order to maintain the same level of service currently offered. Longer-term financial's were even more bleak, indicating an operating deficit. This deficit would mandate dramatic increases in property and other taxes after five years in order to sustain the same level of services to the residents of the City. The increased cost projected were not based on any misuse of funds, but rather the enormous increased cost projections for the Kentucky State Pension Fund, health insurance and the ever-diminshing properties off our tax rolls due to Northern's expansions.

Through sometimes spirited negotiations, the Highland Heights team met repeatedly with the University in an attempt to annex. Finally, an agreement was reached with the University to be annexed in the City in exchange for some concessions from the City. In short, the City has agreed to sell the City building and adjoining property to the University, and provide funding for a publicly-used soccer complex through a 20-year bonding commitment. In exchange, the annexation of the University means that all University employees are subject to the 1% payroll taxes which are paid to the City.

Benefits for the City are far reaching. Conservative projections show that in the first year alone, the City stands to collect a substantial surplus even after paying for our commitments under the contract (new City building and soccer complex bonding). This amount is projected to dramatically increase every year. After 20 years, Highland Heights will no longer have any financial commitments to the University and will receive all payroll revenues free and clear of any debt.

In addition, not figured into the payroll projections are outside contractors doing business at the University. With the continuous growth of the University, a constant stream of revenue will filter into the City above and beyond the payroll projections for the University employees.

What does all this mean to you, the resident? Continuation of services already provided without increased taxes. A state-of-the-art City Building and new adjoining parks facilities. A soccer complex for use by the public and the University. More surpluses in the general fund to keep our taxes down and increase services and community offerings. In short, a better Highland Heights.

All of these projects will take time, and we ask for your cooperation. The development committee is currently researching a new location for our new state-of-the-art City Building and facilities and hopes to have an announcement shortly. Council has had its first community brainstorming session to find out what you want to see in the City. Feel free to stop by Council meetings to discuss your ideas, or contact your Council directly. Today is an exciting time for our City. We are growing through progress. It isn't growth for growth's sake; and it isn't empty progress. These initiatives will both enhance the quality of life in Highland Heights and keep our City taxes low. Congratulations, together we are living our mission!