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Durand officials look for hope amid gloom

By SEAN ELY, Argus-Press Staff Writer

Friday, November 6, 2009 10:00 AM EST

DURAND - With a hard-hit economy and daily struggle to rise above those woes, the Greater Durand Area Chamber of Commerce knew this year's “State of the City Address” wouldn't exactly be a breath of fresh air.

But with projects on the increase and a firm belief help is on the way, more than 100 Durand Board members, chamber officials and business members did their best to remain optimistic for the future at Thursday morning's annual event at SageLink Credit Union.

“The city talks, the schools, the government - just to give everyone an update with everything and help them understand what is going on,” said Debbie Grantham, Chamber president. “There was a very good turnout today. Knowledge is key and I think that's why we had such a good turnout because of the situation this year.”

Michigan State Senator Valde Garcia spoke to the crowd and answered questions about school funding, jobs, struggling businesses and the State Capitol.

Michigan has lost more than 800,000 jobs in the last nine years, Garcia said, most of which were good-paying manufacturing jobs.

“(Michigan has) lost over 25 percent of all the manufacturing jobs that have been lost in the country,” he said.

That loss leads to fewer people paying taxes, creating economic activity or buying things. On top of that, more people need services - unemployment, Medicaid, insurance. All of it leads to a strain on hospitals, schools and local governments.

Garcia said Michigan's government has tried just about everything to stabilize the problems, but nothing has worked.

“The problem is ... the governor and the legislature have not come together to put a comprehensive plan together to fix the budget,” he said. “If you fix the budget in Lansing, that's not going to fix Michigan's economic woes.”

He said the way Michigan's climate is, things will only improve by businesses being successful, making money and hiring people.

“It's folks at your level that are going to make those differences,” he said.

This year saw a 26 percent drop in state revenues, the reason for a large cut in school funding - a drop of 12 percent this past year.

With all the negativity that comes out of the Capitol, Garcia said things will turn around with hope.

Ken Themm's newest project is a classic example of that change for the better.

Themm is the new president of the National Railroad Memorial Inc., which will create a $2.2 million park to honor the men and women of the railroad industry by educating the public on the importance of its role in the past, present and future, he said.

Durand City Council must approve all decisions within the park's creation.

No city tax money from Durand residents will be collected for the park, which was donated to the city specifically for the effort. The three-acre space in Diamond District Park will house a welcome center, static display of rolling stock, a boxcar stage for entertainment, a splash yard, a pavilion for events, a farmers' market, display area, reflection spot and a rails-to-trails pathway for hiking and biking.

The park will also include a pedestrian overpass to provide access to and from the Durand Union Station.

“Our national parks preserve the most precious and breathtaking parts of our country for the benefit and enjoyment of all people, yet there is no monument or place of honor to thank the men and women of the railroads for all their hard work - so let's build one for them,” Themm said.

Cindy Weber, Durand area schools' superintendent, spoke about the “smooth start” within the district, as well as building improvements and the success of athletics this season.

Weber is excited for the school district to begin partnering with the city to consolidate services as well as keep tax dollars down.

But when it comes to funding and further development, it's frightening.

Durand has lost $165 dollars per student this academic year, totaling $300,000 in losses for just a third of the year.

“If the legislature does not take action by the end of November, we are facing an additional loss of $127 per pupil this school year, that's another $225,000,” Weber said. “These cuts are on top of approximately $1 million that the district has already cut. We have trimmed our budget to the bone, eliminating staff, making equitable cuts across the board in every aspect of our district, trying to create new and creative partnerships to save money.”

Weber said the goal is to refrain from eliminating programs for students, but any additional cuts will change that goal and directly affect classrooms, children and programs, hurting the community overall.

“I think this is an outrageous problem that we have to try to solve during a mid-year of a school year. We have worked too hard to allow our school district to be dismantled,” she stated.

There have been rumors of further cuts in kindergarten through 12th grade education, perhaps between $300 to $500 in reduction per student - a hit of nearly $2 million for Durand schools.

If that happens, Weber said, both schools and businesses lose.

“Our children and our community deserve better,” she said.

Amy Roddy, Durand city manager, put it into perspective for the audience, saying there are successes, challenges and possibilities for the future that the city deals with everyday.

Durand boasts the brand-new credit union headquarters for SageLink, decorative lighting to soon go in City Hall's parking lot and the completion of Trumble Park and Lovejoy Street.

However, a large concern exists with the consistent decline in revenue sharing. Roddy described it as “not a real comforting situation.” When the economy slumped over the years, nothing was done to compensate for it.

Durand's current budget is about $1.8 million, but the city has lost about $1.5 million since 1996.

“This year, the state hit us very hard. We are going to see, for the first time, a loss of $146,000 in revenue sharing,” she said. “That's about 10 percent of our budget and I have no way to make that money up. We are going to have to make some serious, drastic changes in the way we deliver services to our residents and to this community.”

Roddy said the movement will plague the City Council, but the government will continue to be there for its residents, working hard and collaborating with them.

For certain, several streets will be reconstructed in the next year: Russell, East Main, Washtenaw, Sycamore, Gratiot, Pine, Durand Union Station's parking lot and the North Saginaw streetscape.

Many of the projects are funded through grants, which Roddy says allows residents' tax dollars to go further.

“In the next few years, we as leaders of this community must come together to strengthen our local economy and protect our quality of life,” she said.

Comment on this Story

Things that make you go MMM wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:49 AM:

" This link may start you on your way
Notice the energy savings programs & equipment

http://www.consumersenergy.com/eeprograms/content.aspx?ID=755 "

Things that make you say MMM wrote on Nov 17, 2009 8:44 AM:

" In the midst of our economic times, and the fact we are all concerned about spending and cut backs, how about the city and school look into this web site for possible ways of reducing costs

http://www.consumersenergy.com/welcome.htm "

Thnks that make you go MMM wrote on Nov 16, 2009 10:21 AM:

" As for Ms Roddy Paying city taxes, last I understood she charged rent to live in the homes she owns. Seems to me the taxes are actually paid by those renting, and I would guess, but could be wrong, the mortgage then gets paid by the rent that is rendered, so unless she gives all the rent money to charity, I would hazard a bet that the rent she collects pays the mortgage, which the taxes are likely tied to in payment of the mortgage. But who knows, I just don't like to think that this little issue would be pulled over our eyes is all. I am certain Ms Roddy understands why the issue might be a thorn to those who do pay a high tax levied by the city.

As for going to a council meeting, I would bet more would show if it weren't for the unwelcomed feeling you get when you walk in and the shamed feeling of disbelief you leave with. Don't kid yourself council members, you don't want us there and you make it very clear. "

council wrote on Nov 15, 2009 8:29 PM:

" Hey love to see you all at city council meeting monday night.You have two new ones what will the vote be. 6 to 1 thank for not voteing. "

Dave wrote on Nov 14, 2009 1:46 PM:

" I googled "Deal with facts" as a resident of Durand and guess what? No results! Talk about hiding behind a keyboard. Didn't Durand hire an assistant clerk because of the burden to the City Manager? "

Deal with facts wrote on Nov 13, 2009 11:10 AM:

" Ever notice the title City Manager/Clerk? Roddy does both jobs. Saves the city of Durand a full clerks salary and benefits. What do you think that is worth per year? Do some research and you will only find 3 or 4 in the entire state that have both jobs. Also, you are correct, she does not live in the city; it was not a condition of her employment. However, when she can sell her home, she will move into the city; not because you think she should, but because she feels it is her obligation and responsibility to do so. She has always stated that. In the meantime, Ms Roddy owns two properties in the city and pays full taxes on both. I believe that makes her a "taxpayer".
Do you people ever read the questions you ask of each other in this blog? Most are good questions that should be asked at a council meeting. That is where the answers are, not here.
Don't just snipe from behind a keyboard, making wild accusations, it's cowardly and it's too easy. Go to council meetings, ask questions, demand answers, read available documents and get involved. "

R wrote on Nov 12, 2009 10:51 AM:

" railroader 2,
it is a shame we are losing local, trusted employees, who likely put passion into their roles and take pride in assuring our schools get the best they can offer.Bringing in outside workers, who possibly have no ties to our community may likely result in us "getting what we pay for", outsourced employees who are pressed to work as fast as they can to get off the clock, thus cutting corners to meet the time command. Its a difficult situation the school systems find themselves. Again we have an entity facing the never ending rise in expenditures with fewer directions to turn. School officials and unions are faced with a dilemma of where to turn. The unions are one the final vestiges that have a defined benefit program, an area of great expense for the entire entity as a whole, while much,if not all, enterprises surrounding them who's employee base has jumped in and taken on more of the financial burden in an effort to help the whole, short of our government system that is. That is an entirely target rich entity all its own with a deep layer of fat that could be trimmed. Maybe if those in our government systems reduced their benefits to something similar to "we tax payers" they could get a direct feel for the burdens we shoulder, and maybe, just maybe, this would be a motivator to help them generate new systems of operation.

I fear our school systems will be forced to cut in areas that will become detrimental to our children's overall education, a situation that only sets our country further behind the rest of the world. "

Dave wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:24 PM:

" You notice that Ms. Roddy stated that services will have to be cut back. No mention of renegotiating contracts or reducing health care costs. Take care of the city employees. After all that's what the city is in business for. It's certainly not the residents!! (Oh and be careful about speaking up at city hall. You might end up with a big pile of something in your yard) "

Dave wrote on Nov 11, 2009 1:23 PM:

" You notice the Ms. Roddy stated that services will have to be cut back. No mention of renegotiating contracts or reducing health care costs. Take care of the city employees. After all that's what the city is in business for. It's certainly not the residents!! (Oh and be careful about speaking up at city hall. You might end up with a big pile of something in your yard) "

Dave wrote on Nov 11, 2009 5:38 AM:

" R,
You are correct. See below. I guess incompetence is rewarded!

Boggs moved, McDonough supported to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss
the City Manager’s Evaluation. YEAS: Boggs, Mayor Canute, Douglass, Doyle,
Hildebrandt, McDonough, Schuyler NAYS: None Carried Unanimously.
Adjourned to Executive Session at 8:35 p.m. Reconvened at 9:00 p.m. Boggs
moved, Douglass supported to give the City Manager a 3% wage increase,
retroactive to July 1, 2009. YEAS: Doyle, Hildebrandt, McDonough, Schuyler,
Boggs, Mayor Canute, Douglass NAYS: None Carried Unanimously. Ma "

railroader2 wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:31 PM:

" And now we find out Durand Schools are losing their cooks and custodians at last night's board meeting. Great... more unemployed workers and more crappy outsource workers coming in. "

R wrote on Nov 10, 2009 2:13 PM:

" Tacking on to the comments of Mr Gravis, it would do everyone some good to begin visiting the meetings and listen to the actions taken that directly impact each of us. Residents of Durand, your strength lies in your vote and in your voice. Be heard ! My guess is Mr. Gravis attends more meetings than he misses. I come to this conclusion based on his entry on the recent ballets. The next meeting may be a good place to start. The council chambers are large and should be filled by all who are truly concerned. IF you appose the recent salary increase we've read about let your elected officials hear about it, and ask how and why they came to a conclusion such as this, when even their own hired manager, (yes the one they voted and placed) stated at the State of the City Breakfast "This year, the state hit us very hard. We are going to see, for the first time, a loss of $146,000 in revenue sharing,” she said. “That's about 10 percent of our budget and I have no way to make that money up. We are going to have to make some serious, drastic changes in the way we deliver services to our residents and to this community.” Are the changes being spoken of mean increased salaries? I would think she would feel just a bit uneasy about this and consider the offer as a tremendous gesture, but in the end graciously decline it until an upturn in our economy. What do you think? The point here is, the residents need to express their extreme discontent to those we elected and who are by virtue of this election must "Look out for the constituents who placed them in their role". They need to be conscious of their actions and understand what consequences exist in them. It is fully understood some decisions have to be made for the benefit of the whole, but wage increases during this era is not one of them. Our city manager received an increase in pay when she took on her new duties, what were her new charges that warranted her an increase? Are they measurable, were they met? or was this a feel good issue for certain departing council members? Kinda looks that way on the outside. Residents of Durand, remember this is your money they are playing with, let them know what you think and soon. A consolidated effort should be formed (Mr. Gravis), step up and lead a mixed group of residents and begin filling the chamber with citizens, stay open minded, not agenda driven unless for the good of the whole. "

r wrote on Nov 10, 2009 9:33 AM:

" I heard recently that our beloved city council voted a 3% wage increase for our Manger/Clerk, let me add this is hear say, I have not researched it to be sure, but I was told it was printed in the minutes and in the paper. Now you can call me silly, but if there is such concern of financial hardship, isn't this decision moving in the wrong direction under current conditions?

Here's another concept, maybe those who wish to work for the city, but not live in the city should be asked to pay a "City tax" as an employee, making them equals to us seeing how we make there salary possible. Definitely evens the playing field doesn't it? Doesn't or did the city of Flint ask for a city tax to work in the city if you are not a resident? Seems like a sound concept and one way for city employees to assure they are sharing in our efforts. "

Dan wrote on Nov 9, 2009 2:06 PM:

" Sandy,
If someone told you that the bulk of the taxes assessed in Durand are county taxes, it was an outright lie. Below are the winter and summer levies from the last year. The highest in Shiawassee.

Summer Tax

CITY TAX 2009 16.530400
2001 WWTP DEBT 0.550000
2001 WATER DEBT 2.300000
STATE ED 2009 6.000000
COUNTY 5.114600

Winter Tax

SHIA ISD 3.904000
LIBRARY 1.203100
SCHOOL DEBT 5.600000
NON-HOME 16.574900
MEDICAL CARE 2.000000
VETERANS RELIEF 0.100000
COUNCIL ON AGING0.166700
AMBULANCE 0.800000
STREETS 2.000000 "

Fed up in durand wrote on Nov 9, 2009 1:15 PM:

" After YEARS... of living in this little "political peyton place" community. I'll be -SO GLAD- to move outta here... Why close city hall at noon?? That shift could be staggered.. (as in the past) Why does Durand need a director of Public works?? Things were fine with A working Foreman.. Why did residents ( on 1 side of the city ), pay for sidewalk repair , And no followup for the rest of Durand residents?? Why not allow for brush drop off at the DPW yard?? Now residents can continue raking leaves till X-MAS!!! The city streets are a joke.. Forget another park... Durand has 4 or 5 already!!! For a City with the population, Durand has, WATER BILLS are TOTALLY Outta Hand!! OH, don't forget.. to move into this city, Be prepard to pay an outlandish "Up Front" charge to obtain water service. Drive into Durand, from any direction.. And see the blight.. It's a real public relations joke. i.e blue tarped roof.. unkept lawns.. junk all over. To get to the SACRED TRAIN DEPOT, is similiar to going into detroit, to the Fox theater...blocks of Blight, before reaching the theater. Lets see.. AMY (city manager)..Kevin..(Foreman DPW)...Steve...(Director of Public works) Chuck.. Foreman of Water works.. and a couple others..ALL LIVE OUTSIDE THE CITY OF DURAND!!! I live on the south side of DURAND.. It's treated 2nd class... Take a drive thru the area, busted up roads..(with exception), houses in need of repair.. just depressing. We had no say in a City manager.. it was left to council.. Amy Roddy was nothing more than a public relations figure..When a city clerk.. Always gone to meetings and luncheons. This Dip,is NO BETTER NOW!! Call to talk to the City manager.. Bet she's not in her office.. Yeah, we need another park ha-ha. Has anybody in public office in Durand, offered to take a wage cut??.. How bout the school officials, so worried about education?? Auto workers have had to make concessions.. Let's put Durand officials salaries, on public display, You'll be shocked.. Last, but not least.. The train traffic in Durand, is a residents nightmare.. If you need EMS response.. and live on the South side (or West).. You're life could be in jeopardy..depending on the sitituation.. or response time , If a train is blocking the tracks. Yes I agree, with most high ranking Durand officials...... It's Better to Live Away from the City of Durand.. "

Don Gravis wrote on Nov 9, 2009 10:56 AM:

" As you can see, we are clearly facing hard times. As I have said before, we can not continue as "business as usual." within the City or the schools. Ms. Weber states how much we have lost per student and that the budget has been cut to the bone. Well guess what, Durand still has (4) four operating elementary schools that have low student enrollments. So low that some grades are moved to another school to fill the class rooms. Now, think about that for a moment. If there is not enough students to fill grades and we bus them to another Durand school, do we really need (4) four elementary schools?????? The problem is everyone wants a school for their children, Bancroft, Lennon, east side, west side etc. You get the picture. When I was growing up we had one school that encompassed an area as large as Durand. It was an elementary and Junior high. Then we had one high school and NO BUSES, we walked. Today, in Durand with the 4 elementary schools we bus children from the Robert Kerr area over to the Wilbur Bills school to fill classes there. Then we bus children from Bertha Neal to Robert Kerr and we bus Doyle Knights children to Bertha Neal. Durand must have a over ten buses moving children to and from. How much does this cost the taxpayer??? Could we reduce this cost by closing some schools?? Yep. Again, no one wants their school to close, but the reality is, it is what needs to be done. And as Amy Roddy has said, city government is going to have to make some drastic changes, some may not be popular but necessary. All of us have to work together and realize that our economy is at a low point, and we have to find ways to survive. Start going to council meetings, school board meetings, get involved to make changes for the better. Give your city council ideas of what could be cut, what shouldn't be cut. "

railroader wrote on Nov 9, 2009 9:21 AM:

" let me get this straight. Roddy, the city manager does not live in the city of Durand??? uh...seriously? Anybody else think something is wrong here? "

Sandy wrote on Nov 9, 2009 6:55 AM:

" Nothing in this world is free. The good people of Durand Will end up paying out there nose for all of this. When they tell you Oh we got a grant, You still have to pay a portion, Because grant money only goes so far, then the tax payer has to pick up the rest of the cost. That is the only way they get the grants. And I agree, Amy should have to live in the City like all of the other Council members do. Like our Fire men have to do. This tit for tat is unfair to the good people of Durand. If those of you who are going to get new street work think for one min. That you will pay nothing, is dreaming, but it is going to be your worst nitemare. They just did lovejoy, and added over $200.00 dollar's onto my winter taxes. So the good people better wake up and smell the roses, because it is about to happen to you to. This City needs to put on a Spending Freeze. One house across the road sit's empty now. And the good people who live in a house behind me, Started moving out of there house this weekend, they are moving to Bancroft, because of the cost of living here. This sadden's me deeply. This is going to destroy our tax base, and more and more people are leaving durand. We outselfs may not beable to live here after a few more years. The city says that our taxes are not to high that most of it is county taxes. Well it is not true. Everytime they do a road in the city, the road that they do, every person on that road will end up paying $200.00 or more on their taxes. So all roads that are done in 2010 will have their taxes, taxed in 2010 so you better start saving for it now. It will show up on your summer or winter taxes every year for 5 years. So good luck to all of the good people in Durand. "

ousted wrote on Nov 8, 2009 11:10 PM:

" i had to move out of the city , couldn't pay 2800.00 a year in taxes. or 100.00 a month water bill. 16 years down the drain. somthing is wrong there?? you think? owosso is alot cheaper TO SURVIVE !! "

Durand wrote on Nov 7, 2009 11:40 PM:

" @Dan:
Yeah, WTF happened with that? Millage increase, then I read them saying that the millage WASN'T or the raods after the fact?? Now we've got "Paid for by the bull$hit stimulus" signs all over. Where'd that money go??? "

Dan wrote on Nov 7, 2009 5:27 PM:

" I'm sure they took the 2 mills that were voted in for street repair and gave bonuses to administration. ( I voted "no" along with everyone I know) "

shiataxpayer wrote on Nov 7, 2009 1:31 PM:

" No money going into road repair and curbing on the South Side?

Some of those streets listed for repair were really tore up from the heavy construction equipment for Sycamore House and Sagelink Credit Union. Are the developers kicking in any repair money to help pay for the street repairs? "

Dave wrote on Nov 7, 2009 7:23 AM:

" If Amy Roddy if so concerned about revenues maybe she should move into the city and pay the taxes we are all encumbered with. But she probably can't afford it! "

Durand wrote on Nov 6, 2009 11:32 PM:

" I remember being in Howell public schools, in the late 80's and early 90's. Things were rally bad then economically. people were losing there homes like mad, job were going away, things where looking dark. There came a time when this economic down tunr affected the schools in the same way they are now.

For a couple years, we only had FIVE classes a day. no extra classes, just core stuff. We all spent the first hour in the gym studying so the day was approximately the same length.

It was hard. It was tough for everyone, and the kids, all of us, lost out for a couple years.

BUT, life went on. And when the economy got better the extra classes came back.

I want Durand schools to continue to be the excellent schools they are. I want the DPD and the city to continue to do the good job they do.

BUT, if there isn't some massive tax cuts in this town, along with some massive cuts in spending, there won't be anyone left in the area to provide services to.

Perhaps it is time for the city to sit down and start looking at some "nuclear" options until the economy picks up. It will get better. Jobs WILL come back and the tax revenue will increase. Until that happens, we need to get into survival mode here. "