Message From Mayor Biasiotta- Seven Hills Summer 2020 Update
Many have reached out stating how terrible it must be that in very my first few months of becoming Mayor of Seven Hills, I have had to deal with a global pandemic and the resulting economic disruption. While I’m deeply saddened that so many are suffering and it is stressful dealing with budget tightening, I tell them fret not. Adversity does not build character it reveals it. I was put into this role at time this for a reason. We are all getting a trial by fire that nobody could have predicted. As Mayor, my focus has pivoted toward protecting our residents and employees from COVID-19. Back in March, I instituted numerous emergency measures to help the City navigate these uncharted waters. As we head into June, some of the emergency measures have been lifted; our recreation center has been re-opened with the staff working diligently to create a safe environment for our residents and members.
Seven Hills, like all other Cities, has been impacted financially by the resulting economic disruption. We are now forecasting $1.2 million less income tax than budgeted. However, we have been able to quickly adjust and have identified approximately $300,000 in un-budgeted revenue and approximately $650,000 in general fund savings. Perhaps most important we, as a City, were able to significantly increase cash reserves over the last couple of years. Having these reserves will help us weather the storm without any service disruption to residents. With that being said, our fire and police protection have remained at FULL operational strength during this crisis.
Even in trying times, my motto of “Partnerships and Progress” continues to be a bright light for our City.
I am pleased to share with you that we welcomed a new substantial employer to Seven Hills in Konica Minolta. We are excited to have them call our City home!
This spring we watched the razing of the old K-Mart to make way for our new Meijer store. The demolition is now complete and I am proud to announce the project is still on schedule for a spring 2021 opening!
We were notified that the Cuyahoga County Council has approved the City of Seven Hills for a Community Development Supplemental Grant of $50,000. Winning this grant will allow us to build a large gazebo on the empty lot at the corner of Hillside and Broadview Rd. for all to enjoy.
This month, at NO COST TO SEVEN HILLS, our Firefighters will take delivery of $125,000 of new state-of-the-art portable radios. This was made possible by a grant from Cuyahoga County for $42,136 and $82,864 from the Federal Government. I would like to thank Parma Fire Chief Mike Lasky for his partnership during the grant process.
Lastly, as we head into summer and activities increase and businesses begin to open, please remember to do your part in making our community more secure from the coronavirus, by practicing recommended safety measures whenever possible. Stay strong. We got this!
Tony Biasiotta
Mayor, City of Seven Hills. Ohio