Quick take
- Mayor Kristen Ishihara delivered the State of the City address. KLTV’s coverage published Nov. 5.
- Road maintenance is a top priority. The city increased that budget by 8%. Mobberly Avenue and Reel Road were among major projects cited.
- A market pay study led to budgeted raises of about 15% for many employees, funded partly by 30% more EMS billing revenue, spending cuts and leaving seven vacated positions unfilled.
- The recycling program continues, with a new rule that lets the city take a blue recycling bucket and issue a fine if trash is found inside. A community satisfaction survey is planned for December.
Longview’s mayor used the annual State of the City address to put roads, pay and recycling front and center. KLTV reported on Mayor Kristen Ishihara’s remarks in coverage dated Nov. 4 evening and published Nov. 5. The city also hosts a State of the City page.
Roads
Road maintenance was called a top priority. The city increased that budget by 8%, KLTV reported. Mobberly Avenue and Reel Road were among the major projects cited.
Pay
The city completed a market pay study and budgeted raises that meant about a 15% increase for many employees, according to KLTV. That was funded partly by 30% more EMS billing revenue, spending cuts and leaving seven vacated positions unfilled.
Recycling
The recycling program is staying. A new rule allows the city to take a blue recycling bucket and issue a fine if trash is found inside, KLTV reported. A community satisfaction survey is planned for December.