Mayor discusses city budget at annual retreat

City officials hosted an annual retreat at the local Radisson hotel on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The main goal of the retreat aims to go over the details of what the city can look forward to this upcoming year. Mayor Doug Nicholls explains the goal through an analogy. He said the retreat goes over topics that are discussed at weekly city council meetings only through a broader spectrum. “Throughout the year we have city council meetings but it’s like taking a little slice of the pie and discussing just that slice,” Nicholls said. “Well, here we talk about the whole pie if you will. So we can talk about things holistically.” City officials now have to work around strict budgets while also debating where expenses will go this upcoming fiscal year. Though solutions remain at the center of an ongoing discussion, Mayor Nicholls said the community is making efforts toward raising money through other means. “They’re looking for grants there’s a lot of activity,” Nicholls said. “The police department, the fire department, parks and recreation are all great at seeking out those grants and landing them. So we’re hoping those will fill in some of the gaps.”