Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 5/23/2023
HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua Garcia gave his annual state of the city address on May 15 along with his presentation of the fiscal year 2024 proposed budget and was consistent that Holyoke is continuing its upward trend.
Garcia started his address crediting the city for its effort in coming out of the coronavirus pandemic, stating the pivot from crisis to recovery made the city face the question of what kind of Holyoke they would become. He was happy to share the city was continuing on the right track and that work was going to continue.
“The work of this past year answered all of these questions and the answer is a resounding yes, so tonight we can say with confidence that the state of our city is strong,” Garcia said.
Garcia also made note of Holyoke’s growing local economy in thanks to its revitalized manufacturing sector, as well as what has been a thriving new industry in cannabis cultivation and retail that brings in a major source of city revenue. With the good news, the mayor said it was still vital for the city to keep history in mind when moving forward economically.
“Our mills, long silent, now hum with the sound of new industries,” Garcia said. “But if our economic past has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t place all our economic hopes in one industry. We need to be thinking about the long term — and about how we build upon our recent progress as we shape a prosperous, sustainable future.”
Garcia said there were already a wide range of industries within Holyoke and that the unique assets of the city make it an attractive spot for the industries of the future. He added that already the city has been hearing from companies with an interest in the hydro-power capabilities of its dams and canals.
“Holyoke stands ready to lead the way into a green energy future,” Garcia said. “To any business looking to set up shop here in Holyoke, our record is clear. You can thrive here. You can grow here.”
Garcia also announced in his address plans to create a chief financial administrative officer position to add financial controls, aligning with a recommendation by the state’s Division of Local Services.
“The city of Holyoke faces many challenges, and our ability to address any of them relies on having our financial house in order,” Garcia said. “That’s the foundation upon which we will build a stronger, more inclusive, more just city.”
Garcia explained the financial officer would streamline internal processes, ensure proper revenue collection, offer precise economic forecasts and manage a capital plan. The role would last past Garcia’s administration in hopes of assisting with continuity of changing administrations and to help make better educated decisions for city leaders.
Garcia reiterated the city was continuing an upward trend as Holyoke in a stronger position it has been in in decades. This gives the city the flexibility needed to improve critical services, invest in capital and plan for the future, Garcia noted. He added a major reason for this is what the city has done to shore up its financial house and strengthen its internal controls.
“Just last month, Standard & Poor’s affirmed its A+ bond rating for Holyoke. According to its report, it did so because of our strong budgetary performance and our focus on cost-saving initiatives and long-term planning,” Garcia said. “I said it last year, and I’m happy to be able to say it again: The city of Holyoke is doing alright.”
Garcia said that with the progress made and good news being shared, it was important to remain on track and not fall complacent.
Just as he did last year, the mayor’s presented budget was a surplus, just over $1 million this year. The council must approve the budget by June 30, a day before the new fiscal year.
Garcia noted of the $1 million surplus, it would allow for investments in critical city services, as well as capital improvements without reducing services. He also promised residents that trash pickup, park maintenance and snow plowing would go on uninterrupted. Garcia added this also meant for the first time in 15 years, the police department should be fully staffed.
Garcia credited a “once-in-generation” influx of revenue from ARPA funds and outlined the city would be making long overdue investments in government structure.
“There’s no reason that a 21st century local government should be hamstrung by an IT system from the 1990s. So, we’ve used ARPA funds to update our IT infrastructure and much more,” Garcia said.
This, along with upgrades to City Hall, the DPW building, the City Hall annex and council chambers are all things likely to be funded by $10 million from ARPA toward capital upgrades, all at no additional costs to Holyoke taxpayers.
Garcia continued stating all the investments would mean little for future prosperity if no action was made toward one more crucial investment: a new middle school building. Garcia said after almost four years of floating and discussing the idea across the city, all can agree that a new building is needed.
The mayor continued adding that without a new middle school building, there are continued ripple effects in every realm of the city’s life and that students could not reach their full potential until “we finally guarantee a world-class education to all our students.” Garcia said that fortunately they had a chance to make this change now as the state through the Massachusetts School Building Authority has committed to paying $46 million to build a new middle school in Holyoke. In the coming weeks, the City Council will consider whether to approve the city’s shared funding, or $40 million stretched out over 30 years.
“We have before us a plan that we can all embrace, one that transforms our school district without burdening taxpayers,” Garcia said.
Garcia added there was no more time to put off this option any longer as the MSBA will vote next month to approve their share of the funding but the city must approve their end first to proceed action. Once the MSBA acts, the city can go out to bid to begin work on the project.
“This can all be underway by the fall. It’s up to us,” Garcia said.
Noting the city’s 150th anniversary, Garcia said Holyoke’s financial health should be seen as a testament to able leadership and sound fiscal policies.
“Long after we’re gone – long after the little dramas and conflicts of our day have faded from memory – our work will speak for us. Our legacy will be what we’ve built,” Garcia said. “Let’s all bear this in mind. There are robust debates still to be had. But let’s never lose sight of the fact that we’re partners in a common effort. Let’s remember that we’re all just passing through – that we serve here for a short while in the hope that our efforts might be fruitful for the thousands of Holyokers who will live after us. Let us strive always to let love motivate our work. If we can do that, I have no doubt that 150 year from now, our work will still speak for us.”