Gibson keeps pace at Town Hall

Date: 1/26/2010

Jan. 27, 2010.

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Mayor Ed Gibson isn't a stranger to Town Hall. The 10-year mayor hasn't missed a beat transitioning into his latest term this month but a new year means continued challenges.

Gibson told Reminder Publications his top priority has been the preparation of the new fiscal budget for 2011. He noted the elimination of federal stimulus funds, decreasing state aid and projected shortfalls for this year's fiscal budget prove challenging.

"We're in a much stronger position than some of our local counterparts," Gibson said, adding that good fortune doesn't mean town departments are operating as efficiently as they could.

"Especially this first year [of my new term and] with the economy ... my biggest focus is to be more efficient than we are," he said. "We need to offer the same amount of services for less so that taxpayers get a better bargain."

Gibson explained greater efficiency can be achieved through the use of new technology and by reorganizing departments.

He said taxpayers need to get more bang for their buck especially during these difficult fiscal times. Gibson explained he's instructed department heads to submit three different budgets for fiscal year 2011 (FY11), including a level funded as well as budgets with five and 10 percent reductions, by mid-February.

He said the town would most likely experience another reduction in state aid and town officials will have to figure out how to fund certain line items in the absence of the one-time $1.6 million federal stimulus funds received last fiscal year.

Gibson added the town has plenty of free cash and a "healthy" stabilization account totaling over $7 million.

He said another priority has been planning possible capital improvement projects for FY11. "Whether it's in the schools or in town, there's always going to be more capital requests than we'll be able to fund," Gibson cautioned.

He said he has also been working with the School Committee and City Council getting to know new members to ensure continued collaboration. Gibson said it will take all members of government to see West Springfield through these difficult economic times.