3 - Comprehensive Plan Discussion (2)

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Proposed Strategies for Implementation: Plan for the long-term financial viability of the current transportation system.The City needs to know what its long-term commitments are for maintaining transportation infrastructure,what revenues are created by each of those commitments and what will be necessary to meet those obligations.This knowledge will allow the City to make informed decisions on the City's road standards, approach to maintenance and long-term capital improvements budgeting. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: • We need an actual capital improvements plan. This will be vital for making those long term decisions and creating a priority list of what needs doing, and when. Direct new residential growth toward existing roads and limit the amount of roads in new developments. Residential growth is rapidly occurring in Pequot Lakes and will continue to occur in the rural areas whether the City promotes it or not. Development in the remote areas of the City is more costly to maintain service than development closer to the downtown or along existing roadways.There is no need to subsidize development, either directly or indirectly,outside of the downtown area, especially when doing so increases City expenses more than a development of equal size that is more efficiently located. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: INFRASTRUCTURE POLICIES The following policies are proposed to guide all future infrastructure—related decisions in Pequot Lakes: Municipal utility systems must be fiscally managed like a private utility, minus the profit margin. Public utilities need to operate in the same manner as private utilities.They need to maintain the current system and level of service while financially planning ahead for repairs or replacement of system components.While the public is typically understanding of minor annual rate increases from private utilities(phone, cable, gas and electric), elected officials are often reluctant to consider rate increases, equating them with tax increases. Periodic rate adjustments that reflect the real cost of running and maintaining these systems are necessary.The City cannot allow maintenance liabilities to be unfunded and passed on to future residents and businesses. Proposed Strategies for Implementation: