What's Happening in Westlake, OH…

Eileen Ann Patton, the mayor of Fairview Park, and Bill Wagner, the school superintendent, addressed community members jointly on March 27.

Mayor Patton said she liked the format, since people got to hear from both of the officials on how the city and the schools are spending their money. The talk drew over 300 residents.

Patton talked about the city's finances, nothing that Fairview Park ended 2016 carrying over a balance of $1.5m in the general fund. With regard to revenues and expenditures, Fairview Park is breaking even, spending as much as it takes in. Patton says the city is careful not to dip into its reserves, but instead reviews every acquisition to make sure it stays within its limits, and that the money spent goes to initiatives the community needs.

Mayor Patton also noted the city has had great success in attracting outside money, winning 85% of the grants for which it applies.

With regard to the schools, Wagner said the district is in good financial shape, and will renew a levy in November 2018. This is an operational levy, which differs from an improvement levy voters approved last year for renovations to various facilities.

Both Mayor Patton and Superintendent Wagner said they like the joint format and hope to continue it. Talks like this can be aided if officials work with a flyer printing company to create an agenda to distribute at the meeting.