Clarkston voters returned Richard Bisio to city council in last week’s vote.
“I’m gratified,” said Bisio, who served on council from 2010-2012 and received 233 votes in the Nov. 4 election, 24.73 percent of votes cast.
Also returning to the council are incumbent council members Michael G. Sabol, with 258 votes, 27.39 percent; and Sharron Catallo, 255 votes, 27.07 percent.
Incumbent Council member Peggy J. Roth received 190 votes, 20.17 percent.
“I want to congratulate the other candidates on a good campaign and thank Peggy Roth for her eight years of service,” Sabol said. “I thank everyone in Clarkston for the faith and trust that they have put into me to elect me to a second term.”
Bisio said he will advocate for more rigorous budgeting.
“The city should assure that budgeted funds are available for new projects that the council approves, either by confirming that the funds are in the original budget or by approving a budget amendment,” he said.
The city should stop deficit spending, he said.
“It should not continue to rely on using the accumulated fund balance to pay for expenses that exceed current year revenue,” Bisio said.
The city should have a long-term capital funding plan, anticipating the need for future capital expenses such as equipment replacement and infrastructure projects. It should budget to build up reserves for such projects so that the funds are available when needed in the future and the city does not need to borrow or engage in deficit spending to fund those needs, he said.
“The city should determine a reasonable fund balance and refund to the taxpayers the accumulated surplus above that amount by way of a reduction in the general operating millage,” he said.
The city must make other arrangements for the DPW facility at 3 E. Church that it will be vacating at the end of 2015, Bisio said.
“I want to assure all alternatives are fairly considered and that this is done with the least expense to the taxpayers,” he said. “I also will advocate for more transparent city government. I would like to see more detailed city council minutes and availability of more information about commission and board meetings.”
He will also provide information about council meetings, and will discuss Clarkston government issues on Facebook, www.facebook.com/richard.bisio.
Another priority is law enforcement in the city, including whether the city needs more ordinance enforcement and whether there should be a supplement to the sheriff’s department coverage and, if so, how to fund that, he said.
Long term goals include establish multi-year budgeting and planning; preserve the historic nature of the city and oppose development that would commercialize residential areas; and look for more ways to consolidate or outsource functions to save money for the taxpayers.
Sabol’s most immediate priority is to make sure the city has proper storage for the equipment and documents now at 3 East Church right now.
“We now know that we have to find a reasonable and cost effective way to replace the 3 East Church St. DPW building,” he said. “We need to begin a long term budgeting process that will help us cover these costs, make sure that we have a rainy day fund, and can return some of the budget reserves to the citizens.”
Longer term, he would like to see a return of the Farmer’s Market to within city boundaries.
“I would like to build a strong identity for the city that will help us maintain a favorable relationship within and outside of the city,” Sabol said. “We need to strengthen our budgeting process so that the city can survive for many, many years to come.”
Running unopposed for Clarkston mayor, Joseph Luginski received 266 votes.