Riverside’s budget has been decreasing over the past few years, but having the addition of the new marina might help get things turned around.

“It’s not a pretty picture, but I think we’ve got it fixed for now,” Mayor Rusty Jessup said of the town’s latest finance numbers and cutting back on fire expenses.

He cited some exciting things going on in Riverside, including the purchase of the marina across from the town hall, which was paid through grant money, and the interest of commercial businesses wanting to locate in the scenic town off Interstate 20.

“I’m confident that the new budget we amended in December will get us through this fiscal year,” Jessup said. The first quarter numbers won’t be available until next week, but like other municipalities in the area, Riverside is keeping a watchful eye on its bank account.

“If the first quarter numbers are not tracking like I think they ought to track and they’re still gong in a direction that we think they ought not go in, then we’ll have to do some more adjusting,” Jessup said.

The end of 2009 showed that money has been decreasing over the past three years. What really has affected the town is its sales tax, business licenses and permit intakes, which drive the town’s general fund and pay for things like fire department and police services.

The fourth quarter of 2009 saw a 25 percent decrease in tax revenue. In 2007 there was $192,000 brought in, in 2008 it was 181,000 and last year it had fallen to just under $174,000.

“That’s a very serious decrease,” Jessup said. Business license and permit incomes for the town have dropped accordingly.

Jessup said that the council and the St. Clair Economic Development Council have been working to get retail business.

Fire Department

The town’s fire chief Mike Sweat announced his retirement at this past Tuesday’s council meeting. Those gathered thanked Sweat for his 14 years of service and for serving as chairman of the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission for many years.

A Tuesday’s council meeting, Tim “Yank” Kurzejeski was appointed as interim fire chief. Kurzejeski takes over a department that has recently cutback from 12 hours of full time coverage a day to eight hours.

The fire department’s funding has been a problem in recent months. Just a year-and-a-half ago, many were hopeful that a full-time, paid fire staff would be something that could be funded. But the ongoing budget woes have forced the town to scrap those intentions and instead rely on the dedication of volunteers wanting to help their community.

Those wishing to volunteer may contact the fire department at 338-7692.

Marina

There will be a town hall meeting next Tuesday to allow residents to voice their input about what they think the marina should and could offer. After that meeting, Jessup said the intention is to develop a five-year plan.

The town hall meeting is intended to ensure that locals and visitors get the most they can from the launching site. “We want the folk’s input on what they want it to look like, act like and function as,” Jessup said. “It’s not only a place that will serve for commerce; it serves a very important public purpose for our citizens a place to fish, swim and launch their boats. There are a lot of folks in Riverside who don’t have a place on the water. It’s important to have public access to this river. It’s our calling card. It’s what drew most of us here to begin with.”