As we insist on integrity, we also seek efficiency. Last fall, I proposed a budget that decreased spending from the city's general fund without laying off a single employee. One major factor was our move to a self-funded healthcare model, saving $1.5 million in healthcare costs without forcing employees to change their coverage. In this economic climate, I don't think you'll find too many surrounding communities that are making it more affordable for businesses to operate and create jobs. Many municipalities raised taxes this last year, but here in Niagara Falls, we held the tax levy flat once again, and through equalization we actually cut business taxes 7% for 2010. How's that for a job creation program? Through new performance measures being developed by the City Administrator, we'll keep seeking new ways to work cheaper but better in 2010–because that's what you the taxpayers are telling us you want, and we hear you loud and clear.
Thanks to prudent financial planning and the great work of our City Controller, our bond ratings went up in 2009. At a time when most municipalities were automatically being downgraded, two of our ratings went up and the third held firm. When bond ratings go up, the overall financial picture improves. We're able to borrow money at lower rates. Our city becomes a better bet for investors and a more attractive place to do business.
As any elected official knows who has spent a lot of time on Tom Darrow's radio show or been grilled on LCTV, the residents of this city like to hold their elected leaders accountable. In other words, you like to complain. But that's a good thing. How else do we know what we're doing wrong if you don't tell us? This past year we initiated a new process for handling citizen complaints. The Citizen Complaint Log gives us a better mechanism to report, track and follow up on complaints and questions that we receive. If you call us, you deserve a prompt, straight answer. Now, that's what you will get. One citizen who used the system recently got a call back from both the Mayor and a City Councilman. Now that's responsiveness! More to the point, his telling us about some bad conditions at the City Ice Rink led to immediate corrective action. So that system is working.
Next month, I will start a new initiative called "Mayor's Night In." Often in the evenings, I'm at various locations around town attending public meetings and events. Now, from time to time, I'll keep my office open in the evening, and invite you the citizens into City Hall to share your concerns and ask questions. Members of my administration will also be available to respond to questions in person.
One of the most telling signs of a community's character is the way it treats its veterans. I'm proud to say that my administration, in cooperation with the Council, has stepped up to provide major financial support for a new veterans' memorial that will occupy six acres at Hyde Park. This reverent and beautiful monument will honor the sacrifices made by hundreds of residents and their families in times of war. I want to personally thank the Niagara Falls Veterans Memorial Commission for its diligent work on this exciting project.
A competent, honest government also respects diversity. Last March, a city employee was sentenced to probation for hanging a "whites only" sign over a drinking fountain in the public works garage. He called it a bad joke. Racist jokes are not funny. We took swift, decisive action that signals our zero tolerance policy on racism in the workplace.
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