SIDNEY — Sidney Mayor Mike Barhorst gave a State of the City address to members of the Sidney Rotary Club, Feb. 13.

The mayor discussed increased income tax revenues and decreased state-shared revenues.

“For reasons no one in municipal government understands, the current administration decided to cut in half local government funds, a funding source put in place during the Great Depression to help local government units survive that economic downturn,” Barhorst said.

He also listed goals set by the city council for 2016-2017. They include the continued development of water sources; the exploration of new recreational opportunities; the identification of a strategy for beautification of city-wide entrances; working with Sidney Alive! to promote downtown development; developing a branding strategy; identifying funding sources for $5 million to $6 million in unfunded underground utilities projects; the enforcement of existing city codes; and continuing to develop collaborative efforts with regional partners for an additional fire station.

“I am pleased to report that work is underway on nearly all the identified goals,” Barhorst said. He then elaborated on the status of each one.

For the full state of the city address, see the 2017 Progress publication in Feb. 24 edition of the Sidney Daily News.