Inside Mesa

I’ve been reading about the ideas brought to the table on how to provide funding for those "non-essential" items that the City of Mesa is now unable to support due to a majority of voters unwilling to pass the implementation of a primary property tax in Mesa.A leading supporter to raise those funds is Carol McCormack, Mesa United Way President and Chief Professional Officer. For the first time Mesa United Way is reopening its 2005/06 campaign in an effort to come up with funds critically needed in human services. Carol along with Councilmember Tom Rawles, District 3, City of Mesa is asking the community to come through.A request is made of businesses and individuals to contribute more - possibly through adding an extra dollar to your utility bill. Perhaps by writing a check - one you normally would have written had the property tax passed. I wonder how many are willing to do this.Those that voted no - now is the time to help pay for the services you didn’t want to pay for through a property tax. Will you?Those that voted yes - are you willing to take the money you normally would have paid through a property tax and donate it to those services that will receive a cut in funding or not be funded at all. Who will do that? United Way programs and services are being re-evaluated; contributions to human services are being cut by 24 % which will take away from non-profits like Mesa Community Action Network, they provide assistance to the working poor. MesaCAN may fold into a larger agency such as Prehab of AZ although the savings would be marginal. Pat Gilbert, Executive Director, MesaCAN and Michael Hughes, Chief Executive Officer, Prehab, have a common goal - to find a way to help.Rejecting the property tax means the city cannot finance the $30 million in needs which included fire inspectors, park maintenance and support of agencies that help people get back on their feet. The elimination of 150 municipal jobs, such as utility department linemen and junior high school resource officers, are included in the reductions to achieve a $14 million budget cut.D day is here - DO it! Help in anyway you can.

Reading a City of Mea Newsletter today I found the Senior Dial-a-Ride Service may be eliminated from the 2006/07 budget. I wonder how many that affects?As I read news about services in the City of Mesa I found that seniors may be without the Senior Dial-a-Ride service. Here’s your chance to take advantage of the opportunity to voice any concerns to the City Council for review.A public meeting is being held on Monday, June 19, 4:30 - 6:30 pm in the City Council Chambers, 57 E. First St. As part of the Fiscal Year 2006/07 Budget Plan the consideration whether to eliminate the service will be made at a later date, June 26 to be effective August 1.The City of Mesa currently provides fixed route bus service and various options via the Ride Choice program. East Valley Dial-a-Ride service will continue to carry ADA eligible passengers. You may also submit comments by: e-mail to Maurice.Light@cityofmesa.org mail to City of Mesa Transportation Division, Attn: Maurice Light, P.O. Box 1466, Mesa AZ 85211phone at (480) 644-4131fax at (480) 644-3909. Reasonable accommodations at the public meeting can be requested by contacting Maurice Light at (480) 644-4131 by June 15.