The City of Eau Claire

Community Forum March 18

Sherilyn Riedel — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 11:00:00 +0000

The City will host a community forum and neighborhood update for residents and businesses in Council District 1 on Thursday, March 18, at Northstar Middle School, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

The forum presentation will include an update on events and projects anticipated in District 1 for 2010, and an overview of the 2010 budget and the anticipated fiscal challenges facing the City over the next several years. An opportunity for small group discussion will be provided. Subsequent forums are planned for each of the Council districts over the next several months as part of a City Council Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee (FISPAC) focus on expanding civic engagement opportunities regarding City projects and fiscal issues. For more information about FISPAC, click here.

Council to Hear Public Presentation

Sherilyn Riedel — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:01:44 +0000

During the 2010 Budget Adoption meeting, the Council directed the Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee “…to study options for incentives for early retirements to reduce salary and longevity costs for eligible employees and report back to the City Council."

The study included how early retirement plans work, in general; previous plans offered by the City of Eau Claire and other neighboring communities; costs and impact of retirements; and longevity pay background information.

The Fiscal Policy Advisory Committee, at their meeting of February 24, moved to approve the attached report on early retirement incentives for presentation to the City Council."Click here to read report".

2010 U.S. Census

Yer Lee — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:37:56 +0000

Every ten years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the decennial census which provides a glimpse of the Eau Claire area, State of Wisconsin and the Nation. It's very important that everyone complete their census questionnaire and return it to the Census Bureau.

The 2010 Census will guide us for the next ten years so it’s very important for everyone to complete their census questionnaire and return it to the Census Bureau.

The primary purpose of the census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution in order to determine the number of congressional representatives each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives. Census statistics are also used to determine voting ward boundaries and for redistricting at the local and state level.

In addition, the information plays an important role in the distribution of federal and state funds. Every year, the federal government allocates more than 400 billion federal tax dollars to states and communities like Eau Claire, in part, using census data. Census information is also extensively used by state and local government to determine such things as the location for parks, fire stations, schools, hospitals, community facilities, and determining transportation and housing needs within the community. In addition, business and industry use the information for marketing, expansion, and growth decisions.

One major change in 2010 is that every household will receive the short form; no long forms will be distributed as used in past censuses. The questionnaire consists of only 10 questions and takes only 5 to 10 minutes to complete.

Results are also confidential. The Census Bureau, by law, cannot share an individual’s results with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.

So when you receive the questionnaire in the mail, fill it out and return it in order to help Eau Claire as we move forward and make sure that we get our fair share of state and federal dollars. It’s important for you and it’s important for Eau Claire.

Look for the census form to be mailed out to your household by April 1, 2010. Most will actually be mailed in mid-March.

It’s Easy…It’s Important…It’s Confidential!

Click here to find out more about the upcoming 2010 Census!
Click here to view a sample 2010 Census questionnaire!

Alliance for Strong Communities

Yer Lee — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 21:26:09 +0000

Due to the serious fiscal crises facing local government and schools in the Eau Claire area, a group of concerned leaders have formed the Alliance for Strong Communities. The goal is to look for ways to change the way taxes are distributed so those who create safe communities and educate children aren't forced to make drastic cuts.

Alliance for Strong Communities Chair City Manager Mike Huggins, Eau Claire Area School Board President Carol Craig, Greater West Central Wisconsin Labor Council - AFL-CIO representative Matt Staudenmaier and Government Affairs Director for the Realtors Association of NW Wisconsin Bruce King spoke with Mary Jo Wagner February 4^th.

To listen to the Wisconsin Public Radio February 4, 2010 The West Side audio archive with Mary Jo Wagner, click here

^{If audio isn't working, please visit the Wisconsin Public Radio website and click 'listen now using realplayer' under Thursday, February 4, 2010.}

Board, Commission & Committee Vacancies

Linda Desforge — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 23:23:19 +0000

Many people volunteer to become involved in our community through service on a City board, commission, or committee. The City is looking for volunteers to fill vacancies on various committees.

There is an ever-changing roster of individuals who give of their time and energy to the benefit of everyone in Eau Claire. Through participation on these various committees, members become more aware of the issues facing our city.

The City Council selects from names in the Citizens Resource Bank whenever vacancies occur and is always in need of individuals for the roster. For more information and a complete list of vacancies and upcoming openings, click here.