Though the 2004 Oberlin city budget remains as modest as the 2003 budget, city manager Rob DiSpirito is concerned about being able to balance the budget in 2005 and beyond, according to the Oberlin News-Tribune.

Available revenues are projected to be down 4.9 percent from 2003, according to DiSpirito. Meanwhile, costs are increasing. The city will have to pay $241,000 more in wages tied to union agreements, an increase in $114,000 in worker’s compensation contributions, and an increase of $100,000 in healthcare costs. The city has had to rely on $884,844 worth of reserve funds to balance the budget, draining reserves by 25 percent.

As the city relies increasingly on reserve funds to balance its budget in the face of decreasing revenues and increasing costs, DiSpirito is concerned that reserve funds could be exhausted within three two or three years.

Adjustments to prevent draining reserves could include additional taxes, increased fees for city services, and possible cuts in basic city services.

-Ben Newhouse

Trustees meet and okay budget

The Oberlin Board of Trustees met for their second session of the year last weekend. During an exremely brief public forum, the board announced that the budget would be balanced this year, following weeks of speculation that mid-year cost reductions might need to occur. The board announced that cuts or layoffs would not be necessary for this year and that the current budget was on target.

-Josh Keating

Little progress made on gas station construction

Grass has been planted on the site of the former Shell station on the corner of Lorain and Main streets at the North entrance at town, though no specific plans for construction have been set.

The sight has remained vacant since September when the Shell station was demolished and an environmental study was conducted on the site.

According to Vice-President of College Relations Al Moran the environmental survey was conducted so early because the law specifies that former owners were responsible for the cleanup.

Possible plans for the sight include a community green space or sculpture garden.

-Josh Keating

Board postpones Allen museum expansion

The Board of Trustees has postponed plans to begin an expansion on the Allen Art Museum. Sources within the administration have stated that the current fundraising climate is not conducive to this type of project.

The faculty and the College’s architect considered for the project were not made aware that the Trustees had been considering the proposals.

-Josh Keating

East side development still on target

Sustainable Community Associates has finalized agreements with the owners of the Rax restaurant, giving them control overall of the land needed to build a $15 million mixed-use facility on the city’s east side.

The group of College alumni have purchased 43 East College Street and have obtained exclusive options to purchase 49 East College and 55 East College, the current location of the Rax restaurant. According to the group’s co-founder Josh Rosen, they plan to exercise these options in the late spring.

SCA, comprised of three recent Oberlin gradutes, Josh Rosen (’00) Ben Enzinga, (’00) and Naomi Sabel (’01), has been planning an ambitious development including mixed income housing and new commercial space for more than a year. They plan to give local residents and merchants preferentail rates once the new costruction is complete.

“We’re just dealing with banks right now,” Rosen said. “We are still on target to break ground in the late summer and be open by the winter of 2005.

-Josh Keating