Jasper "State of the City"

In a recent meeting of the “State of City” Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide reflected on the city's accomplishments over the past year while setting the stage for future developments. 

Mayor Vonderheide highlighted the completion of the downtown revitalization project, which began in 2013, saying, "I am just tickled to death with where we are given the challenges this past year." He noted that the project successfully upgraded aging infrastructure, including "water, stormwater, and sewer lines," ultimately enhancing the downtown area's appeal and functionality.

The mayor also praised the efforts to improve the quality of life in Jasper, emphasizing the importance of attracting new talent and businesses. "People will make a choice where they want to live, and businesses now follow the people," he stated, noting investments in sidewalks and roadways that aim to make the city more walkable.

Another major achievement was the opening of the new swimming pool, which welcomed over 33,000 swimmers last year, with 56% of attendees coming from outside the the 47546 zip code. "It’s a regional draw," Vonderheide explained, underlining Jasper's position as a regional hub for recreation.

Financially, the city is in a strong position, with healthy cash reserves projected to remain robust. "Overall, the financial health of the community is good," the mayor said, emphasizing the importance of prudent budgeting and wise investment of government funds.

However, Mayor Vonderheide also expressed concerns about local industries, citing a loss of jobs and the necessity for better access to markets and housing to attract residents. "Access to labor is a big factor. We need to attract the labor," he remarked, as he urged the community to support local businesses.

Community involvement has also been a priority, with the mayor encouraging residents to participate in planning sessions for future growth. "It’s not too late for your input," he urged, stressing the value of community feedback in shaping the city's direction.

In summary, Mayor Vonderheide’s address painted a picture of a city on the move, celebrating past successes while acknowledging challenges ahead. "I really feel like our future is very bright," he concluded, leaving the audience with a sense of optimism for what lies ahead for Jasper.