McKinney, Texas is a great place to live!  This past weekend, our community participated in national “Make A Difference Day” by getting out and volunteering all over the city, 900 people enjoyed “Halloween at the Heard”, Leadership McKinney rehabbed a home for a family in need, fundraisers took place to raise support for the Samaritan Inn and Boys and Girls Clubs, and citizens now have another park to enjoy with the dedication of Ledbetter Park north of 380 west of Lake Forest Dr.  These are all just a few examples of how the citizens of McKinney continue to make our city a great place to live. 

The fiscal condition of McKinney is one of the best in North Texas. Council was able to keep current staffing levels and even add several needed positions in public safety all while adding amenities like the John and Judy Gay Library that will open before the end of the year.  Council was able to do all of this, and at the same time, not increase the city rate in 2010.  We were challenged by the soft economy, but by doing some creative cutting and finding other efficiencies, the city has a balanced budget for the future. 

 We received more favorable news when City Manager Frank Ragen announced our city ISO rating, which is a factor to our homeowner’s insurance rate calculation, will be improved.  Home and commercial property owners should see a reduction in their insurance rates.  This is all due to the city’s commitment to public safely and the welfare of it’s citizens.

So much more is ahead for McKinney as we continue to grow with only 35% of our city developed. Council and city staff continue to focus on future planning of land development to assure a balanced tax base.  Additionally, they are working on plans for a natatorium, tennis facility, and other recreational and lifestyle centers.  With all of the development happening in our city, we continue to focus on attracting recession tolerant businesses in the medical and education arenas.  This will solidify our employment and tax base assuring McKinney of financial stability.

I encourage you to get involved and let your voice be heard.  Come to a City Council meeting, contact me at rricchi@mckinneytexas.org or meet me at Starbucks in Adriatica most weekday mornings and have a cup of coffee.  It’s an exciting time for our city, and what we do together today will impact your future.