America 250: Happy Independence Day!
I was a little kid in Idaho Falls during America's Bicentennial celebration. I remember burning my hand on a sparkler that year. The parades, picnics, BBQs, and fireworks were great family and community fun then, and they still are today fifty years later!
I was recently reading about the events during our nation's 50th Anniversary in 1826. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, two key members of the great generation that founded our country both died that year on July 4th, a "coincidence" that Daniel Webster called a "dispensation of the Divine Providence" and though these two men were gone, Webster said, "their work doth not perish with them." And further: "No age will come in which the American Revolution will appear less than it is, one of the greatest events in human history."
Can we ever fully understand the miraculous events of that era? Probably not. The Revolutionary War, as trying and traumatic and costly as it was, was actually only a manifestation of the revolution that had taken place and was still taking place in the hearts and minds of the people at that time in order for them to commit to the sacrifices and work and thinking that it would take to create this wonderful country. I'm grateful for their amazing strength of mind and body to see it through.
We all join in the continuation of the work of preserving this revolutionary country as we stand for what they stood for: strength of individual and communal character, mature thinking and acting with the welfare of the country paramount in our intentions, and an understanding of the true nature of freedom--not for the fulfilling of self-centered desires, but for the opportunity to improve in character and condition individually and as a people with an eye toward God and a helping hand toward our neighbors.
I'm grateful for this big, beautiful world, for our Heaven-inspired nation, and for this wonderful little corner in which we live. I wish everyone in Sugar City a wonderful celebration of our freedom on this 4th of July, Independence Day!
City Budget FY 2027
The city staff, the mayor, and the council are working on finalizing and approving the city budget for next year. We recently received our annual audit report, which found the city finances in good, stable condition. I'm grateful for the city staff, the mayor, and the council who all work hard to be wise with the community's funds.
The final budget will be voted on in a city council meeting in August. One of our biggest concerns this coming year is our street improvement fund, which got cut 90% because of a bill recently passed by the state legislature as they sought for a way to cover budget shortfalls and balance the budget. We are working out a plan to make sure we can cover the money we'll need for our streets--one of the basic services of city government. It will be fine.
If you wish to see working copies of the proposed budget, please stop by city hall, and if you have any questions or comments please contact the mayor or a member of the city council or drop in for public comment time during the next city council meeting. I know the council appreciates hearing from other residents.
I hope everyone is enjoying summer and praying for rain.