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February 2015 – Mayor’s Message In January, I had the opportunity to give my second State of the City address during a City Council meeting. I am now at a point where I am no longer doing many things for the first time. Not only did the year go by quickly, it was one of the most memorable and rewarding years of my life. I will always look back at it, as the year where I learned all the different facets that make this such a great city. In the talk I was able to highlight many of the accomplishments of each of our departments, volunteer boards and commissions, and our City Council. The complete State of the City address can be found on our website at murray.utah.gov. Also contained on the website is our video message from the Mayor's office. We hope you will take the opportunity to view our much improved website. The Utah State Legislature has convened and will be in session until mid-March. Once again two of the top issues receiving attention are education and transportation. Both of these issues, along with many others that will be considered throughout the session, will have a significant effect on the city of Murray. Education is of vital importance not only to our youth, but to our families, neighborhoods and entire community. We are keenly aware of the benefits of a good education and support the proposed funding for our schools, teachers and administrations. I would like to focus my attention on the proposed transportation funding before the Legislature this year. I don't think there is another issue that I have received more emails or phone calls about than the condition of our roads. They are an obvious indicator to our residents as to the importance we put on revitalizing and maintaining our city. Our street department does a terrific job maintaining our roads with the funds made available to them. However, due to many more fuel-efficient cars, the funds we receive from the gas tax has continued to decline. This has required that we make up the difference with an ever increasing amount from our general fund. The last increase in the gas tax, which is specifically used for transportation requirements, was in 1996. Since then we have seen a significant increase in our population and the use of our roads. This trend is projected to continue with a doubling of our state’s population within the next 30 years. It is our responsibility to meet our present needs and make necessary plans for the future. We will be monitoring and supporting those bills, within the Legislature, that add to our road appropriations funding. The definition of roads has greatly changed over the past years, it now includes sidewalks, trails and bike paths. We are committed to keeping our city at the forefront in all modes of transportation. I would like to encourage you to become as knowledgeable as possible on the issues that affect our city, and to contact your representatives with support for initiatives that are important to all of us. The citizens of Murray have always taken an active role in determining their future. We are fortunate to have very dedicated individuals representing us in the Utah Legislature and I know they will take the time to listen, if we will take the time to voice our opinions and concerns. I appreciate the citizens of Murray, the pride they have in their community and their willingness to step forward and help make “Murray, a City Without Equal.” ---PAGE BREAK--- Sincerely, Ted Eyre, Mayor