Saratoga Springs Mayor Scott Johnson thinks uncertainty at the state level presents the biggest challenge to the Spa City for the coming year, but also feels 2012 was a success.
Johnson delivered his annual State of the City address on Thursday, Jan. 17, at the Saratoga Springs City Center. He said a shaky economy nationwide is manifesting itself in a stalled expansion of casino gambling and thoroughbred racing, no relief from unfunded state mandates and the continued impact of the property tax on essential services. Still, the Spa City is in a relatively good position, he said.
“As a destination and resort community with a strong and expanding tax base, we are more resistant but not immune from the impacts of the global recession,” he said. “As a city, we remain heading in the right direction to control what we can control locally, while planning for the future.”
Johnson said sales tax revenue was up 5.4 percent in 2012. He also said trends indicate the city’s unrestricted, unreserved fund balance may increase over the last year to supplement the “rainy day” fund.
Convention and Tourism Bureau statistics showed a 3 percent increase in hotel occupancy, and total number of bookings increased by 34 percent in 2012, which translates into an additional $7 million spent in the city last year. At the track, overall attendance for 2012 was up 3 percent and more than $200 million was generated. The City Center had a 10 percent increase in bookings of and an all-time record of 256 days booked for the year.
Johnson touted city government highlights from 2012 like the opening of Waterfront Park at Saratoga Lake, the formation of Gateway Action Program of Saratoga to study conditions affecting the development on South Broadway, application for a Complete Streets grant, and the development of safe pedestrian and bicycle trails.
The city’s future, however, could hinge on decisions made at the state level about the establishment of destination resort casinos in seven different locations statewide. If Saratoga Casino and Raceway is not chosen and another casino is placed nearby, Johnson said, it could jeopardize the casino’s (and the city’s) revenues.
“We are well aware of the financial dependence of our city upon the continued success of our historic racetrack,” said Johnson. “Anything, anything that would serve to threaten the survival of horseracing cannot be tolerated.”
Johnson said that revenue from the casino and raceway for Saratoga County has been calculated to exceed $60 million per year, with wages and salaries exceeding $15 million per year.
“Make no doubt about it, this casino gaming proposal, without further amendments to protect our horseracing industry and selecting us as a casino site, is not government operating at its best in true transparency,” he said. “Come on, Albany. Lay all the cards on the table.”
Johnson also targeted the new, state-manage NYRA format, and said in no uncertain terms any changes to gambling laws must not affect the VLT revenue sharing agreements the city enjoys.
“The integrity and future of New York State racing must not be compromised by any quick rich scheme,” Johnson said. “New York can and should do better to support our time honored Sport of Kings, here at the Spa.”
During his speech, Johnson also announced he had officially formed a committee to review the city’s comprehensive plan. The topic proved contentious at a Tuesday, Jan. 15, City Countil meeting during which commissioners said they should be the ones to pick the committee members, not the mayor.
Johnson said although he already had picked 11 members, he was extending an offer to each of the council members to recommend one member for the committee.
“In the spirit of cooperation, difficult choices should not preclude consensus,” said Johnson.
Johnson also called on the City Council to “keep politics out of government” and instill in Saratogians a “renewed sense of purpose, and commitment, to abandon any personal agendas and earn the respect demanded of City Hall.”
Johnson ended his speech by reminding the audience of an old African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
Johnson’s proposal for selection of the comprehensive plan committee won favor with at least two council members.
“It was a compromise,” said Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan after the speech. “I am pleased to have a choice.”
Public Safety Commissioner Christian Mathiesen agreed.
“I am happy to be part of the process,” he said. “One choice is better than none.”
Newly elected State Senator Kathy Marchione was also in attendance, and seemed pleased with Johnson’s speech.
“It was very comprehensive,” she said. “He touched on what is extremely important to the City of Saratoga.”