HAVERHILL — It's a familiar lament come budget time.
Mayor James Fiorentini typically begins the city's budget review process by estimating the coming fiscal year's deficit in the $2 to $3 million range, which is often referred to as Haverhill's structural — or long-term and recurring — deficit.
At last night's City Council meeting, Councilor John Michitson told his colleagues he wants more regular updates from the mayor about what he is doing to eliminate the annual shortfall. He also offered ideas to reduce it.
"Ramping up economic activity, especially in the industrial parks, is the lowest hanging fruit," Michitson said of how to reduce the deficit. "We need to determine what the opportunity is for broadening the commercial tax base by filling empty space and developing sites for new construction."
Michitson pointed to an emerging business "incubator" center downtown, a new proposal by the mayor to spur mixed-use and market-rate housing downtown and along the Merrimack River, and the redevelopment of the former Haverhill Paperboard site in Bradford. He also said the city needs to do a better job taking care of buildings and other infrastructure with annual maintenance to avoid more costly repairs down the line.
Michitson also promoted an upcoming conference at Northern Essex Community College that is designed to bring new companies and economic development to the city and area.
The March 20 "Trailblazing the Merrimack Valley Open Innovation Cluster Conference" aims to attract businesses to the area by promoting new ways companies are conducting research and development. Fiorentini, who is one of several speakers scheduled to speak at the conference, said he intends to discuss plans to create an "innovation district" in Haverhill.
Michitson said he believes Haverhill could trim at least $1 million off its structural deficit next year by growing the commercial tax base. The mayor, who attended last night's council meeting, declined to discuss next year's spending plan or speculate whether the city will once again face a deficit going into the budget process. That process usually begins sometime in spring and culminates with passage of a new spending plan by July 1.
Honoring the Bay State's fallen heroes
Fast moving blaze destroys Lynn, Mass. church
Cape Cod town rebuilding shoreline ahead of tourist season
Shake-up on Beacon Hill as Lt. Gov. expected to resign
3-alarm fire destroys Lynn, Mass. church
Beach erosion closes Sandwich, Mass. beach
13-year-old found safe after Mass. Amber Alert
Huge tornado hits Oklahoma City suburb, kills 24
Abducted Braintree children found in South Windsor, Conn.
Abducted Braintree children found in South Windsor, Conn.
51 dead after tornado hits near Oklahoma City
Rand Paul visits NH for GOP fundraiser
Amber Alert issued in Braintree, Mass. abductions
3 hurt in Middleboro, Mass. wreck involving police cruiser
51 dead after tornado hits near Oklahoma City
Marathon bombing survivor strong in recovery
Residents of Maine town seek protection of 'cliff walk'
VT Gov. Shumlin signs bill to authorize end-of-life choices
Golf tourney raises orphanage funds, remembers victim of Haiti quake
4-year-old Webster, Mass. boy fighting cancer gets dream gift
