Our View: Troy Needs a Stand-Alone Capital Improvement Plan
Having this process be an afterthought of the annual budget process isn't cutting it
Our hometown of Troy prides itself on being a well-run municipality with a rich history and a bright future. However, a glaring oversight in its governance structure raises serious questions about its long-term planning and fiscal responsibility: the absence of a council-approved capital improvement plan (CIP).
Traditionally, the CIP is part of the annual budget, where it is determined what dollars will be spent on capital items. Department heads that have wish lists for capital items (things that tend to last for long periods of times) are programmed for future years, often without a full discussion of council or the community. This publication discussed Capital Improvement Plans in a previous version of this newsletter here:
Failing to Have a Capital Improvement Plan
What tends to happen in communities that do not have Capital Improvement Plans, is that the public, and even council, ends up being “surprised” when projects are proposed. One needs to look no further than the discussion revolving around proposed improvements to our Public Square or the South Crawford Street Recreational Trail to Nowhere.
The Importance of Capital Improvement Plans
A capital improvement plan is a critical tool for municipal governments, serving as a roadmap for infrastructure investments, major equipment purchases, and significant public projects. It typically outlines a city's capital needs over a 5-10 year period, prioritizing projects and aligning them with available funding sources. For a city of Troy's size and aspirations, the lack of such a plan is both surprising and concerning.
Transparency and Accountability
Without a council-approved CIP, Troy's residents are left in the dark about the city's long-term infrastructure plans. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for citizens to understand how their tax dollars are being allocated for major projects. It also raises questions about the decision-making process behind infrastructure investments. Are projects being chosen based on strategic needs, or are they selected on an ad hoc basis?
Financial Planning and Fiscal Responsibility
A well-crafted CIP is essential for sound financial planning. It allows a city to anticipate major expenditures, plan for debt issuance, and ensure that ongoing maintenance needs are not neglected in favor of new projects. Troy's failure to implement a CIP may lead to reactive rather than proactive financial management, potentially resulting in higher costs and inefficient use of resources over time.
Coordination and Efficiency
A CIP serves as a coordination tool across various city departments. Without one, Troy risks duplicating efforts, missing opportunities for cost-saving project combinations, or failing to anticipate how one project might impact another. This lack of coordination can lead to inefficiencies and increased costs.
Recommendations for Implementing a CIP in Troy
Establish a CIP Committee: Form a committee comprising city council members, department heads, planning commission members and possibly even citizen representatives to oversee the development and ongoing management of the CIP.
Conduct a Comprehensive Needs Assessment: Engage all city departments to identify and prioritize capital needs over the next 5-10 years. This should include infrastructure maintenance, equipment replacement, and new project proposals.
Develop Clear Criteria for Project Evaluation: Create a standardized system for assessing and ranking proposed projects based on factors such as public safety, economic impact, and alignment with city goals.
Integrate with Long-Term Financial Planning: Ensure the CIP aligns with Troy's overall financial strategy, including debt management and revenue projections.
Implement a Public Engagement Process: Host community meetings and online surveys to gather input from residents on their priorities for capital improvements.
Create a Multi-Year Plan: Develop a rolling 5-year plan that is updated annually, allowing for flexibility while maintaining a long-term perspective.
Establish an Annual Review and Approval Process: Institute a formal process for the city council to review, adjust, and approve the CIP each year as part of the budget cycle.
Develop Performance Metrics: Create measurable outcomes for CIP projects to track their success and inform future planning decisions.
Ensure Transparency: Make the CIP easily accessible to the public through the city's website and regular updates at council meetings.
Provide Staff Training: Invest in training for city staff to effectively manage and update the CIP process over time.
A Call to Action
Troy's lack of a council-approved capital improvement plan is a significant oversight that needs to be addressed promptly. As the city continues to grow and face new challenges, having a structured approach to capital planning is essential for maintaining and improving the quality of life for its residents. The implementation of a CIP would demonstrate Troy's commitment to transparent governance, fiscal responsibility, and strategic long-term planning. It would provide a clear vision for the city's future development, ensure more efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and potentially open up new funding opportunities.
With the current development of Troy’s new Comprehensive Plan, there is no better time to create a new process for our town’s future capital improvements. Even without the backdrop of a new comprehensive plan, Troy's city council and administration should prioritize the development of a comprehensive capital improvement plan. By doing so, they will not only address a critical gap in their governance structure but also set the stage for more informed decision-making and improved public trust.
The residents of Troy deserve a city government that plans proactively for the future. A well-crafted, council-approved CIP is an essential step toward fulfilling that obligation and ensuring that Troy remains a thriving community for generations to come. The time for action is now – our hometown’s future depends on it.
What do you think? Could Troy benefit from a Capital Improvement Plan? Would such a plan help involve our residents and city council in the future decisions in the community? Our paid subscribers are more than welcome to leave their ideas and insights in the comment thread!
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