I’m impressed with the city of Valley Grande already planning for next year.

Summer is only a month old, but Valley Grande city officials are looking ahead to 2019.

At its bi-monthly City Council meeting Monday night at Valley Grande City Hall, officials began preparation for next year.

The City Council passed both the Business License Ordinance and the Building Permit Fees Ordinance. The Business License Ordinance is based on a gross receipt, no longer a flat rate. The Building Permit Fees Ordinances changed the flat fee for mobile homes.

To me, this is huge because it gives Valley Grande residents the opportunity to make the necessary financial adjustments way ahead of time on property.

I’m one of those who hates finding out stuff at the last minute. You wouldn’t get any argument from my family and friends.

With four months left in the Fiscal year, Valley Grande is on pace to make budget. The fiscal year ends on Sept. 30, the new year begins Oct. 1.

In my opinion, they bought time to overcome any hurdles.

Valley Grande also received a positive audit report in the spring. In accountant Chris Neuenschwander’s report, Valley Grande has an unrestricted net position of $747,417 a year. Because the city spends $702,684 annually, it could survive over a year without making a profit.

The only thing I see that would derail the city is being hit by a tornado.

“Because we’re still a young city, we’re in a good position,” Valley Grande Mayor Matt Dobbs said. “We want to make sure we’re providing good services for the city.  It’s taken years to get the city balanced.”

From where I sit, Valley Grande is impressive for a city its size. They do things the right way. In doing so, they’re well prepared for the future.

James Jones is the News Editor for The Selma Times-Journal. He can be reached at james.jones@selmatimesjournal.com.