SPARKS -- Spark Mayor Geno Martini gave his state of the city address yesterday. He addressed dozens of people inside the Sparks City Council Chambers and spoke on a variety of topics including the city’s finances. The Mayor says the city has dealt with cuts in the last five years, which were necessary to maintain a high standard of service. Still, he warns of more headwinds despite an improving situation. 

“And while the economic indicators are pointing toward a sense of stability, there are still warning signs that lie ahead,” Mayor Martini said.  “Property taxes continue to decline, a high amount of foreclosures remain, empty storefronts are still visible.”

The Mayor is also promoting Project Innovation.  It evaluates every process in every city job. Councilmembers agree workers have many of the answers to a better community.

“And they just need to be given the space to take a really good look at every service that we do, every job that they do, and figure out what the most efficient way to do it,” Sparks City Councilmember Julia Ratti.

Although the mayor has concerns about the city’s fire and police department’s cuts. He says with nearly fifteen percent fewer sworn officers on duty in 2012 compared to 2008, the police department is

“We need to re-build our crime prevention activities to include identification and engagement with troubled youths so they don’t become hardened criminals later in life,” Mayor Martini said.

A positive amenity for Sparks, the Mayor says, is the city’s parks and sports programs. He says various events contribute to the local economy. Mayor Martini says residents need to continue promoting Sparks as the premier family community in Northern Nevada.