Mayor Paints A Rosy Picture Before Business Leaders

The Chamber of Commerce played host to the mayor of Rancho Santa Margarita on Tuesday evening at Tijeras Creek Golf Course.

Tony Beall did more than call out winning raffle tickets. Before several dozen business managers and owners, Beall rolled through talking points that were indicative of the city's good health.

He cited a $19 million budget reserve, which can cover nearly 100 percent of the city's operating costs over the next year if it didn't collect another dime. He said the city budget is likely to be approved at the Wednesday City Council meeting, and that there would likely be a budget surplus this year just as there was last year (of $1.2 million). He also gave examples of how the budget impacts residents and business owners, such as setting aside funds for an additional performance in the Concert in the Park this summer, the addition of a child safety officer to the police force, and authorizing funds to support the chamber as a part of economic development.

Beall said the city would make office space available to the chamber. "The focus there," he said, "is to put our money where our mouth is so they have resources they need and a business-friendly environment so they can thrive and reach their potential."

Beall also talked of the number of the new businesses that have opened recently, such as Bruxie, B.J.'s Restaurant, and Embarcadero, and businesses that are on the move into RSM, such as Wal-Mart Neighborhood Grocery and Cinepolis Luxury Theaters.

"You read about the bad news in Europe, in Washington D.C., in Sacramento—the sky is falling," Beall said, "but in RSM we're in strong financial shape."

Also in attendance was the retiring city manager, Steve Hayman, who has stayed on since the first of the year in an interim capacity. He will be succeeded next month by newly appointed Jennifer Cervantez.

Hayman told those in attendance how fortunate he felt to be part of the community.