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*Oswego posts positive progress in 2022 and strong outlook in 2023

*"Village President Troy Parlier?s State of the Village address
highlights accomplishments and looks to year ahead"

With another property tax rate decrease, new residential growth, continued commercial investment and a strong fiscal position, 2022 was another outstanding year for the Village of Oswego. That was the message that Village President Troy Parlier shared with attendees at the annual State of the Village Address hosted by the Oswego Area Chamber of Commerce on February 23 at the Classic Cinemas Kendall 11 in Oswego.

?We have achieved a lot over these four years,? Parlier said. ?The Village government has worked hand-in-hand with the business community and our residents. The business community has thrived and invested in this community, and residents have invested in our businesses.?

The Village Board recently gave the green light to retire $2 million in water fund debt early using surplus revenues, which helps prepare for the Village?s future connection to Lake Michigan water. The Village Board also approved further reducing the Village?s property tax rate, bringing the total rate reduction over the last four years to 4 percent. Oswego?s property tax rate remains the lowest of its neighboring communities, which Parlier said continues to be a draw for new business development.

*Infrastructure Improvement a Priority*

The Village continues to invest its resources into the community, with a few major infrastructure improvements kicking off this spring. The first phase of the improvements at Wolfs Crossing and Harvey Road will begin this spring, with construction of a roundabout at the intersection to improve safety and traffic flow.

?The most important thing is we didn?t add any long-term debt or ask for additional taxes from our residents for these first two phases,? Parlier said.

The Village has received more than $4 million in federal funding for the project, which includes additional funding to begin the second segment of Wolfs Crossing improvements, which will occur at Douglas Road.

Another key infrastructure project, the Village?s connection to Lake Michigan water, remains on track to be completed by 2027. The newly implemented Real Estate Transfer fee, which is dedicated to water system improvements, has generated more than $300,000 in six months.

?Every grant, every dollar we get, lowers that water rate,? Parlier said.

Construction will also begin downtown on new traffic and pedestrian signals at Main Street and Harrison Street where they intersect Washington Street.

?We installed lighting and music downtown, adding some charm to the downtown area,? Parlier said.

Even with these key projects, the Village continues to prioritize maintaining its current infrastructure. The Village has eight miles of road resurfacing and reconstruction work on deck for 2023, an increase over the previous years, bringing the five-year total to more than 22 miles of roadway improvements. The Village has also invested in improvements for its leaf collection program, replaced 212 parkway trees, and resurfaced bike paths.

*Public Safety*

The Village has increased its police staffing over the last several years, with plans to hire its 53rd police officer in 2023. This will bring the Village?s police staffing to its highest level ever.

The Village has invested in training and equipment for the police department, including the implementation of body-worn cameras two years ahead of state requirements and the purchase of a Lenco Bearcat using drug asset forfeiture funds. The Village provided more than 8,400 hours of training for its police force in 2022.

*What?s New in Oswego*

This past year saw two new amenities for Village residents: fun for the whole family at Happy Tails Dog Park and a season full of entertainment at Venue 1012.

?We have a great community events schedule, and we keep adding to those,? Parlier said, highlighting the new Wine Off the Fox program that benefited breast cancer awareness and support organizations.

Happy Tails Dog Park, which opened in August near the Village?s Public Works facility, has more than 240 registered dogs enjoying areas for small and large dogs, as well as a training area.

Businesses are also finding Oswego an attractive home, with 37 businesses opening their doors in 2022 and more than 150 established in the last four years. New business highlights include Anchor Bar, Oak + Bean, Primo?s Mexican Cuisine/Monkey?s Burgers, Poke Bros., and two used car dealerships: Oswego Motors and The Motor House.

?These used car dealerships provide important sales tax dollars in Oswego,? Parlier said. ?It takes a lot of hamburgers to equal one used car sale.?

Parlier highlighted a few businesses that recently announced they are headed to the community. The Whitetail Ridge golf dome will bring a tremendous new entertainment experience for residents of all ages. Belle Tire will open a new facility along Route 34. Orange Theory and Scooter?s Coffee both recently announced plans to expand in Oswego. Wendy?s will join the growing number of businesses opening along Orchard Road.

?There are a lot of things going on and it?s been building over time,? Parlier said. ?They aren?t concentrated in one area. It?s been an outstanding year ? the best one yet.?

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