In his fifth state-of-the-village speech, perhaps Morton Mayor Norm Durflinger took a less aggressive approach than in years past.
Instead of hinting at the village’s agenda, Durflinger led the focus of the speech to what has been done in Morton. There were no immediate plans for controversial changes such as the ones residents have heard in the past — beer and wine in grocery stores, business districts or school restructuring.
Durflinger’s speech in front of Morton Rotarians and non-Rotarians Thursday at the Best Western Ashland House, was a 40-minute review of the village’s progress since the public revision of the comprehensive plan in 2007.
“There are 110 action items in that plan,” Durflinger said. “Believe it or not, 69 of those items are either being worked on or are completed today.”
That comment sparked an overwhelming applause from those in attendance. And, from there, Durflinger went on to defend his support for the more than $4 million fire department headquarters, which is now operational.
“Yes, we could have done it for less money,” Durflinger said. “My coffee shop friends keep reminding me I’m spending too much.”
He explained that in doing so, the village will be able to entice more volunteer firefighters to join the department in its new headquarters, delaying the inevitable fact that the village will have to consider a full-time, paid staff in the future.
“As long as we keep volunteer fireman — and, we’re one of the largest communities in the state with volunteer firemen — we will keep from spending $2 million a year,” he said. “If it postpones a full-paid fire department a little over two years, it’s paid for. That’s why I supported one of the finest fire houses in Central Illinois.”
Durflinger went on to discuss economic development and its importance to the future of the community.
“Developers are looking for reasons not to come to Morton,” he said. “We have to realize their will be very little growth. And, without growth, taxes rise or amenities decrease. Standing still is really falling behind.”
He also touched on the village’s recent decision to create business districts and increase the sales tax rate from 6.75 percent to 7 percent to fund infrastructure and aesthetic improvements in the village’s retail areas.
In a bid to defend what was a rarely split village-board vote in favor of the sales tax rate increase in March, Durflinger quoted Lyndon Johnson, saying “when you’re explaining, you’re losing. And, I don’t like to lose.”
