From the mayor’s desk: Meadow Martell

I was curious about what was happening this time last year so I looked at my Mayor’s Letter from Nov. 20, 2023. It was a sunshiny day, and I took a walk on the Rough and Ready Botanical Trail and admired the work that had been done on the trails, benches and interpretive signs. Unfortunately, the ribbon cutting celebrating the Rough Ready improvements that was scheduled last week was again postponed indefinitely due to weather. Although formal recognition of the work that has been done to make this gem in our community more accessible had to be rescheduled, inclement weather doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying the one-mile round trip in this unique botanical area. The snowy view of the Siskiyou Mountains is a perk. Wear a raincoat if you need to. It is worth the trip.
It is a difficult reminder that the city’s budget is static and barely covers everyday costs, much less the increases everyone has been experiencing over the last year. There is very little flexibility in the budget for unexpected increases including new projects. It is painful when we have to say no to unexpected and unbudgeted projects. We have put off replacing the roof on City Hall because of the expense. We are doing intermittent repairs when a bucket becomes necessary. Please bear with us.
Our Public Works Department is busy with the change in weather. Inclement weather affects our wastewater capacity with higher in-flows. The PW team is kept busy keeping storm ditches and culverts clear. They are also working to keep the right of way clear of brush. Be kind to our Public Works Director, Alex Ponder. He has a 60-page five-year Department of Environmental Quality report due, including a new five-year plan.
I am grateful for the high-quality, hard-working staff we have in the city of Cave Junction. They make the job of being the mayor worthwhile. The work is not always easy, but they make it look easy! Thank you for your grit and grace under pressure. And thank you for being such dedicated and valuable employees.
And for all the rest of us- to quote Dolly Parton – “The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.”