How the City has been focused on stability, service, and the future
Since August, when a new City Manager began serving Two Rivers, City staff and elected officials have continued to strengthen the City’s financial foundation and communication. The goal is Financial Sustainability for the General Fund.
Early priorities have included more communication and engagement opportunities from City Hall including the launch of this Cool City Connect e-news, which now reaches about 2,000 residents each issue and provides a consistent, low-cost way to share local news, explain City decisions, and invite public feedback.
A major focus over the past few months has been improving the City’s financial stability while reducing risk. The City reformed its liability insurance coverage for the first time in over a decade which lowered costs and deductibles, adopted a balanced 2026 budget with a modest 3% lift for expenses, reaffirmed conservative debt limits, and modernized capital borrowing practices. These actions were combined with cost-saving operational changes like new fleet fuel contracts and adjustments to snow removal that reduce ongoing expenses.
Operational improvements since August have also emphasized safety, fairness, and modernization. The City addressed long-deferred hazardous tree removals, updated building permit fees for the first time in 15 years so growth pays for itself, modernized sewer utility rates to shift the burden from residents onto large volume users, monetized the 18th Street cell tower for an infusion of over $300,000, and began winter maintenance of Mariners Trail for the first time ever.
Internally, City Hall safety and lighting upgrades are being completed using 100% grant funding, and a competitive review of technology services has been initiated to improve cybersecurity and reliability.
Finally, progress since August has focused on rebuilding capacity and positioning Two Rivers for the future. The City hired a full-time Community Development Director, resolved some long-standing internal staffing challenges, completed its first-ever employee morale survey, advanced environmental coordination on the former Hamilton site, strengthened school bus safety rules, and updated industrial land pricing for the first time since 1988.
Together, these steps reflect a deliberate approach to responsible management: focused on stability today while laying groundwork for long-term success.
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