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1-2-3 ADYJCE COI~NITY DEYELOPHENT SHALL CITY STyLE <br /> <br />"A~growlng number of local governments <br />are becoming active computer users. One <br />of the most popular micro-computer <br />sofl~are programs Is Lotus 1-2-3, a very <br />powerful and flexible electronic <br />spreadsheet. We could spend the better <br />part of an entlre newsletter discusslng <br />the advantages of 1-2-3. The purpose of <br />this article Is to give you some advlce <br />on where to look for help In uslng this <br />software. <br /> <br />We have found that the best source of <br />advice comes from other computer users. <br />Someone out there has encountered and <br />solved the problem you are facing. Where <br />do you find these people? One of the <br />best sources of 1-2-3 Informatlon we <br />have found Is Absolute Reference, the <br />Journal for 1-2-3 and Symphony Users. <br />Absolute Reference Is a monthly <br />publlcatlon of the Que Corporation <br />discussing operating tips, models, book <br />reviews, and other Information on 1-2-3. <br /> <br />The August Issue of the Absolute <br />Reference contained a user tlp from a <br />member of our staff, Mark Wlnkelhake. <br />Mark's tip talked about different <br />methc~ls of copying data within a model <br />If you would like a copy of this tlp <br />please drop Mark a line. We would be <br />happy to share this Information with <br />yOU. <br /> <br />TAX REFORM AND NUNICIPAL BOI~I)S <br /> <br />There seems to be ever Increasing <br />Interest In reforming our Income tax <br />system. "Closing the tax loophole" has <br />always been good campaign rhetoric, but <br />significant change appears closer now <br />than ever before. Congress has been <br />considering a variety of flat tax and <br />cash flow tax systems that would <br />el Imlnate any tax deductions of the <br />ex I st Ing system. <br /> <br />These proposals have caused concern In <br />the financial Industry about potential <br />consequences for municipal bonds, Some <br />proposals would eliminate the tax-exempt <br />status of certain types of bonds, such <br />as Industrial development revenue <br />boads. Another proposal would tend to <br />make tax- exempt bonds a less attractive <br />Investment through substantlally lower <br />tax rates. Local government officials <br />should keep a close watch on this Issue <br />during the next session of Congress. <br /> <br />4 <br /> <br />Some people believe that the community <br />development game can only be played by <br />bigger cities. Don't you believe itl <br />Just ask the Clty of Good Thunder (MN). <br />Good Thunder is one of only nine <br />communities to receive the flrst <br />Minnesota Community Improvement Program <br />Awards. <br /> <br />For a community with a population of <br />560, Good Thunder has had remarkable <br />success, Among the City's accomplish- <br />ments are: <br /> <br />· Recelvlng grants for the updatlng <br /> of local zoning ordinances, for <br /> park improvements, and for economic <br /> development. <br />· Establishlng a new business <br /> revolving loan fund through the <br /> local development corporation. <br />· Using tax Increment financing to <br /> remove substandard bulldlngs from <br /> the central business district. <br />· Assistlng the elementary school in <br /> seeking a grant for a three-year <br /> educational project focusing on <br /> civic pride. <br />· Using a graduate student Intern <br /> from Mankato State University to <br /> work on community development <br /> projects. <br /> <br />This record should serve as example for <br />other small citles. Cities of all slzes <br />should remember the Informal motto of <br />the Good Thunder Development Corporation: <br />"If we almed only at what we could <br />reach we would reach nothing." <br /> <br />PUBLIC · <br />FINANCIAL 11 <br />SYSTEMS <br /> <br />63 SOUTH 9TH STREET, SUITE 402 <br />MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55402 <br />TELEPHONE: (612) 333-9177 <br /> <br /> <br />