Girard’s mayor is optimistic city will have a good 2009

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Girard Mayor James Melfi

GIRARD — Mayor James Melfi is calling for cautious optimism in 2009 from residents in this small city working its way out of fiscal emergency imposed in 2001.

Melfi quickly points out the city has eliminated a $2.5 million deficit in the general fund in 2001 to finish 2007 with a general fund balance of $400,000. The city finished 2008 with a general fund balance of about $200,000.

Melfi, however, says the city will face some of the same economic challenges seen in other communities of similar size with the loss of its largest employer Indalex.