WILDOMAR – On Wednesday morning, March 6, Wildomar Mayor Tim Walker gave a State of the City Address at a breakfast meeting at the Elks Lodge on Mission Trail where Elks and members of the community attended for a nearly one-hour address. He discussed the city’s budget, challenges, current projects and future.

According to Walker, the stripping away of approximately $1.8 million in vehicle license fee revenues in 2011 from the city and a down economy have challenged the city of Wildomar. If the state were to return the funds to the city, Wildomar would use the money towards revenue for public safety, said Walker. Budget cuts have impacted the amount of law enforcement service hours the city contracts for.

Behind public safety is economic development, stated Walker during the address.

Among the city’s development and capital improvement projects, there is a $70 million Oak Springs Ranch Advertisement

[ Metalography ] Apartments project under construction near City Hall. The straightening of Bundy Canyon Road, Inland Valley Medical Center’s recent expansion, Clinton Keith Road bridge expansion, and proposed Oak Creek Canyon project were also discussed during the presentation.

Wildomar is forecasting a $13 million budget for fiscal year 2013/14, but most of that money will go towards replenishing expenses, Walker said. Upon the completion of expanding the bridge on Clinton Keith Road, set for August, Walker was hopeful in having developers look more closely at the city.

Walker emphasized that the city is not in competition with its surrounding neighbors but that those cities, rather, are a gateway.

"Wildomar is in competition with Wildomar," he said.

Editor's Note: A previous version of this release noted Tim Walker as the Mayor of Lake Elsinore. He is in fact the Mayor of the City of Wildomar. We apologize for any confusion.