Every politician says they are ready to make the tough decisions for the greater good. Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship will have to make good on that promise very early in the first year of his second term.

The city of Ironton is facing a variety of challenges in 2012, perhaps none more daunting than balancing a budget that has continued to show declining revenue and growing expenses.

Current projections show the city will have only approximately $50,000 of carryover to start the year, much less than in many recent years as the city has continued to spend more than it brings in each year.

Without question, 2012 will be the breaking point.

The city must rein in its expenses by working on every avenue, making some tough decisions and sacrifices.

Adjusting the health care packages for municipal employees has to be the starting point. Right now the city pays roughly 95 percent of the premium.

The employees have made sacrifices in recent years in regards to deductibles and other coverages. However, expecting to pay only 5 percent is unrealistic and has to change.

The city will negotiate with all three of its unions this year and health insurance has to be a key point if the city is going to have any chance of not going broke.

Of course it doesn’t help matters when state and federal governments are trimming the money allocated to local municipalities, some of the unfunded mandates and government requirements. But that is not likely to change anytime soon.

So the city must look at the things it can control. Most notably these are salaries benefits and how services are provided to citizens.

It won’t be easy. Every elected official can talk the talk. Blankenship has to walk it.