“The best of times are still ahead of us,” Mayor Ken Hearing promised the North Bend City Council Tuesday, Feb. 15, as he concluded his state of the city presentation.

The past year had been a challenging one, Hearing said, but the city “maintained its positive momentum” and had several successes, including the Downing Avenue extension, the nearly complete sewer project, various operations improvements and the new Park and Ride on First Avenue.

Although he is not anticipating a quick recovery for the city, Hearing was hopeful that North Bend could reinstate some of the staff and budget items cut from the 2011 budget adopted in December.

“Already we are seeing revenues from development and from increased retail sales,” he said. “With even a slight increase in economic activity we will be able to add much-needed transportation projects and personnel, as the council deems appropriate.”