City of Central City
Est. 1826
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2007 State of the City Address
January 10, 2007
Jerry Mitchell, Mayor
I am proud to announce to you the State of our City is the strongest it has ever been, in terms of accomplishments and the potential for the future.
The first year under the roof of our new handicap accessible City Hall, has been a huge success. With many City services under one roof, it has made doing business for our citizens much easier and more efficient.
The addition of our new Public Works Building has given us the ample space to store and maintain our equipment in a protective heated building. Also, we had asphalt laid inside the back covered storage building for storing our road salt, and purchased two much needed salt spreaders. Thanks to a generous donation of 125 acres surrounding the Public Works building by Clyde Brown, expansion is possible if needed.
We upgraded our leaf machines this year with a larger unit. I am proud to say, we had no breakdowns or repair issues as in the past, and finished leaf pickup on schedule for the first time in many years.
The addition of two new Sanitation trucks has saved the City over $20,000 in repairs compared to the previous year.
2006 saw our Police Department come to full force after being down a position for a few years. Also, all our Police vehicles have been equipped with new state of the art bar lights, which will enhance visibility and increase officer safety. We are planning this year to purchase in-car cameras to further protect our officers.
The Fire Department obtained an equipment grant from the Department of Homeland Security in the amount of $59,215 with the City only sharing $2,961 of the total cost. The equipment will assist in saving lives and protecting our firemen.
This past year, more pavement has been laid in the City than ever before. The State Municipal Road Aid Bond Fund provided $78,428 and we have secured another $23,700 for paving this year.
Our Water Department has replaced and extended over 1,500 feet of six inch water main this year.
I am proud to say we obtained playground equipment from the Muhlenberg County Board of Education at a fraction of the original cost. This will allow us to enhance our much needed City Park. We will start construction the equipment this spring, along with renovation to the shelter and picnic tables. Also, a new skate board park is being discussed with the location yet to be determined.
Our city is one of the fastest growing 4th class cities in the state. We continue to progress with new businesses such as the new Best Western Hotel, and newly constructed homes. Our growth has shown business and potential business opportunities extend to the edges of our corporate city limits. With the merger of the Central City and Greenville Chamber of Commerce we now are pulling together for economic development and tourism to speak and work as a team. Thoroughbred Energy Campus's clean air permit was upheld, but unfortunately, another lawsuit was filed by well-intended environmentalists. We still remain optimistic about their future and hope to start construction in the near future on this very important project.The discussion of new wellness center located at the old Central Cit High School site has shown a great deal of interest. The ground work has been laid to make this a reality and I plan to continue, with the support of the community, to see that it does.
Economically, the City is in great shape. Our recent independent audit found us to be more financially secure then ever before.
It is our dedicated employees who make us "look good". They realize how important team work is and all are an important part of that team. We live in one of the safest 4th class cities in the state. We have safe drinking water at one of the lowest rates in the state. Our roads are safe and solid waste is disposed of in a timely and efficient manner. The fire and Police Departments are the standard by which all others measured. As your new mayor, I will strive to continue to see our great City move forward. Like you, I am very proud to be part of this great community. I wish all of you a Happy and prosperous new year.