Fairhope, Alabama
fairhopetimes@att.net
FINANCES LOOK GOOD
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Before a larger- than-usual audience, Mayor Kant gave the annual state of the city address this afternoon at the civic center.
Kant said total city revenue for the last fiscal year was $60,945,635 and expenses $57,301,781-- leaving a $3.6 million surplus.
Ad valorem taxes were down by about $200,000; but sales taxes increased by $539,000.
Salaries comprise only 20% of expenses, a figure much less than some other cities, according to Kant.
The city plans to use surpluses to pay off its general government debt of almost $16 million by 2019 -- saving almost $3 million in interest payments. (City utilities carry separate debt.)
PLANNING NECESSARY FOR GROWTH
Citing recent census reports that the area is one of the country's fastest growing, the mayor emphasized the need for community involvement in planning -- via town hall meetings in the upcoming comprehensive plan review process.
The good publicity the city gets, such as being named recently as the states smartest town, causes more people to want to move here.
Kant:"The people are coming ... we have think smarter ... work together."
He also mentioned the need for safer streets (formerly called complete streets) to enhance the transportation system.
FLY CREEK RESTORATION
Kant said the city will seek funding for he Fly Creek Watershed Restoration Project from federal and other sources -- to protect the 5,000+ acres in that watershed.
A recent trip to Washington gained possible help from the White House to try and come up with the $19 million needed for that project.
He said the culvert under highway 98 has cut off sections of the creek from one another -- and hopes to secure funds to address that problem as well.
OTHER MATTERS
* The soccer complex should be completed by Fall -- and 6 more tennis courts are possible next year.
* Two water towers have been painted and the sewage treatment plant is being upgraded now.
* The new water line to Rock Creek subdivision will be operational by summer, alleviating chronic
water pressure problems there.
* Candidates for School Board should be asked their opinion about the future of the K-1 school. Do
they want to tear it down or make it a Performing Arts and Education facility?
* Supports a new irrigation system for the golf course.
* Supports a volunteer project by school-age children to help seniors stay in their homes.
AWARD WINNERS
5th grader Gretta Fritz was awarded first prize in the new anti-litter campaign (picture at right).
Officer Shane Nolte (not shown) was awarded Employee of the Year -- for this work at Fairhope High School.
Will Carlton (not shown) was named Volunteer of the Year.
Louie and Barbara Blaze were awarded Fairhope First's Quality of Life Award for 2014 (picture at right).
FINANCES LOOK GOOD
Before a larger- than-usual audience, Mayor Kant gave the annual state of the city address this afternoon at the civic center.Kant said total city revenue for the last fiscal year was $60,945,635 and expenses $57,301,781-- leaving a $3.6 million surplus.
Ad valorem taxes were down by about $200,000; but sales taxes increased by $539,000.
Salaries comprise only 20% of expenses, a figure much less than some other cities, according to Kant.
The city plans to use surpluses to pay off its general government debt of almost $16 million by 2019 -- saving almost $3 million in interest payments. (City utilities carry separate debt.)
PLANNING NECESSARY FOR GROWTH
Citing recent census reports that the area is one of the country's fastest growing, the mayor emphasized the need for community involvement in planning -- via town hall meetings in the upcoming comprehensive plan review process.
The good publicity the city gets, such as being named recently as the states smartest town, causes more people to want to move here.
Kant:"The people are coming ... we have think smarter ... work together."
He also mentioned the need for safer streets (formerly called complete streets) to enhance the transportation system.
FLY CREEK RESTORATION
Kant said the city will seek funding for he Fly Creek Watershed Restoration Project from federal and other sources -- to protect the 5,000+ acres in that watershed.
A recent trip to Washington gained possible help from the White House to try and come up with the $19 million needed for that project.
He said the culvert under highway 98 has cut off sections of the creek from one another -- and hopes to secure funds to address that problem as well.
OTHER MATTERS
* The soccer complex should be completed by Fall -- and 6 more tennis courts are possible next year.
* Two water towers have been painted and the sewage treatment plant is being upgraded now.
* The new water line to Rock Creek subdivision will be operational by summer, alleviating chronic
water pressure problems there.
* Candidates for School Board should be asked their opinion about the future of the K-1 school. Do
they want to tear it down or make it a Performing Arts and Education facility?
* Supports a new irrigation system for the golf course.
* Supports a volunteer project by school-age children to help seniors stay in their homes.
AWARD WINNERS
5th grader Gretta Fritz was awarded first prize in the new anti-litter campaign (picture at right).Officer Shane Nolte (not shown) was awarded Employee of the Year -- for this work at Fairhope High School.
Will Carlton (not shown) was named Volunteer of the Year.
Louie and Barbara Blaze were awarded Fairhope First's Quality of Life Award for 2014 (picture at right).
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