?Success is a Journey, not a Destination.? To me, success is not ending my life rich or powerful, but having done a responsible and enthusiastic job each day of my life. That?s been my approach to the work of being Mayor of Lawrenceburg for the past four years. I?ve been committed to doing what is right for our community as we grow and move forward. Sometimes the decisions were hard. Sometimes they weren?t popular with everyone. That?s okay, if it means we are a healthier, better city today than we were yesterday.
Finances & Staffing
At the start of my administration, audits showed a net deficit for the City. We have successfully worked to get the operating budget in the black, and staffing realignment was part of this effort. 2004-05 financial results showed a balanced budget, with a small surplus in 2005-06 and the trend continuing for 2006-07.
We combined the Parks & Recreation and Parks Maintenance Departments to gain cost efficiencies. We then combined Streets and Sanitation for further savings. This netted $230,000 annually to help balance the budget.
We leaned out our City workforce by not replacing a number of employees who retired or left, saving $315,000/year. Reducing the number of seasonal workers netted further, necessary savings.
The Codes Department was moved back to City Hall to save money. We implemented centralized purchasing for all departments to obtain better quantity prices, make sure we?re getting competitive bids, and buy locally whenever possible.
To emphasize quality and education for our staff, we set the requirement for a high school or GED diploma and offered a program to help current employees meet this important goal.
Infrastructure
Our Storm Water Management Project has progressed well. Phase I — the two retention ponds and the pumping station in the N. Military area — was completed. Phase II – the detention pond behind old Fire Station #2 – is largely complete. Phase III – a drainage channel from the Dunkin?s Market area to the Old Alumni Memorial Football Field, with culverts under Highway 43 – is progressing well. Having these Storm Water facilities in place will be a great achievement for our community and bring us all peace of mind during stormy weather.
We closed the Demolition Landfill at Wildcat Ridge and are close to opening the new Demolition Landfill. There is an upcoming ribbon-cutting at the new Waste Water Treatment Plant, built to ensure compliance with current environmental mandates.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is investing around $7 million for the widening of Highway 43 from 4th Street south to the Shoal Creek Bridge. This major project will improve Cyclone Corner to better handle truck traffic. The roadwork ties into reconstruction of the City?s Storm Water Management System.
Also, construction of the Highway 64 Bypass is part of a long-range state plan to connect Memphis to Chattanooga with four-lane roadways. Lawrenceburg, the Crossroads of Dixie, will benefit from these new roadways through better transportation in and around the community plus faster travel time to surrounding cities. New businesses will spring up around these roadways, offering more retail opportunities for residents and tourists.
In addition, we have seen the Lawrenceburg area?s rail connection acquired by Patriot Rail Corp., with potential for expansion of this important industrial resource.
Business & Industry
I have been pleased to welcome several new retail businesses to Lawrenceburg over the past four years – many with attractive, newly constructed buildings. Existing industry – including Dura, Graphic Packaging, Hughes Parker, Jones Apparel, Modine, and others – continue their investment in the area, keeping our job base strong. The Tennessee Enterprise Center was established on the former Murray site and is being upgraded; Swisher Mower & Machine operates there, and American Door & Millwork has purchased a freestanding building on the property to expand its operation.
Long-term Plans
We have also worked with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners on the Governor?s Three-Star Long-Range Plan: for community and economic development, education and workforce training, and visitor attraction for Lawrenceburg and the surrounding area. Also, the Lawrenceburg locale has been selected as one of nine communities to participate in the Retire Tennessee pilot program, promoting Tennessee as a great place for retirees. Our education system is expanding with opportunities for Pre K – 12 students and adult students, in conjunction with TTC and CSCC, and I encourage each citizen to take advantage of opportunities for further education. We have established a vision for the community and are making progress on growth and development.
Arts/Culture
Lawrenceburg?s Arts/Cultural Center is utilizing the historic Crockett Theatre more fully and helping bring tourism dollars into our business community. I?m very proud to see Lawrenceburg increase its cultural offerings, and I encourage you to be a part of these exciting events, including the Liberty Days celebration sponsored by the City and other partners.
I now turn the administration over to incoming mayor Keith Durham, with best wishes for a successful term. Thanks to all our City employees for working hard and working smart. Thanks to you, the people of Lawrenceburg, for your input and support as we worked together to keep Lawrenceburg a great place to live, work, and raise our families. Thanks for allowing me the privilege of serving you.