Almost two years ago a very good friend of mine, and I am sure a friend of many of you as well, passed away here in Searcy. He was not a native of our community, but came here upon his retirement from Florida State University and began a “second career” in Searcy at Harding University. By now many of you have figured out that the man I speak of was Dr. Jimmy Carr, a wonderful ambassador from our city. Dr. Carr was responsible for coining the expression that “We are a city where thousands live as millions wish they could!” Wow, what a powerful, but true statement to be made about our wonderful hometown. From a small town with only one stop and go traffic light at the intersection of Race and Main, I have seen our fair city grow and flourish into a large first class city with a 2010 decennial population of 22,858 to become the 21st largest city in the state of Arkansas.
I have to look at the calendar to believe that we are now in the tenth week of 2011. I must truly say that the past few weeks have been akin to the expression of “trying to get a drink of water from the nozzle of a fire hose.” Fast and furious would be a gross understatement to say the least. From my standpoint, the transition has been a very positive and business-like experience and I have publically and privately thanked former Mayor Belinda LaForce for her spirit of cooperation during this time. From my standpoint, I still have “a few rough edges to knock off.” Coming from a 37 year career in county government I still slip from time to time and say Courthouse instead of City Hall and road instead of street. Although the basics of local government are very similar in nature, I find myself in a day to day learning curve as to procedures and operations. I am asking a lot of questions along the way because I am a firm believer that you must thoroughly understand your history before you can accurately plot your future course.
As you are aware, there has been no change in personnel during the transition and I am very pleased to report that I have received very good cooperation from all the City department heads and managers, as well as all city employees. I feel we are blessed with a very dedicated, stable and professional work force that has the City’s best interest at heart.
I can report that I have personally toured and seen the operations of almost all of our City’s departments and services and report that I find them all sustaining very good and efficient operations. It is difficult for one to comprehend all the varied services that are provided in this city each and every day.
I have seen the evidence of a major crystal methamphetamine bust by our newly created Central Arkansas Drug Taskforce and have been with the City Street Department now though two snow storms and a heavy downpour, the Police Department working a major vehicle accident, Code Enforcement working to remove unsightly banners and portable signs from our major thoroughfares, Sanitation and Recycling as they sort through recyclable items, and the Fire Department as they responded to major structure fires and two natural gas leaks, one being on the court square in downtown Searcy. I have certainly become aware that both Chief Baldridge and Chief Osborne are not bashful about calling me day or night! I feel that we all in city government are working together and are building strong relationships for the future.
While I am speaking on the subject for working together, let me say “Thank you” to Peggy Meads, our City Clerk, Buck Gibson, our City Attorney and Judge Mark Pate, our District Judge. These dedicated City officials have provided valuable assistance to me during the transition and continue to work hand-in-hand with me, the members of the City Council and other City employees on a day to day basis.
To you, the members of the City Council, I say a special “Thank you” for the spirit of cooperation that was so evidenced by your working together as a team to finalize the 2011 General and Street Operating Budget. In a time of revenue projection shortfalls, each of you stepped up to the plate and collectively made the tough decision to reduce the 2011 Budget six percent (6%) below the 2010 actual expenditures to produce a workable “in the black” appropriation measure for our City, without any layoffs or salary reductions. Serving in your role is always easy in time of plenty of money, but in times of economic distress, your job becomes increasingly difficult. There is an old saying, “It is really not a problem if money will solve it!”
Balances as of December 31, 2010 were as follows:
General Fund: $223,432.91
Street Fund: $327,743.46
Capital Equipment Fund: $29,118.63
LOPFI Fund: $519.58
Advertising and Tourism Promotion Fund: $458,574.13
It goes to say that we do have challenges, but also opportunities ahead. A few are as follows:
The Searcy Municipal Airport has the opportunity to be the recipient of a matching grant for a badly needed airport terminal building.
The Searcy Fire Department has a new pumper engine on order that should arrive in mid-summer.
The Searcy Police Department has requested five (5) additional police cruisers to maintain a good fleet of patrol vehicles.
We are currently in the process of assessing the capital needs of all City departments and services as well.
In 2010 the City received several awards and accreditations; they were:
o The Governor’s Leadership & Fitness Award for the City’s Trail System.
o The Government Recycler of the Year Award from the Arkansas Recycling Coalition
o The Searcy Fire Department received the only ISO Class 1 Fire Rating in the State.
The Parks and Recreation Department continues to wrestle with the problems of maintaining the old swimming pool facility and a special meeting of the City Council is being called for March 31st to tour the pool and hear a presentation regarding various options. Also, the Searcy Sports Complex will soon be in full swing with a record number of youngsters participating in soccer, baseball and softball programs.
Unfortunately, several city streets are in need of repaving with very little money available for long term sustainable repairs and an overlay program. Also, the City is in dire need of additional drainage work in various areas.
Recent trouble in the Middle East has escalated the cost of fuel. We have no crystal ball to see where fuel prices will go or how much of a blow they will have upon our 2011 budget.
In the midst of hard economic times, we have seen expansion of existing business and industry, as well as openings of new business in Searcy. For example, ElectroCraft added 20 new jobs, Bryce Corporation 24, Schulze and Burch Biscuit Company 40, Eaton 70 and the new Chick-fil-A brought 60 new jobs to our area. Numerous other new jobs have been created with the growth of several small businesses in Searcy.
The potential of the new bypass, an extension of Arkansas Highway 13, looping around west and north Searcy, connecting on both ends with U.S. Highway 67/167 is very exciting and will amount to the greatest economic development boon central White County and Searcy has ever seen. Its impact will be major for job creation, economic and business development and growth, help to alleviate traffic congestion problems in the downtown area, and will greatly contribute to the convenience and safety of the thousands of motorist who drive in this area. This prospect is truly a “once in a lifetime” opportunity for our area and we must all put our shoulder to the wheel and make it a reality.
Finally, we have our first Searcy Town Hall meeting scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Monday, March 28th at the First Assembly of God Fellowship Hall located at the intersection of Benton and Cloverdale. The purpose of these meetings is to give the general public an opportunity to meet in a familiar location in their neighborhood to share ideas and to discuss their concerns and views with City officials. Hopefully, there will be an interest in these meetings.
For the first time in the City of Searcy, city elected officials serve in non-partisan offices. By not being elected as a result of political party primaries, I believe we are positioned to better serve all of the citizens for the overall good of our beloved city.
As the labor of our forefathers has been passed on to us, and briefly we hold this public trust, it is truly a privilege to stand beside each of you in service to our City and it is indeed an honor to serve in the Office of Mayor.
May God’s Blessings be with you and with this great city.
MAYOR DAVID MORRIS
MARCH 8, 2011