DECATUR -- During the regular meeting of the Decatur City Council on March 13, Mayor Bob Tharp delivered his annual State of the City address. His address follows:
The Decatur ending balance on Jan. 1, 2016, and ending balance on Dec. 31, 2016, grew by 17 percent. This revenue growth is impressive since the city was able to complete a number of improvements. We had anticipated a lower growth or even a negative growth as a result of Walmart's closure early in 2016. I am so grateful and amazed that our sales tax income grew which is the result of our businesses in town stepping up and making a difference.
During the year of 2016 we accomplished many projects:
Municipal Building / City Hall
We were able to repair a portion of the city hall roof. The roof on the building is in good repair currently.
For years we have needed to purchase land directly behind City Hall where the original water plant operated, log cabin by the depot and three other lots in the city. This purchase was completed this year. We purchased the five parcels of land from Chambers Bank. Originally, this property was loaned to the city by Mr. Peterson many years ago, and it was time that we purchased it for the city. We are in final negotiations to acquire the leases on the land where the depot, train, caboose and other items are located and that should be completed very soon.
The city hall building received new LED exterior lights which improves security and safety for the building.
Cemetery
We were able to complete the transaction from the Baptist Church to the city for the old cemetery. We are pleased that the church completed the transfer of the deed. With this being completed, the city is free to perform some new improvements, such as new gravel on the drives, posting information and rules for the cemetery and also an information booth with directory and burial mapping for visitors to locate graves.
Fire Department
We Paid off the loan for the new fire station this year.
We purchased a new 2016 Rescue truck this year and received a 2016 tanker/pumper unit from Benton County. The addition of these new vehicles is a huge blessing to the department.
Parks
The Parks Department received some much needed help this year with a $5,000 grant for parks and then another matching grant for $15,000. The grants were used to build a new soccer field, which was completed in August.
We completed the expansion of electricity and water services to the north side of Pat Street in Veterans Park. These services were added to provide more accessibility of electrical and water to the food vendors during the annual barbecue and other events held at the park. We also completed rewiring the bandstand at Veterans Park to support the sound system for the barbecue.
A Frisbee disc golf course was purchased and installed in 2016. There is now a golf tournament every Thursday evening and a major tournament in June.
During last year we established new parking regulations at the city park parking lot.
We renovated the office building at the pool and painted a bulldog on the floor of the pool. This improvement made the pool more attractive, and last year was the best attendance we have experienced in some time.
Police Department
We purchased a new Decatur Police Department building located at 185 N. Main Street. This building has been completed with new fencing outside and offices inside. We also purchased a new car for the police department.
Street Department
We applied for and received a grant to extend sidewalks on Highway 102 by the middle school. Construction is scheduled to begin in early spring of 2017.
We received a $250,000 non-matching grant for street overlays on Eubanks, Buffington, Mt. Olive and Hill Streets and this work was completed.
A new electronic sign was installed on the library at the four-way stop. Simmons Foods and the city purchased this sign.
Water and Wastewater Departments
The new transfer sewer line from Centerton was turned on in late 2015 and, during 2016, we have managed total flow from Centerton and the City of Decatur. The city of Decatur is enjoying an excellent revenue stream from the city of Centerton, which will only grow as their city grows.
The city signed a contract with a design build team for the specific purpose of increasing capacity of the wastewater plant we have today.
During this year, we have also completed a rate study for our wastewater department. This study will support upgrades to the plant and help to support refinancing 2009 and 2010 wastewater bonds. This will save the city approximately $25,000 a year. By doing this rate study and refinancing, it enabled us to keep the rates as low as possible.
We have completed modification of several manholes along Highway 59 to the wastewater plant that prevent floodwater from entering the wastewater plant. This improvement will save process capacity at the plant.
We completed the construction of a new sewer lift station on Highway 102 across from Veterans Park. This once again reduces flood waters from entering the wastewater plant which takes away from the plant's capacity.
We also completed a rate study for the water department to offset the increased cost of Benton-Washington Regional Public Water Authority water from Beaver Lake.
We leased a new backhoe and excavator for the water department, which was a rollover of the backhoe from a previous lease but we added the small excavator so we can make needed repairs.
We continued to change out mechanical meters for electronic meters. These new meters will allow the water employees to do radio reads. This project is an ongoing project and we hope to have this totally completed in 2017.
Veterans Committee
The city became a Purple Heart City, and an annual Veteran's Day parade and event was established for the first Saturday in November. Our Veteran's Support Committee led this. This committee was established in 2016.
Employment for the year was stable.
In summary, 2016 has been an exciting, fulfilling year and we look forward to more improvements and announcements for 2017.
General News on 03/29/2017