Each year, at this time, we reflect on the previous year's accomplishments and focus, not only on the many great things we were able to accomplish together but also where we can continue to improve, going forward. While each day presents its own challenges, our goal remains the same: continue to improve and sustain the quality of life and sense of place for all Gentry residents.
2018 will be a year remembered for the planning and design of many projects that will be ever so important for the continued growth and stability of our great city. From the replacement of the Flint Creek Bridge at Dawn Hill East Road, to the development of our Parks Master Plan, to the design of a two-and-one-half-million-gallon water storage facility that will, initially, provide water storage for more than one third of our water district and eventually provide the same reliable service to our entire water system.
2019 is slated to not only include the completion of some of the previously mentioned projects but will also include a variety of additional projects as well: Twelve-inch water main installation improvement from N. Collins Ave. to WPA Rd., secondary water feed to Gentry Public Schools campuses and neighborhoods near Pioneer Ln. for serviceability and fire protection, Wastewater Master Plan, two and one-half miles of street paving (grant funded via State Aid Street Program), pedestrian walk bridge at Flint Creek Nature Area (grant funded by Recreational Trails Program), completion of Tree Planting Project (grant funded by Walton Family Foundation), and continued improvements to the Gentry Public Library's circulation inventory, and events and programs (grant funded via "Friends of the Library" and Gentry United Way).
Our focused efforts will continue to include maintaining and improving current infrastructure as well. The fruits of our labor have bared unbelievable results when it comes to "water loss" within our water system. While the national average reflects water loss at or near 16%, Gentry's water system has continued to improve to 5.68%. This represents, not only savings to our water department, but it also allows the city to minimize unnecessary water rate increases, offering protection to those on fixed incomes and aiding local businesses with their bottom line. This example is just one of many where city-employee-led departments continue to work hard for every resident and business.
The recent partnership created with Northwest Health Emergency Medical Services by the cities of Gentry and Decatur, along with Benton County, has already paid great dividends by offering faster response times to citizens in need of medical attention and providing a local corporate sponsor in educating the public with CPR training and "Stop the Bleed" events.
We must remain mindful that we live in a very competitive region. As many new families relocate to the area, surrounding communities find themselves competing for those whom we all desire to call our neighbor. This competitiveness does not stop with these new families. As the needs for additional employees grow, so does the challenge to retain and attract existing and new exceptional employees and team members to serve those within the community.
Unfortunately, the challenges we face will continue to come with a price tag. While the city of Gentry and its representatives have worked hard and tirelessly to find the most efficient means to operate and provide services to its citizens, the voters, in a show of support, approved an additional 7/8 cent sales tax that will be utilized to shore up services offered, such as Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, streets improvements and park and recreational facilities, while also continuing the stabilization and preservation of reserve funds. However, continued support for local businesses is essential before the real benefits of this voter-approved funding mechanism can be truly realized and appreciated. Remember to "Shop Local, Shop Gentry!"
To be a strong and thriving city in this region, we must continue to stand together to find ways to remain relevant and competitive while also retaining our "small town" feel. To refuse to do so could prove to be a detriment to future generations.
Our time is now! Let's rise to this occasion and continue to prove that Gentry is a great place to work, live, play, worship and be family.
May God continue to bless our great city and all of those who make it Gentry!
General News on 04/10/2019