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previously occupied by the Firefighting Training Center,to developers interested in locating a new hotel on the river.Talks with several
<br /> developers continue,but nothing definite has emerged.
<br /> In July,the council voted to close Broad Street between 15t1 and Sidney Street to allow White River Health Systems to move forward
<br /> with the continued development of the medical center campus and the long term planning needed to meet the future health care needs of our
<br /> region.White River Health Systems is Batesville's largest employer with over 1,700 employees and an annual payroll of$120 MILLION dollars.
<br /> In September,the council passed an ordinance creating a long-term,perpetual maintenance fund for the Batesville Community
<br /> Center and Aquatics Park and the adjacent tennis courts.This ordinance requires that a minimum of$75,000.00 per year be placed into a
<br /> separate fund for the long-term maintenance of the new facilities.In addition,monies from sponsorships,of various areas in the new facility,
<br /> are also deposited into the fund.Any expenditure from this fund requires specific council approval.
<br /> Continuing the support for sports and tourism at the Terry Sims Diamond Sports Complex,the city applied for a$176,000.00 grant to
<br /> build restrooms adjacent to the T-Ball fields.The bids came in over the grant award,but the council approved additional funds for the project to
<br /> ensure the new restrooms would be ready for the 2018 Spring T-ball season.
<br /> In October,Fire Chief Brent Gleghorn announced that the city's ISO Fire Rating had improved from a Class 3 to a Class 2,saving most
<br /> property owners additional money on their fire insurance.
<br /> In November,Police Chief Alan Cockrill briefed the council concerning the condition of Officer Michael Dickinson who had recently
<br /> been shot multiple times while on duty responding to a domestic disturbance call. Chief Cockrill also presented lifesaving awards to three of
<br /> our citizens who helped save the life of Officer Dickinson.This was a sobering reminder of the dangers faced by those we place in harm's way
<br /> every day.
<br /> Building permits were up over$8 million from 2016 with the largest of those,$12.957 million,being for Citizens Bank's new St.Louis
<br /> Street headquarters. Recently,Merchants and Planter's Bank opened its new state of the art facility on Harrison Street. Residential
<br /> construction growth continued in 2017 with fifty new apartment units and twenty-three new single-family homes.Two new subdivisions are in
<br /> the works,one near the Eagle Mountain Golf Course called Eagle View Estates,and another located near Big Pine Road called Hammerhead
<br /> Estates.
<br /> Sales tax revenue in 2017 continued to increase from 2016. New business announcements have included Freddy's Frozen Custard&
<br /> Steak Burgers,T.J.Maxx,Casey's General Store,and a new Pizza Hut location just to name a few.The recruitment of additional retail
<br /> opportunities was a goal of the Impact Independence Plan.
<br /> There are several things concerning our community that cannot be overemphasized.First,the prestigious awards bestowed upon
<br /> the city of Batesville have brought significant statewide recognition to our community.This heightened awareness,especially with the Arkansas
<br /> Economic Development Commission,will help keep our community at the forefront when companies seek to expand into Arkansas and
<br /> investors decide what communities they will invest in.
<br /> Second,is the focus of the Impact Independence Strategic Plan Initiative that was developed by the Batesville Area Chamber of
<br /> Commerce,Lyon College,and UACCB.The plan's focus on economic prosperity,tourism,educational excellence,healthy living,and wellbeing
<br /> has already demonstrated important and meaningful results.
<br /> As I looked back over the highlights of the past year,I could not help but think"Wow,what a difference 12 years can make in the life
<br /> of a community!"Batesville has gone from being down,and nearly out,in 2007,after suffering massivejob losses with a looming economic
<br /> downturn on the horizon,to being acclaimed as the most innovative and progressive city in the state of Arkansas.
<br /> What changed?Mostly what changed was the attitude of our citizens.Our community realized it couldn't continue doing the same
<br /> things we had always done and expect different results.Rather than"throwing in the towel",in 2008,citizens filled the Batesville High School
<br /> Cafeteria to consider a new land use plan for our community.What began as an effort to get input from the community on where different type
<br /> land uses should be located;the group quickly propelled the discussion into their dreams for Batesville. Facilitators encouraged those in
<br /> attendance to"Dream Big!" If you look back at the recommendations and dreams of this group,you will see that these have now become a
<br /> reality.
<br /> I did not make these dreams and goals come true.City government did not make them come true.The Chamber of Commerce didn't
<br /> make their dreams come true.Their dreams for our community came true because our citizens chose to work together for the good of
<br /> Batesville. Their dreams came true because they were determined to elect individuals who share their vision for our future and who are
<br /> dedicated to working together with an atmosphere of teamwork and cooperation.
<br /> In closing,it would be remiss of me not to mention all of our dedicated employees,staff and department heads. These individuals go
<br /> "above and beyond"to perform their duties and share my love and commitment for this city. My heartfelt thanks and appreciation goes to
<br /> each of these special individuals. After twelve years,we have become somewhat of a"family"and they contribute daily to making Batesville an
<br /> amazing place to call home.
<br /> 2017 witnessed the recognition of many of Batesville's greatest accomplishments. As your mayor,I am extremely honored to
<br /> accept these awards on your behalf. I will always remember that it was your vision for our future and your unwavering determination to make
<br /> our community a better place that empowered these successes for our city.
<br /> The future of Batesville and the community we all call"home"is bright.The events of the past year serve to remind us of what we
<br /> can accomplish when we work together for the good of our community. The cooperative spirit of our citizens working together to make
<br /> Batesville"the best it can be"shines a brilliant beacon of hope lighting the path of progress for those who come after us.
<br /> May God continue to bless our city,state and country!
<br /> MAYOR COMMENTS
<br /> None
<br /> LIAISON REPORTS
<br /> None
<br /> COUNCIL COMMENTS
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