|
<br />Our local economy continues to prosper. The city of Batesville sales tax collection has remained strong. In 2023, our sales tax increased from 2022 by approximately 5.81%.
<br />Currently, the city is up 6.68% over last year. In August, our citizens voted to refinance bonds and extend the sunsetting wastewater tax to allow for major upgrades to the
<br />current water intake and construction of a new state of the art water treatment plant. This would not have been possible without you, our citizens, to recognize the importance
<br />and necessity of infrastructure. I am thankful and optimistic that the passing of this project will not only maintain our current water supply, but also provide quality water for our
<br />
<br />current and future industries. Infrastructure is the backbone of any successful community, and Batesville is committed to maintaining and improving our roads, utilities, and
<br />public spaces.
<br />
<br />Our citizens also voted to refinance the current Parks and Recreation tax allowing for a 25-million-dollar quality of life upgrade to Riverside Park! This project will include
<br />enhancements such as a new events center, an inclusive playground, splash pads, pickle ball and tennis courts, and a skate and cycling park. In May, the city was presented a
<br />check for $21,149.06 from Ms. Haley Stephens who represents All Hands On Deck, a local organization. This group worked hard raising funds which will greatly complement
<br />our funding for the Skate Park. As our parks are being revitalized, our commitment to sustainability is stronger than ever. These investments will ensure that Batesville remains
<br />a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.
<br /> A quick look at our Parks and Recreation numbers for 2023 show that our facilities are being used more than ever.
<br />
<br />2023 Program numbers were as follows: (2,018 Participants)
<br />Adult Basketball 168 Youth Basketball 88
<br />Pickleball League154 Pickleball Tournaments140
<br />Spring and Fall Youth Soccer 712 Adult Softball 255
<br />Youth Baseball, Softball & T-Ball 413 Adult Volleyball40
<br />Roepcke Golf Tournament 48
<br />
<br />Community Center Rentals- (905 Facility Rentals)
<br />Basketball Tournaments 8 Banquets 18
<br />Birthday Parties in Gym 28 Court Rentals for Practice 25
<br />Pickleball Tournaments 1 Other Dinners in Gym 6
<br />Volleyball Team Camp 1 Volleyball Tournaments 2
<br />Indoor Pool Rentals
<br />Swim Meets 5 Pool Parties 66
<br />Outdoor Pool
<br />School Rentals 14 Private Rentals 7
<br />Party Rentals 258
<br />Meeting Rooms Rentals 458
<br />Horse Arena 8 Horse Shows
<br />
<br />Through strategic investments and collaboration with the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, we continue to enhance the quality of life for all residents, ensuring that
<br />Batesville remains a safe, accessible, and attractive place to live, work, and play. Many thanks to Crystal Johnson and her team at the Chamber, for their insight, focus group
<br />collaboration, and hard work on this election.
<br />
<br />Public safety is a priority in Batesville. Our city police department has relocated to a new location on St. Louis Street. The new office will allow us to stay focused on community
<br />
<br />policing and allow for a more central location. Our officers will resume back to bike patrol and be more visual and accessible to the public. Our fire department continues to
<br />complete many hours of training each year. The firemen also run a rescue truck when called to service both our city and county. In January of 2023, Fire Captain Mark
<br />McCollum was promoted to Fire Chief after the retirement of Chief Ronnie Painter. We greatly appreciate Ronnie’s many years of dedicated service.
<br />
<br />Education remains a cornerstone of our city's foundation. As we invest in education, we invest in the future of Batesville, empowering our youth to reach their full potential and
<br />contribute meaningfully to society. It’s my honor to acknowledge the continued successes of the Batesville’s school groups throughout the year in our council meetings. The
<br />students excel academically and in all areas of sports and the arts.
<br />UACCB and Lyon College also continue to stay involved with community programs and events. Both are always striving to improve and complement our local and future
<br />workforce.
<br />
<br /> Our White River Wonderland Christmas display is a magical spectacle that captures the spirit of the holiday season and brings joy to residents and visitors alike. This has
<br />become our largest tourism draw for people of all ages. Over 150,000 visitors experienced the “Christmas Capital of Arkansas”. Many thanks to Johnathan Abbott and his work
<br />crew. They spend numerous hours starting in September and continue until well after the new year. This display could not continue without the overwhelming support of our
<br />sponsors, businesses and citizens.
<br />
<br />The Batesville Regional Airport continues to grow. In 2023, 6 additional T-hangers were constructed to rent out to the public. The project total was $592,000, with $489,000 of
<br />that coming from grants received by the Arkansas Division of Aeronautics. This brings the total number of hangars at the airport to 62, 40 of these are owned and rented out by
<br />the airport. There were 16,111 take-off or landings for 2023, which averages 1,343 per month. Of this yearly total, 11,379 of those were visiting aircraft and 4,732 were from
<br />locally based aircraft, of which there are currently 68 based at the airport.
<br />
<br />Even as we celebrate our successes, we acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. We remain steadfast in our commitment to addressing issues such as affordable housing,
<br />healthcare accessibility, and community well-being. White River Health continues to build for the future. A new state-of-the-art, orthopedic clinic was opened and celebrated by
<br />all. The addition of this clinic is a tremendous blessing for our community. It not only enhances access to specialized healthcare services but also signifies a substantial
<br />investment in the well-being of our residents.
<br />
<br />
|