There have been many accomplishments for the city this year that I would like to highlight for you.
We received several grants this year that will allow improvements and important services such as the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, that will allow upgrades to our wastewater infrastructure. We received a $40,000 grant from Eaton County Parks, which will allow us to build a pavilion at the Outdoor Recreation Center and purchase a river gage that will monitor the river’s water flow. The Fire Department received a $10,000 grant to use for added equipment.
We signed a new ambulance contract with Sparrow-Eaton EMS. A 4-year agreement that will keep ambulance service here. This was a long process that we are happy to see finalized.
We welcomed 2 key department managers to City Hall: Genny Allen, Treasurer & Finance Director, and Robin Webb, City Clerk. They have added more transparency and professionalism to their positions, and I look forward to working with them both in 2024.
We are happy to report that the financial audit for the 2022/2023 fiscal year was filed and presented to City Council at its December 11th meeting. Audits are required to be filed with the State 6 months after the close of the fiscal year. With the hard work of City Manager Ridge, Treasurer Allen and our accounting firms, the audit was filed early with no significant findings. We have a great team that makes the financial health of our city top priority.
While we didn’t see the progress we hoped for with the former Horner property, we made progress behind the scenes, working with Eaton County and State Land Banks. There is light at the end of the long tunnel regarding the cleaning up of this property and I hope to have more details to share in January.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mayor Pam Colestock
