Mayor recognizes Awards Day students

I want to start off by acknowledging our students who participated in Awards Day at the high school in May. It is remarkable to see the number of our youth that have participated in charitable events this year. In my opinion, our school system leads the way for charitable contributions to different organizations and individuals. This is a true mark of strong character, and I hope our community is as proud of these young people as I am.

Regarding City Hall progress, we are now anticipating an early October opening due to weather-related delays. We remain appreciative of what B.L. Harbert and Williams Blackstock are doing to get the building completed.

Work also continues to progress very well out at Patchwork Farms. In late May, the building permit was let for Aspire Rehab Facility. Also during this time, Resort Lifestyle received its permit to begin construction. In addition, the 17 acre area next to the fire station is being cleared and our multi-family units will start construction soon. We also expect our retail area across from Lifetime Fitness to move forward with the addition of several retail components that we hope to announce by late July.

From a financial standpoint, the City is continuing to see an increase in the top five categories – business license, sales tax, ad valorem personal, and ad valorem real (construction and renovation). We are also showing a sales tax increase of about four percent over last year, and we continue to monitor the financial aspects of the city to make sure we are being good stewards of our citizens’ money.

We are also teaming up with the Chamber of Commerce for Helping Hands in the Hills, which is essentially a program of neighbors helping neighbors. We are trying to get people to let us know if there are seniors or others that need help around the house or with community errands. Although Helping Hands in the Hills, a day of service, will not take place until September 12, I encourage those interested in helping (or nominating someone who may benefit from this service) to sign up on the City’s website.

Your Mayor,

Alberto “Butch” C. Zaragoza