Mayor Jerry Jackson was the guest speaker at Rotary on Thursday, July 27. The mayor updated the group about the city projects and showed slides of the projects and improvements being made.
“The city’s revenue continues to rise. Our sales tax has continued to rise for six to seven years. Last year was a big increase due to inflation. We had projections of leveling off this year, which hasn’t happened. Just a reminder, we have one of the lowest sales tax rates in the state for cities our size,” he said. “Being at the lowest and still able to do all the things we are doing is remarkable.”
“For the dollars spent, and thank you for your partnership. The splash pad has been one of the greatest things we’ve been able to do for the amount of money it cost us. Of course, it is right next to Wonder Willow and another new playground on the other side.”
“I appreciate the community’s support for the Splash Pad. That has been one of our most enjoyed completed projects to date. And it was a joint project with Rotary. The kids love it. We need more parking for the park, and we’re glad it’s being enjoyed.”
Jackson showed pictures of the progress of the Creekside Community Center and the Aquatic Center. He bragged about the great job the parks and rec crew is doing and the hundreds of people coming to town for tournaments because of the astroturf. “We’ve hosted some tournaments for Branson because they know they can still play here if it rains. The astroturf was a great investment.”
Bids should be available in September for the bridge across Crooked Creek. “We will have to re-route traffic because ARDOT will completely remove the current bridge before constructing the new one. Progress is painful. But we will love it when it’s finished.”
Jackson shared the progress of several downtown projects. “Our downtown is just going to pop when these projects are completed.”
“The new bridge on Goblin Drive is beautiful and looks like it has always been there. That was phase one of that project. Next summer, we begin Phase Two, which will be adding two roundabouts to Goblin Drive.”
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