Farmington Mayor Gives State Of The City Address

FARMINGTON — The city of Farmington had a productive 2013 and is looking toward an even more prosperous 2014, Mayor Ernie Penn said during his annual State of the City address Feb. 11.

“I am pleased to report that our city is financially sound and has maintained excellent cash reserves,” Penn told the City Council.

The city was able to transfer $468,000 to reserves at the end of 2013 and now has $2 million in its reserve account. Revenue from the 1-cent sales tax and the county sales tax was up by more than $60,000 in 2013, compared to 2012.

The city reduced its sewer sales tax bond debt by $230,000. The city is on track to pay off the bonds for the sports complex by September 2015. To date, the city has paid $645,000 toward that debt, Penn said.

The city received $159,000 in state aid money to overlay Rheas Mill Road this summer. The city also will design improvements for Double Springs Road and will request bids to improve Holland Street in the spring. The building inspection/ code enforcement department is now under the leadership of Rick Bramall and Penn said he expects the city will have increased revenue in 2014 from new commercial and residential construction.

One of the goals of 2013 was to emphasize economic development. Penn said the city is experiencing major commercial growth from the efforts of city leaders and the Economic Development Committee. A Casey’s General Store and new Domino’s Pizza are under construction. A Walmart Neighborhood Market and a Kum & Go gas station and convenience store will start construction in 2014.

“This new commercial development will bring new jobs to our town along with a strong increase in tax revenues,” Penn said. “We will strive to continue to encour- age new businesses to locate in our town.”

Other accomplishments in 2013 included a new city landscape ordinance and another successful year at the sports complex. In 2013, 536 boys and girls participated in the summer ball program. The complex hosted eight tournaments in 2013 and has 11 tournaments on the schedule for 2014.

Farmington Public Library relocated to a new building in January. In 2013, the library issued 319 new cards, giving the library a total of 3,532 patrons and 60,204 checkouts. The library received a $62,000 grant for furnishings and shelving at the new library.

The police department received one grant for $4,300 in 2013 and experienced some employee turnover. The new officer replacements are “very experienced and will be assets to our department,” Penn said.

Farmington Fire Department responded to 773 calls in 2013, and kept its response time to 5.74 minutes per call. The department received two grants for $ 32,000 to make energy efficient improvements at the fire station.

One of the main goals for 2014, Penn said, is to continue to improve communication with city residents. The city continues to upgrade its website and started a Facebook page. It also will use the phone system as another option for providing information to citizens.

“In 2014, our city will continue the commitment to improve our communication avenues and to encourage economic growth,” Penn said.

He encouraged citizens to get involved, be informed and to volunteer their time with the city.

“In closing, I would like to thank the citizens of Farmington for their continued support of our city,” Penn said. “It is an honor for me to serve as your Mayor and I look forward to a very successful and prosperous 2014 for the city of Farmington.”