Outlook 2009: Officials talk about goals

As the Wiregrass community moves into a new year, it is with hope, optimism and busy agendas. Local public officials and politicians offered up their goals for 2009, which include ambitious infrastructure plans for items such as an I-10 toll road, while keeping a close reign on their expenditures during tough economic times.

Pat Thomas
City of Dothan Mayor

The largest thing facing the city is the $46 million sewage treatment plant changes. The project, to decommission Beaver Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and expand the Little Choctawhatchee, will be bid the first of the year and will start in second quarter 2009.

Other important issues include:

Water. Specifically, the city is working to get a permit to get water from the Chattahoochee River.

Transportation. Ross Clark Circle improvements will begin next year, even though they won’t be on the Circle, but will be up 231 North. Efforts continue with private organizations working on an I-10 Connector, which Thomas said is the most critical piece of infrastructure that can happen in our lifetime, opening up our area to all kinds of energy and commerce.

City manager contract. Vote expected in January whether to change city manager contract period to four years. This would require action by the Legislature to change the law.

Improvement projects. If the economy improves, the city may pursue starting improvements to the Honeysuckle/Fortner streets intersection, and the construction of the James Oates Park and the Eastgate Park complexes.

Library solution. A new library is also being hampered by the economy, but solutions are still being sought.

Mark Culver
Houston County Commission Chairman

The biggest challenge for the county in the new year is economic. Culver said the goal is to control expenses, enhance revenue, and implement efficiencies to be able to maintain a $4 million fund balance. While in a solid financial position, receding revenues and increased demands have the county in a situation of finding ways to provide the same level of service as in the past. Culver said they are looking at several ways to enhance revenues, none of which call for sales or property tax increases. These include:

A lodging fee and a court cost increase.

Changing the way the county collects sanitation fees, expected to increase revenue by billing and collecting all fees that are due.

Anticipated increase in revenues from developments in the county related to retail, entertainment and industry.

Possibly delaying some projects until the economy recovers.

Conducting a pay scale study for implementation in next year’s budget to properly compensate county employees, along with eliminating some positions as they come open.

Infrastructure is also a high priority. Funds for projects are not as readily available as they have been in the past, but if funds become available, the county will move forward with help from other governments, grants or the private sector.

Some of those projects include:

Water. The county will continue to partner with water systems in the county to reach the goal of having water on every paved road in the county. Withdrawal of water from the Chattahoochee River and evaluating a reservoir in western Houston County also continue to be studied and evaluated.

Buildings. Plans could be finalized to relocate and reuse various county buildings and properties including the old SARCOA building, the Courthouse, Crawford Street property, Farm Center, and Juvenile Services.

Sewage treatment. With potential for expanded growth down the 231 South corridor, the county hopes to secure grants to fund a sewage treatment facility and water expansion to handle the southern end of the county. This will be dependent on receiving grants.

Road projects. Plans include the extension of Taylor Road to 231 South and Napier Field Road to Odom Road.
Looking for new employment opportunities is another large goal for the county in 2009. Culver said maintaining an unemployment rate below the state and national average, to provide at least 2,000 new jobs and to continue to support efforts to bring in economic development activities are all on the list. This could be done by:

The development of Country Crossing and additional offshoot projects which will provide jobs and economic stimulus across a wide spectrum of the community.

Continued expansion of the retail and medical sectors. Support of that can be in the form of providing assistance to our colleges which train nurses, providing roads for access, and promoting a good business-friendly environment that allows for growth and success.

In conjunction with the city and Dothan By Design, continuing to work on several economic development projects that would enhance our industrial base.

Andy Hughes
Houston County Sheriff

Controlling crime is always a goal of law enforcement. In Houston County, some of Hughes’ specific goals include:

Closure of the Joe Tex Johnson murder case from 2008. Johnson, 69, was shot to death during a burglary at his mobile home off Hodgesville Road on April 15.

Increasing the number of deputies employed at the Houston County Sheriff’s Office. Currently the department has 55 sworn deputies. Hughes hopes to add 20 over the next couple of years.

“We need more manpower. I think we’re doing a good job with what we do have right now.”

Continue to increase the quality and quantity of training for deputies. Hughes said last year he brought in Aaron Cohen, a former Israeli military specialist who works with IMS Security, to train area law enforcement on counterterrorism techniques. He also sent officers for advanced training in firearms, defensive tactics and pursuit driving.

Continue working with the Houston County Commission to get the jail expanded. As the last days of 2008 ticked by, the inmate population reached nearly 500 again. The yearly average was around 475.

Expand the department’s K-9 program. The department currently uses four police dogs, including three blood hounds and a narcotics detection K-9.

John Powell
Dothan Police Chief

The efficient operation of the department is a top issue.

“As far as the main goal for the department we want to continue to concentrate on addressing crime in the growing city.”

Keep as many sworn staff available to respond to calls from citizens in the quickest possible time.

To continue to provide the best service concerning public safety, including maintainance of equipment and buildings utilized by the Dothan Police Department.

Continue fostering strong working relationships with other local and federal law enforcement agencies.

All cold cases are a major a concern for the department. All leads are investigated.

Matt Parker
Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce President

In his position, economic development is the focus, and Parker has many areas to consider which all impact the city’s business environment. Some of the chamber’s priorities this year will include:

Continue putting together the pieces of a regional alliance in Alabama and Florida to place a limited access highway corridor in the region to increase global competitiveness and enhance economic development.

Make meaningful change, along with other partners in public education, in the “Yes We Can Dothan” initiative to improve student achievement, enhance public support, and increase public engagement for public education.

Continue economic development work that will keep the area economy diversified in numerous sectors with continued attention on international trade opportunities to stimulate area commerce and specialized targets in distribution and aviation.

Kenneth Boswell
City of Enterprise Mayor

The city’s top objectives are:

Complete the Enterprise Civic/Senior Center.

Purchase new police cars in accordance with the vehicle rotation plan.

Implement grant-funded projects to include a biodiesel project, funded by an ADECA grant.

Install an additional lane on the Boll Weevil Circle, primarily funded by the state and private entities with very little city match.

Phase II Sidewalk Rehabilitation downtown, primarily funded by a TEP grant and with very little match from the City Of Enterprise.

Complete the construction of four pavilions in the Enterprise Recreational Complex on Highway 167 North with a 50/50 grant from ADECA.

Billy Blackwell
City of Ozark Mayor

Blackwell, who was elected to his first term last year, said he and council members are in the process of reviewing all city departments as they prepare for outlining plans for 2009.

Information for this story was compiled by Debbie Ingram, Lance Griffin, Ebony Horton, Matt Elofson, and Jim Cook.