Economy will drive everything in 2010, local officials say

It’s that time of year.

A no man’s land between Christmas and New Year’s just before the credit card bills start arriving, a time when many wonder or worry over what the future holds.

Public officials are no different. The funds they expend were given them by the taxpayers and, during a recession especially, their spending decisions must be made based on critical need.

The Eagle caught up with several Dothan and Houston County officials recently and asked them about their hopes, expectations, and challenges for the new year. Most said the state of the economy is still on their minds and will drive everything in 2010.

Larry Williams, Dothan Fire Chief
“Our primary concern is to continue to monitor the economy and hope we have the continued funds to operate as we have in the past. Expectations for the future include doing whatever we can to have the state-of-the-art equipment to meet the expectations of the people.

“With ever-increasing traffic in Dothan, we have to find ways to decrease our response times. In 2010, we are analyzing future growth patterns, looking at annexation and where houses are being built so we can be proactive as it comes to future growth. We are in good shape now, but we don’t want to be behind the curb when it comes to fire protection.”

Analyzing growth patterns, Williams said, will ensure that any new fire stations are built in areas where there is the greatest need. This will also help maintain the city’s ISO rating and keep insurance rates low for the citizenry.

Mike West, Dothan City Manager
West said there are a number of big issues facing the city, and all are dependent on the economy.

“I think our biggest concern going into the new year is obviously the economy,” West said. “It impacts everything — jobs for our residents, the ability to bring in new business, our budget, everything.”

Declining sales tax figures in 2009 will continue to impact how well the city can maintain infrastructure next year, its resurfacing program, and any new building projects.

“We were only down $7,400 last month which is the best we’ve had in nine to 10 months. I think the economy is our big issue on everything we do and everything we want to move forward with.”

West said he looks forward to the Yes We Can! school initiative to continue its programs, which help spur business growth and recruit industry through building a stronger public school system.

West also said he hopes more entities will embrace regionalism.

“We need to tie the region together a little more. The whole is a lot stronger than the pieces in terms of economy, creating good jobs and expanding business and industry.”

Mark Culver, Houston County Commission Chairman
With Houston County Commissioners up for re-election next year, Culver predicts it will be a busy year as funding, bingo and the economy all come into play as big issues for the year. All in all, Culver is optimistic about the new year.

“I look for a brighter new year in 2010 as the economy starts to recover and more jobs are created in our community. We will continue to be challenged to address the issues we face including roads, a jail expansion, employee pay increases, future water supply, and a new library,” Culver said.

“But as the economy recovers, our ability to positively impact these things will increase and we can set the stage for a prosperous and progressive new decade.”

Elston Jones, Dothan Department of Leisure Service

Jones said completion and maintenance will occupy his department next year.

“We are looking for the completion of the bike and walk trail at Westgate early next year,” Jones said. “We have been delayed because of the weather. The rain has hurt the soil cement going down for the walking trail.”

If dry conditions prevail, this project could be completed before the spring, Jones said. He is also looking forward to the use of the new archery range at Eastgate Park and preparing for winter recreation programs. Basketball begins in January.

“Everything else is pretty much routine,” he said. “There’s not a lot of major construction projects on board for next year due to the economy. We do have several maintenance issues like replacing the carpet and tile at Westgate Rec Center.”

The department will also concentrate on renovating and upgrading outdoor picnic pavilions at several parks and recreation centers.

“A lot of the major projects, like the James Oates Park project, are on hold. We are looking forward to the economy leveling off so we can do more.”

Capt. Larry Draughon, Dothan Interim Police Chief

Since Draughon was named interim chief last August, he enthusiastically anticipates a permanent chief being named in January.

“I pray every day that we get a new chief soon,” he said. “I love being a policeman in Dothan but I am eagerly anticipating the arrival of a new chief. Whoever the city manager recommends and the commission votes on, will be great. I knew what this job entailed but I didn’t know it would be all-consuming. After being on the force for nearly 33 years, I know about the phone calls, but the chief gets a lot of phone calls. The public makes many demands. The new chief will have a full seat of issues when he is appointed.”

Matt Parker, president of Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce

“Our focus next year will be to continue to push small business development, infrastructure, and educational improvements. I am optimistic that 2010 will improve significantly as key economic indicators will move in a positive direction.

“I think that economic stimulus tied to infrastrucutre will spur the economy since there has been a lag in it helping the local and state economies. This in turn will enhance small business and construction activity.”

In looking toward the 2010 legislative session, Parker said he hopes lawmakers will focus only on those policies “that impact jobs and the business climate of our state. What we need is jobs, jobs, and more jobs.”