2018 Signal Mountain State of The Town Report November 12, 2018 Mayor: Chris J Howley

CONTENTS Financial Overview & Taxes Transparency Grants Accomplishments Open Projects/Issues Future Suggestions

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW

Previous Budget History

TAXES

Council Transparency Improvements Began Video Taping All Regular and Agenda Council Meetings Special Thanks to Councilmen Landrum & Spalding’s Efforts Most Public Meetings Held since 2007 (43) Includes ISD & Water System Meetings Instituted Monthly Financial Reports Record Requests Fulfilled: 65 Requests (37 or 57% from one citizen)

GRANTS 2 YEAR GRANT MONEY Received Applied For Public Work: $2,629,658 $950,000 Police: $ 63,879 Fire Department: $ 858,451 Recreation: $ 400,000 TOTALS: $3,951,988 $950,000 $4,901,988

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Created Centennial Committee Completed Maintenance Facility Completed Fire Station #2 SSVC Committee & Report Achieved Aa3 Moody Rating Land Use Plan & Zoning Issues TDOT Meeting (10/20/17) Water System Sale RFP Started Sparkle Day Re-Paved > 9 Miles of Roads Purchased New Ladder & Engine ISO Rating from 5 to 3 Paid off School Bond Sunset of School Bond Tax Dealt with Loss of Hall Tax Added Special Projects & Compliance Manager Solved Police & Fire Turnover

ACCOMPLISHMENTS Cont.… James Blvd. Project Approved Police/Fire Community Engagement Shoal Creek Bridge Replacement Replace Old Equipment w/Hook Lift Trucks Continued Work on State Police Accreditation Discussion on Small City Coalition Hosted Mayor/City Manager Meeting Invested >$500,000 in MACC Improved Police & Fire Technology Adjusted Rates & Use Charges Transitioned Operation of Library Investigated Possible Land Swaps Placed Temporary Town Judge Started Town Attorney RFP Process Negotiated New SMG&CC Lease Honored/Recognized 16 Individuals or Groups

OPEN PROJECTS & ISSUES Direction of Town Water System Hiring of New Town Attorney James Blvd. Project Marion & Driver Field Improvements MACC Improvements Shoal Creek Bridge Replacement Ohio Avenue Trail Parking Old Town Sidewalk Project

FUTURE COUNCIL SUGGESTIONS Continue to Recognize the Accomplishments of our Schools, Students and Citizens. Study the Water System Issue Very Closely. Retaining the System will have a Significant Impact on the Town Budget (Outside the Water System). Continue the Monthly Financial Summaries Continue Strong Support of Our Police & Fire Departments Recognize & Appreciate the Effectiveness and Professionalism of the Current Town Staff Continue Transparency Improvement Efforts & Community Involvement Do not be Afraid to Investigate & Address the Tough Issues Even if They are Unpopular

CLOSING I cannot express how proud I am of this Council and Town Staff. We, together, accomplished many great things that will serve this Town, we all love, for many years to come. It has been an honor and privilege to work for our Town and the Citizens alongside this Council and Town Staff. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Best Regards, Chris J. Howley Mayor – Town of Signal Mountain