{Date Goes Here}
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Photo Gallery
|
{Date Goes Here} |
Community | Obits | Editorial & Columnists | Society | Sports | Education | Classified Ads | Calendar of Events | Features | Newsbriefs | Legals | Archives | Photo Gallery |
|
Byhalia mayor
touts town’s progress By BARRY
BURLESON Byhalia’s development in recent years is only the tip of the iceberg, according to Mayor O.R. “Scooter” Dempsey. He was the guest speaker Thursday for the quarterly luncheon of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce. “Last year we estimated a $200 million influx in new construction in the Byhalia area in the next 24 months,” Dempsey said. “I’m happy to announce in the first year we seem to be right on track.” Recent additions and announcements include Exel locating at Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park, Hunter Fan’s expansion, plus Cargill Animal Nutrition and Jim Walter Homes, both scheduled to start construction in April. The Cargill Animal Nutrition plant will be on a site near Highway 178, adjacent to the railroad track. Jim Walter Homes will locate near Highway 78 (Future I-22) at the Byhalia exit. “And those are just a few,” Dempsey said. “We have prospects for every acre of industrial land we have around us at this time. That doesn’t mean we will sell them tomorrow, but people are interested.” New town park The mayor also announced the purchase of 160 acres for a new park. The property is located south of Highway 78 off Stonewall Road. “This is a great accomplishment,” Dempsey said. “It’s a long time coming, and a lot of people have worked very hard to make it happen.” The property was purchased using general fund monies. The town plans to sell 37 acres (donated by Jim Tuttle and Ray Blackburn) near the county line off Highway 178 and use that money to help develop the park. The 37 acres is located in the path of planned I-69. “And that’s all moving at a faster pace than you think,” Dempsey said. “The purchase of real estate for I-69 could possibly start in less than 12 months.” Water and gas projects Phase II of the water expansion project has been delayed due to right-of-way issues. “We hope to be back on track in the fall,” he said. Phase II work goes from Byhalia to Victoria, south to St. Paul, west to Warsaw, then north back to Byhalia and all within. It is funded with a $2.4 million grant from United States Rural Development Agency. Phase I of the gas project has changed, also due to right-of-way troubles. “We will start in a different area so as to not lose our funding,” Dempsey said. With the rapid development of Chickasaw Trail, Phase I will now concentrate on the new industrial park area. Phases II and III will be the same as the water project. Phase IV will be a new city tap in the Chickasaw Trail area. Total cost of gas expansion is $4.9 million, partially funded by Rural Development. Old school Doug Thornton, architect with AERC, is putting together a proposed scope of work for demolishing part of the old Byhalia High School as well as re-roofing the old gym. This will be funded by a Small Municipalities grant already received from the state. “We plan to tear off the front portion of the old school, which was added in the ’60s and clean it up,” Dempsey said. He said with all the donations received when the gym was used as a shelter for hurricane victims, the town hopes to put the gym back in use. Some possible uses include an exercise facility and a youth basketball league. Town Hall is located in a building between the old school and the old gym. Finances Dempsey said the town’s financial situation continues to be tight. “Even though our revenues are up as we grow, our expenses are up, too,” he said. He summarized revenue growth from 2001-2005. Sales tax is up by more than 500 percent, ad valorem by more than 1,000 percent and the general fund by more than 500 percent. “There has not been a tax increase here since 1988,” Dempsey said. “These numbers just reflect the population increase as well as how much difference it makes when people shop at home. This is also a result of some new annexation, but not the most recent. “We’re growing, and the best thing is we can shape it and guide it the way we want to see it.” Thank yous Dempsey thanked the generosity of the Byhalia community in supporting the town’s hurricane relief efforts last year. He read letters from the cities of Ellisville and D’Iberville, both expressing their gratitude to their friends in Byhalia. “The worst natural disaster in U.S. history hit right here in our home state, and you were with us in the trenches,” Dempsey said. “Thanks to all of you so much.” He also praised the Clydesdale Christmas Store and the people of Byhalia who helped organizers Ronnie and Brenda Luther. “The people of Byhalia helped make Christmas special for 60 children in Waveland (another area hit hard by the hurricane). “Your participation and your support of efforts like these make Byhalia what it is and what it will be.” Dempsey also praised town workers – from the police department, to public works, to town hall to the fire department. He said everyone is “doing a great job.” “Our world is changing, and all of these people are working hard to adapt,” he said. “It’s a continuous process, and I praise their efforts to stay ahead of the curve.” Shortfalls Dempsey said shortfalls include utilities not yet in some annexed areas, the unresolved train issue blocking Highway 309, and “less than desirable” ordinances. “There will always be shortfalls, but please know we are working hard on all of these issues as well as several others,” Dempsey said. The luncheon was held at Northcentral Electric Power Association. Hosts were First Tennessee Home Loans and Whistle Stop Cafe. Sarah Sawyer, executive director of the Byhalia Area Chamber of Commerce, and some of her staff members welcomed guests and talked about recent and upcoming chamber activities. The annual horse show is set for May 20 at Thomas Arena in Holly Springs. Report News:
(662) 252-4261 or south@dixie-net.com
Web Site
managed and maintained by |
|
