Bryant says outlook for city bright during state of city address

Although Forrest City has its challenges, like every other city across the Delta, the outlook is bright, Mayor Larry Bryant said during his annual state of the city address. Accompanied by the city’s department heads, Bryant explained how the work performed by each department is crucial to the city’s future. “With me is our dedicated team – our department heads who work tirelessly each day to ensure that city services are delivered efficiently and effectively. Their leadership, along with the commitment of all city employees, plays a vital role in maintaining our progress in the Delta,” he said. “We are strong,” he continued. “We are a strong city and we continue to move forward one step at a time. Today, we are seeing growth and new opportunities. We have welcomed new businesses such as Chubby’s Travel Center, Home2 Suites Hotel, Fairfield Inn & Suites and new storage facilities. Other businesses are opening their doors from Shipping with a Smile to Alberta’s Crossing, and we are truly, truly excited about what lies ahead for Forrest City. “Coming soon, we look forward to the opening of Jack’s Restaurant in July, another jewel in our diamond. Jack’s is just one, but we have others that are looking at us or have made plans to locate in Forrest City,” said Bryant. “We will continue to try to strengthen our economy. We have an economic developer at the Chamber of Commerce now. We must spread the word and he must spread the word that Forrest City is open for business. “As I speak about business, a salute to Holy Grounds Community Coffee House on being honored as the Hospitality Business of the Year by Arkansas Delta Byways,” Bryant added. He also noted that the Deaderick Road expansion project is scheduled to begin this year along with a drainage improvement project in the Sunrise area. Bryant encouraged residents to take pride in Forrest City by promoting it in a positive light. “Everyone can find negatives, but I feel the positives outweigh the negatives as we move forward,” he said. “We should be selling our city by supporting our schools, our college, our local businesses and by tooting our own horn. If we don’t talk about our own city in a positive light, who else will?” The mayor said one of the city’s “jewels” is the Sports Complex where the multipurpose center is located. “We should be proud that we have one of the few multipurpose centers in the Delta for a city our size with the population we have,” he said. “We have an indoor therapy pool, a new fishing pond, an old fishing pond and our walking track, which is being widened, along with other amenities.” Bryant said the fire and police departments work hard for the city. “Our fire department had 949 calls and worked over 60 house structure fires last year,” he said. “Our police department has a clearance rate of about 90%. We may have murders in our town from time to time, but nine times out of 10 we catch them. “Police Chief (Ronald) Broussard has done an outstanding job in fighting crime in our city with crime down by 25%, and he thanks the public for helping to reduce crime.” he added. According to Bryant, the city is financially strong. “Currently, the city maintains over $6.5 million in various funds. In addition, our water utility holds about $7.5 million in funds,” he said. “So, while our financial position is stable, we must remain responsible, strategic and forward thinking in how we plan for the future. “While these numbers may seem substantial, it is important to understand the reality of infrastructure costs. A single major water or sewer repair could exceed $1 million. At present, we estimate that approximately $20 million will be needed to replace some of these aging water lines throughout the city. As well, we need money to fund a water softener, which you already voted on, but we don’t have enough money to do it.” Last year, the water department completed 1,528 of the 1,699 work orders submitted. Of that total, 1,002 were water leaks. “That’s a great number,” said Bryant. “Edward Gregory, our water director, and his team are working to improve your water and sewer by purchasing much needed new equipment so they have the right tools to work with.” One of Bryant’s biggest pet peeves is the trash and rubbish across the city. He said the council is working on a new nuisance abatement ordinance that could eventually see the police department issuing tickets for violations. “I’m very disturbed and my council members are disturbed about rubbish everywhere, trash, more rubbish and more trash. Citizens, please help clean up Forrest City,” he said. “I’m asking you all to talk to your friends, your preachers, your organizations and see if we can get people to stop throwing trash on the ground. Everyone in Forrest City has a 95-gallon garbage container, so please use it.” Bryant said the public works department is responsible for a lot of different jobs from garbage collection to street repairs and fighting mosquitoes. “Darin Flenoy leads our public works department and they get the job done, even though some say they don’t,” said Bryant, adding that the city has purchased new garbage trucks and other equipment for the department. “As I leave from Forrest City as mayor, they will be well taken care of in the garbage department,” he said. Bryant also praised the work done by fire chief Jeremy Sharp, code enforcement officer Kendall Pettus and Civic Center manager Jimmy Gaines. “A special thank you to the Forrest City Advertising and Promotion Commission for all of the financial support they give the Civic Center and parks and recreation department, and for the A&P promoting Forrest City throughout the state,” said Bryant. “Together, we will keep moving Forrest City forward,” he said. “Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to serve. This is my 20th and last state of the city. May God bless you, God bless Forrest City and God bless America.”

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