Lula Tyler, mayor of Holly Grove, gave a State of the City address at the beginning of the new year. Tyler noted that 2006 was a challenging year, with the city losing its high school to consolidation with Clarendon and reported that in 2007 the city lost its health clinic and elementary school to Clarendon.
Tyler pointed out that revenue for the city is decreasing which will bring about changes to keep up with the required existing services of waterworks, police protection, streets and beautification and fire protection.
Tyler gave a report on the different departments of the city. She noted that in the waterworks department, the city has employed Theodis Chunn as water operator. Chunn is a master plumber, plumber inspector and licensed water operator. Assisting him are Calvin Young and Willie Williams. Both have attended all classes and have taken the test for a Distribution I water operator license. To offer support to the water system, Mayor Tyler has obtained a Distribution I water operating license and has completed all classes and has taken the test for a water treatment license. Water Treatment I license and Distribution I license are all that’s required to operate a plant the size of Holly Grove, Tyler commented.
Tyler noted that Williams also works on the street department and as a part-time police officer. Jason Johnston serves as Chief of Police and noted that crime is down and the town is much safer under his administration, Tyler said. David Caraway is also working as a full-time officer.
Mayor Tyler reported that Dewayne Lammers is serving as fire chief and Chief Johnston has been designated by the city council as an emergency systems director. He is responsible for compiling reports with approval of the fire chief, Tyler said.
A blessing for Holly Grove has been the EMS ambulance service, Tyler said. The local service can reach residents with five to 10 minutes call time and consists of one paramedic truck and one standard truck, Tyler said. Since their employment in Holly Grove in October 2006, they have made 46 runs. They have made 12 runs in January, Tyler reported.
The city is looking for ways to accommodate rural residents with garbage pick up, Tyler said. Other plans for the upcoming year are to work on street lights and a mosquito sprayer.
Future plans for the city are to move the city hall and police station into the former Bank of Holly Grove building. Mayor Tyler noted that a letter of intent to Historic Preservation has been signed to obtain matching funds to renovate the facility. If matching funds are not obtained, the city may have to look for donations, Tyler said. Tyler also noted that the city is looking into water services for Ragtown Newcutt Road. Currently there are nine cust0omers interested, Tyler said. She noted that larger numbers will give the city a better chance for the project.
Tyler concluded her address by thanking those businesses still in Holly Grove and asked residents to try to purchase groceries and other items in city limits.
“Your money is always better spent at home because it gives your administrator more funds to work with,” Tyler said.
