Mayor Murray looks back with pride, ahead with confidence in State of the City remarks

By ERIC BERNSEE

Editor

In offering her annual "State of the City" address during the January City Council meeting Tuesday night, Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray looked back proudly on 2013 and confidently ahead to 2014.

After enduring a year that produced congestion and sometimes confusion from reconstruction, the nightmare and uncertain aftermath of a major downtown fire and the frustration of a mandated change in the city water utility, the mayor expressed pride and gratitude for the way Greencastle residents have persevered.

"As we enter 2014, I remain confident that we will be able to deal with the challenges ahead," she said, "things like unfunded mandates from the (Indiana) Department of Environmental Management; unexpected weather surprises; construction chaos; funding concerns and the increasing challenge of providing services to our 10,000 residents."

And 2014 has already produced its own challenges, especially weather-wise, noted Mayor Murray, who is eschewing a run at a third term as the city's chief executive.

"I sat down to reflect on the State of the City of Greencastle as we move into 2014," she offered, "and realized that it didn't take us more than five days to know what one of 'the' stories of the year will be -- 12 inches of snow and sub-zero temperatures that virtually shut down the city.

"It is my sincere hope that these days are not indicative of the next 360," added Murray, who has reached the halfway mark of her second and self-imposed final term as Greencastle mayor.

Despite a few financial hurdles along the way, the state of city finances remains strong, she said.

"After the last 12 months," Murray continued, "I am once again pleased to report that the fiscal state of our community ended the year in a sound position. All city departments finished the year within their projected budgets and revenues did indeed cover expenses.

"We also saw the significant investment of $20.9 million in equipment and renovations at our local industries, increasing the overall assessed value in the city, which does affect the bottom line for each of us. This good news is something we don't take lightly."

However, she also pointed to some uncertainty ahead.

"We are all watching with angst a proposed legislative initiative that would reduce or eliminate business personal property tax," she added. "That kind of action could mean a 21 percent reduction in city tax revenues and an even larger percentage decrease for our schools. Budget challenges for cities, towns and schools throughout Indiana are going to continue."

In 2014, Greencastle "will be tested," the mayor acknowledged, "because of the filing error in our public notifications of our proposed budget, legislative changes aside."

She also suggested that no reflection on 2013 would be complete without mentioning the May 17 fire that "dramatically affected" virtually an entire block of the downtown.

"We saw families displaced, businesses ruined and buildings gutted," Mayor Murray said. "Without the quick response of the Greencastle Fire Department and the aid of 16 fire companies, the tragedy could have been worse.

"At this time," she continued, "I am pleased to report that because of the courage and commitment of the property owners involved, reconstruction is under way and we will all watch with great excitement the reopening of those businesses and buildings."

The mayor also spoke of "anticipated construction" that has taken place, such as significant roadwork on Indianapolis Road, Edgewood Lake Road and numerous resurfacing projects, as well as the Albin Pond dam rehabilitation and more.

"Of course there are the Stellar projects," she added, ticking off facade work, Washington Street, owner-occupied housing rehabilitation and parking solutions.

"We will also be adding Indiana Street reconstruction, second-floor loft development, a second round of downtown facades and owner-occupied rehab to the list in 2014," Murray reminded.

People often ask, the mayor noted, what will happen after Stellar construction is over?

"I am pleased to report," she said, "the community has been planning and individuals and organizations are helping to move us forward. We had a very successful two-day Community Forward Summit that has helped to target direction and identify people interested in rolling up their sleeves."

She pointed to recent project successes spearheaded by the revived Main Street Greencastle organization, the Farmers' Market group and the Greencastle Civic League.

"New businesses have opened," the mayor added, "and what is not to love about Myers Market, Charlie's, Dairy Queen and Wyn Way? And we have just begun."

Meanwhile, she praised the dedication of local residents who spent the year determined to make a dent in poverty, house the homeless and find a permanent solution to allow for the reopening of the Humane Society.

"Your work help makes our community a better place," Mayor Murray assured.

"Finally," she added, "I want to thank the very dedicated people who work for the City of Greencastle. You take great pride in what you do and you selflessly give of your time and talents to keep us safe, to keep us moving, to provide recreation, utilities, support and order, and a final resting place. I couldn't be more proud to have the privilege of working with this group of people."

All those factors addressed by the mayor combine to make 2014 an interesting and exciting, if not a pivotal year for the city.

"As we begin 2014," Mayor Murray concluded, "Greencastle does remain a great place for work, for growth and for life."