2015 State of Hinesville Address

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State of Hinesville Addressby Mayor James Thomas, Jr.

Liberty County Chamber of CommerceProgress Through People Luncheon

April 30, 2015

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City of HinesvilleOperations

FISCAL SHAPE OF THE CITY

“Weathering the storm” $1.4 million deficit without SPLOST• Cut capital projects and expenditures• Increased millage rate by 1.2 mills (Now 11.51 mills)• Eliminated merit raises

No layoffs or furloughs Participate in the budget process! Work sessions will

begin in August/September but you are welcome to visit us at any time. Check www.cityofhinesville.org for updates

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Community Development

Test Census online until May 31 $306,000 CHIP Award from Georgia Department of

Community Affairs for repairing single family dwellings to meet minimum property standards

Fair Housing Initiative on Facebook – Like “Hinesville Fair Housing”

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Downtown Development

Public Library Armstrong Liberty Center Renaissance Park Senior Housing Development Bryant Commons Park Improvements WiFi in Bradwell Park thanks to CenturyLink Hinesville Farmers Market going strong Continued development planning:

• Redevelopment /rehabilitation of properties• Retail Recruitment• Mixed-use Development• Residential Units

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Economic Development

Hinesville Development Authority organizing inaugural Mayor’s Small Business Conference – May 20

Hinesville ranked 14th in nation for “hardest working city” due to 2/3 of workforce being employed

Trade Delegation from China visiting soon

Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions

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Homeless Prevention

90 homeless people in Liberty County according to 2013 Point-in-Time homeless count

26 people currently in the City of Hinesville’s Transitional Housing and participated in its Self Sufficiency Program

699 bed nights provided by Hinesville HPP for $34,194 in 2014

Hosting quarterly “Lunch and Learn” events Ongoing community partnerships and programs

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Liberty Transit

Liberty Transit system still operating Advertising opportunities available for exterior, interior, and bus shelters Try transit! National Dump the Pump Day – June 18

Visit www.libertytransit.org for more information

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Crime and Safety

Kitchen Fires remain most common cause of house fire Entering Auto and Burglary most common criminal act

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Public Programs

Neighborhood Watch HPD Citizens’ Academy Homeless Prevention Fair Housing Child Safety Seat Checks Fire Safety Talks Fire Station Tours CPR Certification And more…www.cityofhinesville.org

Moving Forward!

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CURRENT AND FUTURE PROJECTS

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)• We are putting up a strong fight and building alliances to

protect Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield• Please join the regional alliance, Southeast Georgia Friends

of Fort Stewart and Hunter www.friendsofftstewartandhunter.com

• Speak to me about what you can do as a community member to help Fort Stewart – Hunter Army Airfield

Fluoride in the Drinking Water: Yes or No? Remember, 2015 is election year

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2015 Upcoming Events Safe Kid’s Day – May 2 Fall Farmer’s Market Opening – May 7 Citywide Yard Sale – June 6 Project Homeless Connect – June 6 Father’s Day Car Show – June 18 Tied to Success Empowerment Workshop – August 29 Healthy Hinesville 5K – October 10 Scarecrow Stroll and Beggars Night – October 30 Veterans Salute at Bryant Commons – November 7 Mayor’s Thanksgiving Program – November 22

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2015 ANNUAL REPORT TO CITIZENS

Coming soon… Provides FY2014 financial

information and current program overviews for each department

2014 copies still available at City Hall

Previous years copies available online

PROGNOSIS: The future of the city is BRIGHT

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STAY INFORMED

Call us at (912) 876-3564 Visit www.cityofhinesville.org Become a Fan of City of Hinesville – Public Relations

on Facebook Follow us on Twitter @HinesvilleGA