Officials reflect on 2012: Centerville Mayor John Harley

jclark@sunmuti.com

Several construction projects and plans for future projects

were completed in Centerville during 2012.

“Thanks to our voters in the 2006 SPLOST, and the Houston

County Commissioners, we were able to complete the Margie Drive Extension this

year,” said Mayor John Harley.

Harley listed several plans that were completed during the last calendar year,

including, plans for future sidewalks and pedestrian facilities.

The city was able to complete plans for the new police

station, and hopes “to have the ground breaking ceremony in March/April 2013,”

stated Harley.

Multiple roads were resurfaced or have been approved for

resurfacing as well. The roads include Collins Avenue from Watson Boulevard to

Wilson Drive. Sentry Oaks Drive and Davis Drive have been approved for

resurfacing.

Other improvements the city saw in 2012 include the addition

of sidewalks and curbing from Watson Boulevard to Church Street, extending the

sewer to Westside Baptist, and replacing and upgrading around 25 ire hydrants.

The annual lighted Christmas Parade was among the list of

successes for the city.

“It was a huge success thanks to our great staff,” he said.

The city was able to keep the existing millage rate the

same.

“Thanks to the planning of our staff and hard work of our City employees, we

were able to keep within our existing millage rate this year and still provide

full services to our customers, the citizens of the City,” stated Harley.

Although the city saw many improvements to its infrastructure during the year,

it is still faced with challenges of economic growth.

Harley said the major challenge has been “Promoting and securing economic

growth north of the Mall and in other applicable areas of the City.”

Next year, Harley said he is “Looking forward to addressing the major issue of

economic growth with an aggressive attitude focused at encouraging such growth.

 Also, thanks to the voters for the 2012 SPLOST we hope to begin, with

Houston County, the Gunn Road project (widening the street and piping the

ditches).”

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