Mayor delivers State of the City, highlights fiscal reserves, SAFER grant and major permit year

Mayor Erin R. Easter presented a broad State of the City report at the March 2 council meeting, telling council members and residents the city remains fiscally sound while investing in capital projects, public safety and sustainability.

The mayor reported the rainy-day fund balance as $3,333,708.89 and said operating cash balances remain healthy. She noted the city secured a $2,500,000 SAFER grant intended to support hiring 12 sworn firefighters plus two additional support positions and that the city is recruiting 14 new firefighters in coordination with the Redevelopment Commission and the fire department.

Easter recapped infrastructure work including continued construction of a federally mandated wet-weather wastewater facility (substantial completion targeted by 2027), planned improvements to the Northside Regional Lift Station supported by a U.S. Department of Commerce cost-share grant, and decommissioning of a legacy waste lagoon to improve environmental stewardship.

The mayor also highlighted sustainability efforts: the Redevelopment Commission installed solar panels at multiple city facilities and the city diverted roughly 33% of its waste stream to renewable sources through recycling and composting programs. She further reported a record year in building permits — $670,000,000 in new permits issued in 2025, driven largely by home renovations, housing, health care and small-business development.

Easter closed by thanking city staff, boards and volunteers and by urging continued collaboration across city partners.