Mayor highlights water projects, new jobs and park upgrades in Batesville State of the City address

The mayor of Batesville delivered the annual State of the City address, saying the city has completed major steps to secure its water and wastewater systems and is pursuing projects to sustain growth.

"I'm deeply thankful for the opportunity and I never take this responsibility lightly," the mayor said, opening the address and thanking city employees and council members for their work. He noted the city is building a new water treatment plant and intake system intended to ensure a reliable water supply for future generations and thanked residents for approving bond refinancing to help pay for infrastructure improvements.

The mayor announced Batesville recently received a letter saying the city is off a consent administrative order tied to wastewater compliance. He credited the water department and construction crews, noting staff inspected sewer lines with camera work before beginning construction, and thanked employees for bringing the city into compliance.

Riverside Park is undergoing a multi-phase redevelopment, the mayor said: an event center, pickleball and tennis courts, a new skate park (complete but temporarily closed during surrounding construction), and this summer the city expects to begin work on a splash pad, an inclusive playground, new restrooms and a pavilion.

On economic development, the mayor said the city issued more than $70 million in building permits in the past year, pointing to new apartment developments, retail projects including a new Sonic and a Slim Chickens, and the LaCroix Precision Optics facility that broke ground and is expected to bring about 107 new jobs. He also cited recent investments downtown, including White River Health’s new oncology wing and LA Plus occupying a former bank building.

The mayor recalled last April’s flooding and earlier 1982 floods, praised city staff for monitoring river levels and operating floodgates, and acknowledged FEMA’s role in developing the levee system. He said the city had to have the levee recertified in recent years and commended staff for preparedness work.

The mayor described a Veterans Memorial Park proposal that was unanimously approved by the City Council and is now in fundraising, encouraging residents to purchase commemorative bricks to support the project.

He honored several recent retirements and the memory of four city employees who died in the past year, thanking their families and noting two sons of a former sanitation employee continue to work for the city.

Addressing budgetary pressures, the mayor warned that inflation has driven up costs for insurance, health care, equipment and public safety vehicles. He said police vehicles that once cost about $26,000–$30,000 now run closer to $50,000; he described the challenge of replacing an older fire tower truck and cited differing cost estimates during his remarks.

The mayor said sales tax revenue remains solid and pledged that the administration and council will continue to manage resources carefully to protect the city’s long-term stability. He closed by urging residents to support local projects and thanking attendees for their service to Batesville.

The address concluded with an invitation to a reception where pizza and drinks were available.