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State of Hinesville Addressby Mayor James Thomas, Jr.
Liberty County Chamber of CommerceProgress Through People Luncheon
April 30, 2015
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
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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
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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
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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