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With the campaigns of many candidates in full swing and all eyes on the July 14^th election, I feel that it is important to continue communications with my constituents as I have done over the past four years.  Much is being said and will be said about plans for a long-term water solution, sewage, education and many other issues the people of Dothan hold dear to their hearts.  I feel that it is important to point out that most of the issues my challengers are using to serve as their platforms are issues that we (the Mayor, Commissioners and City Manager) have already addressed and will continue to address during my tenure in office.

I would like to take this time to share with you the facts as well as my thoughts on just a few of these issues.  While we may not all always agree, you can bet that I will always listen to you, the constituents of District 5, and represent your opinions, ideas and best interests as your Commissioner.  If you have a particular question or issue you would like to discuss, please feel free to call me at 798-3599 or send me an email at taylorbarbaree@aol.com.

Appreciate the opportunity to serve,

Taylor

Sewage Solutions

The solution for this problem will involve the decommissioning of the Beaver Creek plant and increasing the capacity at the Little Choctawhatchee Waste Water Treatment Plant from 5 MGD to 12MGD.  We currently lose approximately $5 million per year on sewage (which is offset by sales tax and electrical revenues).  At a total cost of approximately $46 million, the new WWTP project will cost about $3.5 million in debt service each year.  For more information, please contact me and I will be glad to meet with anyone interested in learning more about the decommissioning of Beaver Creek Waste Water Treatment Plant.

Water Solutions 

The intermediate solution to our water needs has been identified as a surface water treatment plant on the Chattahoochee River to complement our well water.  By partnering with Houston County, we will take care of our water needs for the next 30 to 50 years.  The project is estimated to cost $60 million.  In 2006, the Commission voted unanimously to place $500,000 annually in reserve for short-term and long-term water projects.

For more information regarding a long-term water solution, please visit: http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/local/article/city_seeking_grant_to_fund_initial_work_on_chattahoochee_withdrawal/74920/ or go to taylorbarbaree.com and visit the In the News section.

Education System

Education is certainly the backbone of our society.  Nothing can take the place of a good education.  Educated young people are our future leaders.  I am a strong proponent of good schools, good teachers and good opportunities for our children.  Having said that, it is important to point out what the City can and cannot do when it comes to our local public schools. 

The Dothan City School System is governed by an elected board.  It operates autonomously from the City of Dothan.  However, I believe communication with the elected representatives on the School Board is paramount.  The Dothan City School Board and the Dothan City Commission must communicate and work together to ensure that our public school system is doing all that it can for our children and the community.

Utilizing revenue from the 2007 Sales Tax, the City has increased its commitment to education by increasing funding to the schools.  We are now able to commit an additional $1 million per year to our schools.  In total, the City of Dothan provides $3.8 million in cash and approximately $4 million in-kind per year to our School System. 

Additionally, as a proud parent of a student in one our public schools, I believe in the current grass-roots effort of Dothan's citizens involved in "Yes We Can!" and actively serve on one of the program's committees.

City Landfill

The estimated number of years remaining in the use of our City landfill is five years.  Given this information, the current Commission has been diligent in setting aside funds ($500,000/yr) in preparation for the closing of the current facility and the opening of a new landfill.  It will cost approximately $5 million to properly close the existing landfill and another $5 million to permit and open a new one. 

Of course, another option for the residents of Dothan is to not open a new landfill and contract with a private hauler, like Houston County does.  However, City residents do not currently pay a garbage fee and a private contract would certainly impose such a fee.

While the City of Dothan is not to the point that a new landfill is currently warranted, this Commission has made the best business decision possible by setting aside reserves to meet the challenge when it does occur.  Plus, our pilot Recycling Program is saving valuable landfill space.  This pilot program was approved by a 5-2 vote of the Commission, and currently offers curb-side recycling in select subdivisions throughout the city.  The objective of the pilot program is to gauge resident interest, while your city government continues to review the program.  My goal is to have curb-side recycling, if the budget allows, in all of the District 5 neighborhoods by 2011.

Roads and Bridges

We have been able to plan and properly budget for road resurfacing projects because of the additional monies provided through the 2007 Sales Tax revenues.  We have also been able to work with the county and complete a long needed bridge project on Brannon Stand Road.  Our city's road maintenance helps save lives and millions of tax dollars every year.  Since 2005, we have resurfaced more than 67 miles of city streets.

Fiscal Responsibility

I am proud to announce that we have been able to retire more than $9 million of our city's debt over the past four years.  To be able to make this kind of debt retirement required some strict budget management and spending cuts.  Nearly every department in the city has been cut without the elimination of jobs.  We have made these cuts while still delivering the level of services our citizens expect and deserve.  Additionally, as a result of this planning, your city government has been able to remain stable while other municipalities our size are struggling.

For more information regarding cuts in the City budget, please visit: http://www.dothaneagle.com/dea/news/local/article/city_looks_for_ways_to_cut_expenses/73114/ or go to taylorbarbaree.com and visit the In the News section.

Economic Development

It was recently announced that Dothan obtained the ranking of 8th lowest cost area to live in the United States.  Additionally, the Dothan area remains well below the national and state averages in unemployment levels at 6.8 percent for the county and 7.2 percent for the Dothan metro area. In comparison, the state's rate is 9 percent and the national rate is 8.9 percent.  While the general global economy is flat, Dothan continues to attract retirees and recruit technical-skilled laborers to meet the medical, industrial and commercial needs of the area.

Additionally, we continue to add diversity to our overall economy.  Through proactive small business and entrepreneurial development finance programs, Dothan is growing the self-employment sector at approximately 300 entities per year and adding more than 100 business establishments per year.  The significance of the 300 self-employment entities is that eventually these grow to be employers serving niche markets in the tri-states area.

The public/private toll road continues to move forward, with Florida communities being the key to provide the link from Montgomery to Dothan to the Gulf Coast.  This will open our transportation access up to compliment economic development and international business opportunities ranging from Cuba to South America.  The City is involved with the State of Alabama with its Freight Mobility study that will help enhance the free flow of goods and products via rail, air and ground.

During my four years as your City Commissioner, I have been fortunate to be involved in the recruiting of potential industries to Dothan.  While most of these industries find us an attractive place to live, we cannot compete with other areas in the tri-state region because of the lack of interstate access.  Your city government and the business community must work together to bring interstate access to the Gulf Coast area to Dothan.