2014 State of the City Address

Mediocrity or excellence was the question Huntington’s Mayor Steve Williams asked during Friday’s State of the City Address.

Williams said he has a clear and precise vision for making Huntington the most superior city in the region.

“I signed up for excellence a year ago knowing we would have to make decisions that are uncommon and often times unexplored,” said Williams during his speech.

Williams reviewed the successes and downfalls of the previous year and laid out his plan for 2014. Williams said the city’s budget is tight, but he is willing to stretch the dollar to find new and innovative ways to improve the city.

“We will ring every drop of water out of the rag,” Williams said during his speech.

Williams discussed his desire for the Floodwall and Stormwater divisions to be transferred to the Sanitary Board in order to address issues of flooding and sewers in a more efficient and cost effective manner. He said this merge would solve flooding issues faster, making Huntington more appealing to outsiders.

The city was given the green light Monday to begin the demolition of Northcott Court and redevelop it into a commercial zone. Those living in Northcott Court would be relocated to the Fairfield area. In his address, Williams said he expects $60 million to be invested in the development of the Fairfield neighborhood.

Williams said the Department of Public Works is the most staffed it has been in years. He said the fire department is funded at a level that ensures all stations are properly staffed and can remain open. Williams said that with 111 sworn officers, the Huntington Police Department is the highest it has been staffed in more than 30 years.

Those in attendance applauded Williams after he announced his plan for using some of the city’s budget to give a 3 percent pay raise for all bargaining unit employees and administrative personnel. Williams said these employees have not had a raise since 2008.

Williams said the fiscal condition and state of the city is sound and the strongest it has been in several years. Councilman at Large Dave Ball said Williams is the most financially capable mayor Huntington has had in years.

“He’s being fiscally responsible. He has shown us throughout this entire process that he is that kind of mayor. He is a responsible mayor. He will not just foolishly waste citizens’ money,” Ball said after Williams’ address.

Williams said the biggest obstacle in 2014 will be to determine how the city should respond to what can no longer be ignored. He said 2014 must be devoted to utilizing what was done in 2013 and address familiar problems that are corrosive to the city’s psyche.