As the national economy tries to figure out which "r-word" defines its direction for the next period ("recession" or "recovery"), citizens ask:  "is the City of Emporia prepared for the change in economy, whatever direction it takes?"

The answer is "yes".   

Economic Preparedness

If the economy declines and the number of local jobs shrink, the City is in as good a position as ever to ride out the downturn.  While some Emporia manufacturing plants have experienced reduced shifts and layoffs in the last several months, others are gearing up for expansion and can take advantage of skilled workers looking for jobs.  Fortunately, Emporia is not a "company town," but rather a city with many different manufacturing sectors that are able to adjust and absorb job losses in other sectors.

• Retail Growth - In August 2004, the City took in over $107,300 in sales tax revenue.  This means retail sales topped $10 million for the month.  It is no aberration, the City's retail sales are averaging $9.9 million a month for the fiscal year.  Commercial developers have continued to speculate the construction of new stores and even occupying vacant downtown storefronts.

Infrastructure Preparedness

• Water & Sewer Improvements - If the economy grows in the coming months and we experience even more commercial growth and manufacturing expansion, the City has proven itself ready for new demands on infrastructure.  In the fall of 2005,  the City will complete a $1.8M improvement to its Wastewater Treatment Plant enabling it to dispose of solids with the latest technology.  This technology eliminates the need for the presently used 22 acre pond.   This will be the first system of this kind in the state of Virginia.

Service Delivery Preparedness

The City implemented several improvements to municipal services in 2004 to better prepare it for the changing demands of a new economy.

• Commercial Sanitation Improvements - It upgraded its sanitation service with the purchase of a new commercial Loader Refuse Vehicle with Cart Dumpers and new Six Wheel Regenerative Air Street Sweeper.  At $2 per cubic yard per pick-up, the City's sanitation rates are still less than half the competitive rate of private contractors.

• Law Enforcement - The Police Department held its first Citizen's Police Academy class in 2000.  This is an ongoing program that begins around the end of January and is held one night a week for 10-12 weeks.  This gives interested citizens and up-close look at the legal and practical aspects of law enforcement during an eleven week course.  Graduates of the program also receive continuing education credits.  

• Fire Services - In the fall of 2005, the City will add a new $245,000 pumper to its fleet of fire protection equipment.  The 2005 Pierce Contender model carries 1,000 gallons of water  in an on-board tank.  
  
  Along with the Greensville Rescue Squad, the City enjoys the benefit of having over 74 men and women on-call 24-hours-per-day to respond to emergencies.  City Council recognizes the fiscal impact of having this service provided by volunteers and strives to foster a positive and productive relationship with both groups.

• Staff Training - City employees are learning that every job requires leadership and team skills in order for the City to be a productive and efficient organization.  The nature of work has evolved so that the old pyramid-shaped organization - where leadership is exhibited by a few at the top and technical tasks are done by the masses at the bottom are obsolete.

Conclusion

Your City government constantly strives to improve itself and prepare for change - whatever change the national economy may bring.  We are confident that the City of Emporia can rise to succeed in any challenge it may face in 2006!

View 2003-2004 Highlights