MORGAN COUNTY
Madison Mayor Fred Perriman delivered his third annual State of the City Address before an almost packed house at the Madison-Morgan Cultural Center on March 13.
He got a chance to boast about Madison’s progress over the past year with council members Carrie Peters-Reid, Rick Blanton, and Betsy Wagenhauser in attendance, along with city manager John Klimm and city clerk Deborah Gilbert.
“Tonight is a celebration of spirit and success,” Perriman said in his opening remarks. “I’ll begin the evening by expressing my gratitude to my colleagues on the city council. It is an honor to serve with you. I thank you for your public service and your continuing efforts to make this community better.”
Perriman also praised the Morgan County Board of Education, the Morgan County Charter School System, and the Morgan County government for their roles in making Madison a successful municipality.
“First and foremost, we are blessed to be served by an incredible group of employees and volunteers who give their all each and every day,” Perriman said. “Our team of professionals is led by our city manager, John Klimm, who brings decades of experience to the job. He has pushed our staff to strive to be better every day, continually. Our management team is better, more productive, and more effective because of his leadership.
"John has recruited an all-star national team that is the envy of cities across the state: finance director Karen Stapp, planning director Monica Callahan, human resources director Karen Robertson, fire chief Brooks Pennington and fire marshal Gene Porter, our new director of public works Shawn Woods, buildings and grounds supervisor Erin Tewksbury, police chief Jon McIlvaine and city clerk Deborah Gilbert. You all serve this city so well.
“Madison is a dynamic and thriving community, but like all communities, we too face many challenges,” Perriman continued. “As a city, we must continue to provide quality services at an affordable rate. As a city, we must preserve and protect our nationally recognized beauty and uniqueness. As a city, we must continue to embrace our historic treasures, both the structures and institutions. But this is Madison; we have never backed down from a challenge.”
Perriman also mentioned a comprehensive study conducted last year that was designed to gather the opinions of Madison residents to aid the city council as the city moves forward.
“You didn’t hold back and we heard your voices loud and clear,” Perriman said. “My friends, you are the people who have made this great city what it is. You trust us as the stewards of your tax dollars to be used for the good of all. Last year, we promised to change our budget to be more transparent. And we did so. We were recognized nationally for our municipal budget innovation.”
Perriman highlighted the new stormwater utility program currently in the planning stages and a successful glass recycling program. He also mentioned the renaming of Wellington Park as Rodney Andrews Memorial Park in honor of one of Madison’s most esteemed citizens, as well as the new restroom facilities at Hill Park. He also discussed improvements to the city’s police and fire departments.
“This year, we pledge to open our first-ever Citizens Police Academy program, a program that will allow our citizens to engage in and improve the day-to-day operations of our police department,” Perriman said. “This year, we pledge to utilize data-driven solutions to optimize costs and operations at the Department of Public Works, including upgrades to our southside wastewater treatment plant. And this year, we intend to work with GDOT to improve the traffic flow through downtown.”
At the conclusion of his remarks, Perriman recognized several citizens for their positive impacts on the city, including Alfred Murray, Bromley Metz Kreikemeier, Ruth Barrow Bracewell, Ezelle Thomas, and Sonya Meyer.
Before Perriman began his address, members of American Legion Calvin George Post 37 presented the colors, followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance by Madison Girl Scout Troop No. 11315 and Madison Cub Scout Pack 91.
Kathy Hubbard sang the National Anthem, and Rev. Courtney Pittman of the Madison Presbyterian Church delivered the opening prayer.
A couple of musical selections from the Madison-Morgan Boys and Girls Club youth got the crowd in the mood to celebrate their city.
Patrick Yost, editor of The Morgan County Citizen, introduced the mayor.
Sponsors for the event included the Jim Boyd Agency, Terrell Enterprises, MAD Hospitality, Thomas Preston Real Estate, the Fierman Law Firm, Land Conrads Corporation, Madison Car Care, United Bank, Madison Rentals, Georgia Power, Zeb Grant Design, and Robert and Anne Trulock.