MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
January 1, 2013

I am pleased to report the City of Temple is showing signs of recovery from the economic downturn which began in 2008. We have been able to maintain a competitive tax rate and enjoy a balanced budget where spending equaled revenues. We were also able to improve service delivery to our residents with no additional tax increase. I am happy to report that the City of Temple is in excellent fiscal health.

Economic development continues to be a high priority in these uncertain economic times. We continue to entertain potential new businesses looking at locating within the City. I recently sat in on meetings with two major international companies which are considering Temple in the near future. I hope to have a major announcement soon. I want to thank the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce, Carroll Tommorow and the Governor's Office of Economic Development for their foresight in steering local, state, national and international companies to our fine City. As we begin to experience much needed growth, it is incumbent on us to manage growth in a positive manner and I have every confidence we will. We want to retain our warm and friendly hometown feel. However, we also realize we must continue a pattern of smart growth to keep the tax burden off our many fine residents. A balance between smart growth and management of our assets is vital to the stability of Temple and we pledge to make this happen.

Thanks to our partners on the Carroll County Commission for their continued support in service delivery strategies. Our Recreation Department continues to grow annually and our Senior Citizens Facility is a huge success. The new SPLOST money from the County created a user friendly walking trail for all ages. Thanks to Carroll County for paving Oak Shade Road, one of our lone remaining dirt roads. This arterial street connects Villa Rosa Road and US 78 providing a much needed connector street for our residents.

The City approved an ordinance for the operation of golf carts within the City on a restricted basis. After receiving several requests to allow golf carts, the Council agreed and approved this much needed ordinance. This new mode of transportation will make some of our neighborhoods more accessible and create connectivity in a green mode of transportation. It is also our way of being proactive in finding new ways to go green.

We still remain committed to improving the quality of life in our community and to be good stewards of public tax monies and other sources of revenue. And as we so fondly like to say “If you haven’t visited Temple lately, you are missing the best kept secret in west Georgia”.