Mountain Home Mayor Joe Dillard delivered his annual State of the City Address to the Mountain Home City Council at their regular meeting Thursday night. In his address, the mayor spoke of the accomplishments of each of the city departments; streets, water, fire, police, parks and recreation and building inspection.
The mayor feels 2016 was a good year for the city thanks to city employees, citizens, business owners and especially volunteers. In 2016, Mountain Home was again awarded the Volunteer City of the Year by Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson.
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Other highlights of 2016, according to Dillard, include the donation of the land for McCabe Park by Mrs. Jerry Baker and her family.
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Looking forward, Dillard says two big events are coming to Mountain Home in 2017 including the 13 year old Babe Ruth World Series in August where 10 years will be competing for the World Series title. The mayor says this event alone will bring between 500 and 700 visitors to the community.
Another big event in June is a free medical clinic provided by the United States military.
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In other business Thursday night, the city council members, with Nancy Osmon and Wayne Almond absent, unanimously passed an ordinance on all three readings to purchase a used hydraulic excavator. They also unanimously approved a 30 day extension to Freedom’s Landing to complete construction.
Prior to the meeting Dillard, City Clerk Brian Plumlee and five council members toured Freedom’s Landing, the renovated property that was once Creekside Apartments. Dillard praised the work the owner, Freedom Hobbs, saying as mayor, he is proud of the development.
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Dillard says all the apartments have been renovated with new appliances, including full size washers and dryers. He says the swimming pool has been restored with new lining, concrete and landscaping. When completed, there will also be an exercise facility in the building which formerly housed a Laundromat.
In other business, request from Anne Heenan regarding future annexations was deferred to a future meeting.
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