He said despite the economic downturn, the revenue for the city continues to hold steady.
“We’re pleased with our revenue when we look at other cities,” he said.
Hereford said the city’s revenue is down but only slightly.
He said city revenue is down about 1.57 percent from the same time last year.
“I think we’re actually in better shape than last year,” Hereford said, adding that city officials are watching every dollar they spend and are trying to get the most out of the taxpayers’ money. “We have tried to watch every dollar.”
Hereford said he believes the new hospital is still on the horizon for the city, as well as the new Veteran’s Administration nursing home.
“We have two industrial projects in the works,” Hereford told a room full of people at the Rotary Club meeting, which was held at the Pell City Civic Center Tuesday.
He said officials from two German companies are currently eyeing Pell City. He said a new 21-bed assistant living facility is open and site work for a new apartment complex along 19th Street is under way.
Hereford said his new job as mayor is challenging.
“There have been times where I’ve gone home and lost sleep many a night,” he said. “I guess it goes with the turf.”
Hereford said he has an excellent council, but not everyone always agree.
“By and large, we come out with better decisions,” he said. “There is not rubber stamping. I guarantee you that.”
Hereford said sewer and water continue to be the two top priorities for the city.
He said the city has moved forward with condemning the old Avondale well, and he expects the city to eventually own the well site.
“We expect to become owners of that well in August,” Hereford said.
He also pointed out the city is a member of the Coosa Water Supply District, which is now in the process of accepting and opening bids for a new regional surface water treatment facility.
“We will have adequate water supply in the future,” Hereford said.
He said the city is expected to secure a low interest $18 million loan from the state revolving fund to help repair the aging sewer system.
The city is under a consent order by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management because of sewer overflow problems throughout the city. The city has until 2012 to complete all the work in the consent agreement.
“There’s a strong chance that part of the $18 million will be forgiven with stimulus money,” Hereford said Tuesday.
