Mayor’s Message
Dear Friends,
In 2009 Sherman’s city council and city staff committed to living within our means, focusing on necessities, keeping taxes low and fulfilling promised investments for Sherman’s future. This resulted in Sherman’s bond rating increasing to AA status, its best rating ever. In 2010, your city council reduced annual expenditures while remaining committed to “finishing what we started” within budget and in a timely manner.
2010 will mark the completion of more than $31 million in capital projects designed to enhance our quality of life. Low taxes, abundant water supplies, ongoing capital improvements, sound infrastructure and amenities make Sherman an attractive place to live and do business. Our fiscally conservative approach has ensured that Sherman is in great financial shape, maintaining a balanced budget with ample reserves as we look forward to 2010.
We are continuing Sherman’s historic commitment to maintaining a superior water and sewer system. We invested $15 million to upgrade our water treatment plant and complete the expansion of Sherman’s water system down Highway 82 to our new western border, Highway 289 and north to the intersection of F.M. 691 and Highway 75. Sewer service to our Northern Gateway along Highway 75 will be completed this year allowing Sherman businesses to capitalize on the new development opportunities available from Highway 82 to F.M. 691.
Sherman is well-positioned to provide water to its industries, citizens and neighbors now and in the future. Working with regional and state leaders, especially State Representative Larry Phillips, we formed the Red River Ground Water Conservation District, thereby ensuring local control of our ground water. A top priority for 2010 is to acquire Sherman’s remaining allocation of surface water from Lake Texoma. We appreciate Congressman Ralph Hall’s ongoing support of this vital project.
We are investing $12 million in our roads and thoroughfares. In 2008, we lowered property taxes by 20% and shifted sales tax revenues while planning to rebuild sixteen miles of aging roads. 2009 presented an opportunity to expand that program to twenty-five miles for the same price. As we rebuild our roads, we are replacing aging water and sewer infrastructure so that ongoing maintenance costs are lowered and service to our citizens enhanced.
Austin College and the City partnered to better link downtown and our Central Business District to College Park through the renovation and beautification of Brockett Street. This project will be completed this spring. We are also expanding Washington and Lamberth streets westward from Heritage Parkway (F.M. 1417) to our city limits, literally paving the way for our next wave of residential development. Finally, Canyon Creek Drive was extended so Sherman residents can enjoy newly renovated Pecan Grove Park.
We opened two new parks in 2009. Phase 1 of Pecan Grove Park/Dean Gilbert Lake includes hike and bike trails, a small playground and picnic facilities. Phase 2, which encompasses an outdoor amphitheater and fishing piers, will be completed this fall. The Center Street athletic complex and multi-use sports facility at Binkley Park opened this summer and is enjoyed by all of Sherman residents. Our $4.3 million investment in quality of life amenities added 135 acres to our park network, increased green space by 50% and dramatically improved the quality of our parks.
After a record-setting 2008, the Sherman Economic Development Corporation, (SEDCO), recruited nearly 160 new regional jobs and increased capital investment by $4.3 million. Carrus Specialty Hospital, opening in 2010, will add an additional $11 million in capital investment and nearly 100 new jobs. These projects will incorporate 250 new jobs and more than $15 million in capital investment.
2009 marked significant improvement in Sherman’s downtown Central Business District. Our policy to provide incentives to capitalists investing in downtown resulted in the renovation and opening of a new retail center on the square. We added planters and benches and will continue the “street-scaping” around the square in 2010. Be assured that your city council is committed to protecting and strengthening Downtown Sherman’s economic base.
Despite the current economic uncertainty, Sherman’s city council will continue to proactively prepare for the growth coming our way. 2010 priorities include acquiring additional Lake Texoma surface water, implementing our comprehensive master plan through the upgrading of our Southern Gateway and continuing our city’s expansion while maximizing Sherman’s resources for the good of its citizens. We will continue to focus on necessities and be fiscally conservative while maintaining a balanced budget, adequate reserves and low property taxes.
Thank you for your support and for making Sherman a better place to live. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
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