Milestones
Weekly Update #231 6/23/2024 to 6/29/2024
For the third time in four and a half years, and the seventh time since 2007, Seymour has reached a notable milestone. Before that, let me share some of my week serving as mayor of the best small town in America.
The last council meeting wrapped up the review of the sewer and trash rates that council recommended in 2021. In 2021, council had to vote on a substantial increase in sanitary sewer and trash rates. At that time, it was recommended that we review the rates every three years. Late in 2023 I initiated the review process with a rate study on sanitary, storm, and trash rates to bring them to council in 2024 for their action. Storm and trash rates were set a few weeks ago, but due to a mailing error, sanitary had to be delayed. After brief discussion the council voted to raise the rate 0.5% per year for the next three years for a total of 1.5%. We will continue to explore cost saving options over the next three years as we approach the next review.
This week at the Board of Public Works and Safety meeting the Notice to Proceed was given to Dave O’Mara contractors for Crossroads Community Matching Grant 2024-1. Earlier this year we were awarded the max amount of $1.5 million to work on $3 million worth of road work over the next 18 months. I won’t dive into the several months worth of process to get to this point, but I do look forward to construction starting. Since 2020 we have been awarded 98.73% of the possible $5.5 million in CCMG funds with 2024 being our largest award ever. Good work to the Seymour team on this accomplishment.
Recently, Vital Farms made a major industrial announcement here in Seymour. They will be expanding their operations with construction of Egg Central Station Seymour. The facility will process pasture-raised eggs brought from up to 165 smaller farms from around the region. As I set out to learn more about the company I found that they seem to really care about their employees, the environment, and the communities they do business in. If you are a farmer with 52 acres or more, check them out and see if you can do business together. Thank you to the Vital Farms team for choosing Seymour, and thank you to everyone who worked on our end to help land this major investment.
Back to the opening line, for the third time since my time started as mayor we have promised industrial investments of over $100 million. Half way into 2024 we have promised investments of $187.2 million which is over $10 million above 2013, the previous best year. The year 2024 will also be the seventh time since 2007 that we have seen investments over $100 million. The interesting part is that the almost $84 million just announced by Vital Farms is not part of the 2024 total as it is projected after the end of the year. This year's investments are from current employers expanding and updating their facilities. Thank you to everyone from employees to employers for your investments into our community, big and small. We would not be where we are without you. Today, I will leave you with a quote from Nelson Mandela as we celebrate this milestone and remember we are still preparing for the future, "Remember to celebrate milestones as you prepare for the road ahead."