Hannah cites major accomplishments in annual address

The past year in Fairburn was, in many ways, a groundbreaking one in terms of growth, development and public safety. Those and other accomplishments were touted by Mayor Betty Hannah Jan. 9 in the annual State of the City address.

Hannah began her statements with an update on Fairburn’s dramatic population increase. That increase outstrips the forecast by Atlanta Regional Commission that projected Fairburn reaching a population of 10,000 in 2015.

“As of January 1 our population stands at 10,842,” Hannah said. “That is an increase of about 1,000 people since last year at this time and it is an increase of almost 5,500 people since the 2000 census. That means Fairburn has doubled in size in less than six years.”

Hannah said the city’s continued growth has been met with a firm determination to protect the quality of life, maintain fiscal responsibility and to provide creative leadership for the community and the region. Regarding fiscal matters, Hannah said Fairburn ended 2005 with strong cash reserves and a balanced budget.

“We have been able to reduce our property tax millage for the second straight year while we have gradually shifted the cost of government to user fees and away from taxes,” she said.

While in a growth mode for a number of years, 2005 was one that saw the beginning of unprecedented development. No where was that more evident than the annexation along Ga. Highway 74 and the announcement of one million feet of commercial space destined for the east side of Hwy. 74 between Milam Road and Oakley Industrial Boulevard. On either side of the upcoming development, said Hannah, are the Zaxby’s Restaurant, the Wingate Inn, now nearing completion and construction of the Black Jack Motorcycles showroom.

Other developments included the emergence of a 600,000-square-foot warehouse under construction by Simmons Vedder on Creekwood adjacent to the S. C. Johnson distribution facility, the expansion of Impreglon on Hwy. 74 and plans for a new industrial complex at Fairburn Industrial and Howell Avenue, Hannah said. Also in November 2005 was the opening of the long-awaited Durham Lakes Golf Course and the city’s new Learning Annex on Washington Street, she said.

Another milestone, potentially affecting every Fairburn resident was the completion of a thorough inventory and mapping of city facilities which led to the upgrading of the E-911 system, now considered one of the best in the state, Hannah said. The accomplishments of 2005, she predicted, will not end with the completion of the calendar year.

“We witnessed spectacular accomplishments during 2005 but we are confident that in 2006 the results are going to be even more impressive,” said Hannah. “First and foremost, we are going to takeover the operation of the Fire Department and make it one of the very best in the state. And due to the fine efforts of our Police Department, crime in Fairburn declined in 2005 and in 2006, through a new proactive Community Policing program, we expect to see even more positive results in all areas of the community.”

Hannah said infrastructure improvements are also scheduled for 2006. Those include improvements to roads, water and sewer lines and stormwater facilities along with electric, cable television and Internet systems. Rounding out the infrastructure improvements will be the completion of the old freight depot for use in downtown development efforts, she said.

“While Fairburn is a relatively small community, we have been able to combine visionary planning, effective development, common sense government and fiscal responsibility into a program that has established our community as a major leader in the Atlanta metro area,” she said. “Fairburn is a great community with exceptional citizens, wonderful neighborhoods, a proud heritage and a bountiful future. I firmly believe we have the strength and character, not only to be the best community in South Fulton, but the best community in the state.”