Purdie believes this is a “year of great promise” for Clinton

By Randy Bell

In his State of the City address, Mayor Will Purdie promised that Clinton will build on recent successes “by continuing to invest in infrastructure, enhancing quality of life for our residents and strengthening city services.”

In a six-minute video posted on the City’s Facebook page March 17, Purdie talked about some of last year’s accomplishments and plans for the future.

The mayor says work that’s underway on the Clinton Raymond Bolton Wastewater Authority’s Big Black pipeline project represents the largest infrastructure project in the city’s history and “is vital to our ability to grow and develop in the future.”  The pipeline will carry treated sewage from the three municipalities to the Big Black River for disposal.

In his speech, Purdie noted that the City has set aside $300,000 this year to begin work on drainage projects, using a study by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a guide.  And he said Clinton has budgeted $1 million for paving projects and hopes to capture additional funding from matching grants.

While pointing out the parks and recreation improvements which have been paid for with revenue from the City’s restaurant tax, the mayor noted that a four-year extension of the tax authorization will be on the ballot June 9.

“I encourage the citizens to consider the excellent projects afforded the City by the 2 per cent special restaurant tax and to reauthorize it,” he said.

Purdie said Clintonians can expect continued excellence from their police and fire departments.

“The police department remains focused on staying ahead of crime, not simply reacting to it.”

And he said the fire department “will continue leveraging data and technology to enhance response efficiency and grow community risk reduction efforts.”

The mayor pointed out that the City is in the process of updating its comprehensive plan, which guides land use, growth, transportation and community facilities.

“Public surveys and hearings will provide additional opportunities for community feedback,” he said.

Purdie said the Public Works Department will be conducting an educational campaign as it tries to prevent damage to Clinton’s wastewater system, while prioritizing early identification of sewer line issues and timely repairs to prevent larger system failures.

The mayor wrapped up his speech saying, “I believe 2026 is a year of great promise for the City of Clinton.  Everyone in City government stands ready to do everything necessary to ensure Clinton residents continue to enjoy the exceptional community that we all love.”