Mayor's Message

Being able to rely on the accuracy of the information I relay to our citizens is one of my top priorities as your mayor.

 









News from the Mayor Archive


Aug 31

September Economic Development Partnership Meeting

Posted on August 31, 2023 at 10:16 AM by John Shelton


The next Economic Development Partnership Meeting will be held at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 5, 2023in the Nancy Roberts Meeting room at the Corsicana Public Library, 100 North 12th Street.  Any citizen interested in the economic development initiatives is invited to participate.

 

AGENDA

 

Reports

 

•     Good News  -  Mayor Mike Fletcher

•     Economic Development  -  Connie Standridge

•     Housing  -  Aric Bonner

•     New Business  -  Darwin Myers

•     Downtown and Tourism – Amy Tidwell

•     Chamber of Commerce Update – Ken Higdon

•     Navarro College – Dr. Kevin Fegan

 

Special Topics

 

•     Johnny Mahurien, ISCO-Pipe


 

(A quorum of the City of Corsicana City Council may be in attendance.)

 

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  The live broadcast of the meeting can be viewed on the City of Corsicana website at:

 

            www.cityofcorsicana.com

            Choose “Broadcasts”

            Under “Live Broadcasts Meetings” – 

 ---  Click on “Economic Development Meeting” to view the meeting.

 

(Recorded meetings can also be viewed any time after the meeting at this same location.)

Aug 22

Annual Budget Planning Process

Posted on August 22, 2023 at 2:44 PM by John Shelton

After almost four months as your new Mayor, I am writing to you today to shed light on an essential aspect of city governance - the annual budget planning process.

 

As you may already know, a city's budget is not just a mere fiscal outline; it is a comprehensive management and planning guide that determines how the city will utilize its financial resources in a manner that benefits each and every one of its citizens.  It serves as a roadmap for the City Council, and department heads to collaboratively make informed decisions that aim to maintain and enhance the well-being of the community.

 

To achieve this, we hold a workshop annually, where city leadership analyzes and forecasts the upcoming year's expenditures and revenues.  Since resources are not limitless, budgets play a pivotal role in identifying and prioritizing the goals and objectives that will have the highest positive impact on the community.

 

With careful consideration, the leadership creates a budget that aligns with their vision and encompasses the necessary provisions to accomplish target projects.  The initial budget workshop takes place in June, where we lay the groundwork and engage with department heads to address specific needs, such as personnel training, capital equipment and projects, and essential business travel for the upcoming year or two.

 

City funds primarily come from the General Fund, which is the main operating reserve.  It funds foundational community services and utilizes a significant portion of the City's tax revenue to ensure the smooth functioning of public safety, parks and recreation, library services, street maintenance, and vital support functions.  The major revenue sources for the General Fund include Property Tax, Sales Tax and Franchise fees.

 

To ensure financial transparency and accountability, the financial planning undergoes rigorous review by the Council.  The City Manager carefully analyzes available funds and revenue projections, taking into account historical trends and the property values provided by the Navarro Central Appraisal District.  The Council then uses these values to set property tax rates.  It is worth mentioning that the budget allocates funds specifically for certain departments, in accordance with state laws.   After all the financial elements fall into place, the budget is thoroughly reviewed and the final version is passed, approved, and adopted by the City Council in September. 

 

In conclusion, I want to emphasize the utmost importance of a balanced budget for the continuous prosperity and development of the city. While we consider various factors and refine our financial plans throughout the year, the final numbers guarantee that Corsicana will evolve as a thriving community that caters to the needs and aspirations of the citizens.

 

Thank you for your attention, and please feel free to reach out to me if you have any further questions or concerns regarding the budget planning process.

Aug 22

Three Month Update

Posted on August 22, 2023 at 11:54 AM by John Shelton

Nearing the end of my first three months in office, I just wanted to share my thoughts so far.   

I have spent my time learning the Mayor’s roles and responsibilities (still a long way to go), meeting with key city leaders and employees, attending meetings, speaking at luncheons and much more.   I attended the new Pickle Ball Zone Grand Opening at Fullerton-Garitty Park, the dedication of the new Table Tennis Table at Community Park, attended some of the Juneteenth festivities at the new G.W. Jackson Legacy Park, and finally, attended the wonderful Freedom Festival Fireworks Show at IOOF Park.  There are a lot of citizens and city leaders that make this all possible, just way too many to name.  

After attending several of the most recent Economic Development Meetings, I can tell you that Corsicana and Navarro county are in a very good place at this time.  Our economy is solid and growing.  Most of the economic indicators are on track with Texas’ indicators, which are among the best in the nation.  If you want to know what is happening here, this is a great monthly meeting to attend.  

Living here now for over twenty years, my family and I have loved being a part of this community.   This is a great place to live, work, raise a family or even retire.  I will also tell you over the past twenty years, Corsicana has continued to make improvements in many areas and has great plans to continue to do so.  

I am mostly an optimist, but I also know Corsicana and Navarro County have a lot of areas of concern as well, like most cities and counties do.  I am open to listening to your ideas to help make this an even better place to live.  Our city leaders welcome your thoughts and ideas as well.  

Finally, I am most proud that we have so many wonderful citizens that give back every day!   Again, way, way too many to name.    My request of each and every citizen would be to donate your time to a great cause, volunteer at your church or a civic organization, donate money, food or clothing to those in need, or just do something positive to make a difference.   If there are areas in our communities that you believe can be better, you can make a difference as much as anyone else.  Everyone doing just a little would go such a long way to making Corsicana and Navarro County an even better place to live for generations to come.   

Most of all, just be Positive!  Positivity is contagious!  There are so many reasons to love living here that far outweigh anything else.  

I appreciate your support.  

God Bless You.