FORHAN HIGHLIGHTS SCOTT CITY IN SPEECH TO CHAMBER

SCOTT CITY -- Approval of riverboat gambling, hiring of a city administrator and financial reserves highlight Scott City government, Mayor Larry Forhan told Chamber of Commerce members Tuesday night.

The gambling boat, approved by voters in April, will have positive effects on the region, Forhan said.

There are 800 to 1,500 jobs projected from a riverboat here, the mayor said. All of the workers will not just come from Scott City, but from an area up to 50 miles away, he said.

"Businesses will profit from this, especially restaurants," Forhan said. "We know we're getting a motel, outlet mall, golf course and sports complex."

With natural growth from gambling, the city will be able to meet some of its infrastructure needs for streets and sewers, Forhan said. In addition, the council has agreed to reduce local property taxes as funds are received from the gambling boat.

"One of the city's most important moves in the past year was naming a city administrator," Forhan said. "We had a lot of good candidates, and we got the best of the best. John Saxton brings a wealth of experience to the position in terms of handling personnel and city government."

Forhan complimented councilwoman Brenda Moyers, chairman of the city's administrative committee, for her role in securing the city administrator. Forhan said she found the money in the budget for the position and followed through to make it happen.

The city had a surplus in its funds last year and another one is expected this year, Forhan said. He said he was looking forward to working with the city administrator in keeping the budget current.

Forhan said there were problems in the police department last year that were handled in the proper manner. He said some new, young officers, who are learning every day as they protect the city, are doing a good job. He said Police Chief Danny Clubb was doing an excellent job.

The department needs some bullet-proof vests that are available with some new technology, Forhan said. He asked the businesses to consider making a donation when they receive a call about the vests.

On the negative side, a lot of the city's 96 miles of streets need work, Forhan said. He said the $1.3 million grant for streets in the industrial park off Nash Road will help that area a lot.

Forhan said efforts are under way to upgrade the salary schedule. He said wages are low compared to other areas and the city can't afford to continue being a training ground for police and public works employees.