Imperial County Board of Supervisors Chairman Michael Kelley gives the state of the county address Thursday evening. (Elizabeth Varin) |
Public works, health programs, the public benefit agreement and the robust year of the farming industry were some of the themes that stood out during the state of the county address made Thursday by Mike Kelley, chairman of the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.
The event took place at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro. Council members, city managers, judges and various county officials were seen talking in the halls while waiting for the welcoming remarks of deputy County Executive Officer Andy Horne.
“Well, this is the hour you have all been waiting for,” said Horne as he introduced Kelley, whose speech was similar to the one he gave to COLAB members less than a week ago.
But similarities aside, Kelley’s speech was somewhat longer and more in-depth thanks to a slideshow presentation that elucidated many of the issues he talked about.
Kelley started by recanting past economic growth. Five years ago, “We seemed to be poised to move forward with many economic development opportunities,” he said.
But then “financial calamities” occurred, Kelley said. Still, “We are hopeful that the coming year will bring at least a beginning to the end of this regrettable and unforgettable era.”
And signs of improvement are already seen in job creation, construction, retail and renewable energy development, according to Kelley.
But difficulties remain.
“Last year Sacramento gave us a state budget that transferred many state programs to county governments, but failed to provide any ongoing funding stream,” Kelley said, and unless the state is able to balance the budget, further cuts to services may take place.
Kelley then reassured the public that the county will make sure that state measures do not disproportionally harm Imperial County.
The Brawley Bypass, the widening of Dogwood Road and the procurement of more than $6 million in grants were the first things that Kelley listed as “several new initiatives that will help this Valley fight its way out of the present recession.”
In addition, the county Fire Department was successful in upgrading capital equipment and conducting outreach programs, Kelley said.
Meanwhile, the public health department has provided basic health care and vaccination services, he said, and the clerk recorder’s offices had a complete remodeling.
Kelley then talked about the bonding of Measure D revenues for road project improvements.
“This will put people to work locally,” he said.
The public-private partnership that could fund the expansion of the Calexico West Port of Entry, the public benefit agreement for solar development and the continuation of races thanks to out-of-the-county promoters were also in his speech.
A major race at Plaster City over Easter weekend is expected, Kelley said before talking about the farming industry.
“Last year’s crop and livestock report indicated another strong year with nearly $1.6 billion in gross production,” he said. “It is important to recognize the huge role that agriculture plays here.”
After noting the county has kept a balanced budget and its wishes to head the effort to restore the Salton Sea, Kelley concluded his speech.
“I hope that we all stand together to make sure that the future of the Imperial County is conducive for many generations to come to have a wonderful, profitable life,” he said.
The audience gave him a standing ovation.
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
The event took place at the Old Eucalyptus Schoolhouse in El Centro. Council members, city managers, judges and various county officials were seen talking in the halls while waiting for the welcoming remarks of deputy County Executive Officer Andy Horne.
“Well, this is the hour you have all been waiting for,” said Horne as he introduced Kelley, whose speech was similar to the one he gave to COLAB members less than a week ago.
But similarities aside, Kelley’s speech was somewhat longer and more in-depth thanks to a slideshow presentation that elucidated many of the issues he talked about.
Kelley started by recanting past economic growth. Five years ago, “We seemed to be poised to move forward with many economic development opportunities,” he said.
But then “financial calamities” occurred, Kelley said. Still, “We are hopeful that the coming year will bring at least a beginning to the end of this regrettable and unforgettable era.”
And signs of improvement are already seen in job creation, construction, retail and renewable energy development, according to Kelley.
But difficulties remain.
“Last year Sacramento gave us a state budget that transferred many state programs to county governments, but failed to provide any ongoing funding stream,” Kelley said, and unless the state is able to balance the budget, further cuts to services may take place.
Kelley then reassured the public that the county will make sure that state measures do not disproportionally harm Imperial County.
The Brawley Bypass, the widening of Dogwood Road and the procurement of more than $6 million in grants were the first things that Kelley listed as “several new initiatives that will help this Valley fight its way out of the present recession.”
In addition, the county Fire Department was successful in upgrading capital equipment and conducting outreach programs, Kelley said.
Meanwhile, the public health department has provided basic health care and vaccination services, he said, and the clerk recorder’s offices had a complete remodeling.
Kelley then talked about the bonding of Measure D revenues for road project improvements.
“This will put people to work locally,” he said.
The public-private partnership that could fund the expansion of the Calexico West Port of Entry, the public benefit agreement for solar development and the continuation of races thanks to out-of-the-county promoters were also in his speech.
A major race at Plaster City over Easter weekend is expected, Kelley said before talking about the farming industry.
“Last year’s crop and livestock report indicated another strong year with nearly $1.6 billion in gross production,” he said. “It is important to recognize the huge role that agriculture plays here.”
After noting the county has kept a balanced budget and its wishes to head the effort to restore the Salton Sea, Kelley concluded his speech.
“I hope that we all stand together to make sure that the future of the Imperial County is conducive for many generations to come to have a wonderful, profitable life,” he said.
The audience gave him a standing ovation.
Staff Writer Alejandro Davila can be reached at 760-337-3445 or adavila@ivpressonline.com
