While I favor use of the committee structure, we must also be mindful of our obligation that all sides be included in the process. Street maintenance is a top priority for all city governments, and it is an ongoing never-ending process. I feel that the Public Works Department budget should be looked at carefully, as all other department budgets should. The city should make sure we are receiving the most from the dollars being spent now. With the sales tax revenues and budgets being as volatile as they are now it would be premature to decide on a figure to dedicate to any project without a more detailed financial analysis of the current situation.
Annexation is almost certain to be an issue facing the next council and mayor.
I do believe that annexation will continue to be an issue for the council to address in the future. Before we expand the city limits of Tupelo we should make sure that the city is serving its current residents with the best service and protection possible. Our main focus should be to serve those citizens who currently send their tax dollars to city hall. The issue will likely come up again in the next four years. The decision whether or not to purchase or consume alcoholic beverages on Sunday or any other day of the week is of a personal nature which should be decided by each individual.