However, everyone must be informed, have input on issues and be made aware of decisions and outcomes. If there are any concerns after the new city council is in place, they should be the ones to assess the operating procedures of the informal committee system. I am in favor of an ongoing street paving program. However, I would need more information to put a dollar amount to the funding needed. We would need to look at the current costs of overlaying the streets, traffic patterns and project traffic growth areas, consider weather conditions and make the necessary commitment to maintaining our streets.
Annexation is almost certain to be an issue facing the next council and mayor.
Tupelo must continue to expand its tax base. However, we can't overlook any of the areas within our existing boundaries. We must provide all services promised, in a timely, cost effective manner. Before we ever consider expanding our boundaries, the issue should be carefully considered with a plan for accommodating those residents with city services. The issue will likely come up again in the next four years.