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2019/12/30 - Mayor's Column: 2019 Was a Great Year!

“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
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 As we say goodbye to 2019, it is appropriate to look back and celebrate some of the accomplishments that occurred in the past year. City Administrator Water Denton already provided his “Best of” list for 2019 (https://www.ofallon.org/administration/pages/20191220-walters-blog-best-of-2019).  Now, its my turn.

The following are a few of the accomplishments that were made possible through the hard work and efforts of the City Council, Residents, Business Community, Volunteers, Schools, and City Staff:

  • Reduction of the City’s portion of the property tax levy for the third consecutive year and back to near the rate set in 2011.
  • Reduction of the City’s debt for the second year in a row. Reduction of $7 million or over 10%.
  • O’Fallon was ranked in the top 5% of safest cities in Illinois.
  • O’Fallon was ranked in the top 8% of most affordable cities in the U.S. (for populations between 25,000 and 100,000).
  • Named the fastest growing community in Southern Illinois.
  • Added over 125 new single-family residential homes.
  • Awarded the 2019 Exemplary Collaboration Award by the East-West Gateway Council of Governments for growth of the Downtown District.
  • Best financial rating in Southern Illinois, and in the top 10% of the State with an AA+ bond rating.
  • Successfully opened the O’Fallon Station and Vine Street Market.
  • Work has begun on 200 new townhomes and five commercial lots by the McKendree Metro Rec Plex.
  • First time in over ten years that we have had three consecutive years of over 475 building permits issued.
  • Opened or began construction on three new hotels.
  • The O’Fallon Family Sports Park had another successful year hosting many baseball and soccer tournaments and rated as one of the best in St. Louis area.
  • OTHS District 203 received designation as a top performing district in Southwestern Illinois.
  • Approved 18 new commercial projects that will result in over 35 new buildings.
  • Deployed a new bill pay system to help our residents pay their water and sewer bills.
  • Changed the way the City pays invoices to improve transparency and accountability.
  • Invested nearly $25 million on improving our infrastructure.
  • Improved the tennis courts, baseball fields, and other amenities at Community Park.
  • OTHS Girls Bowling Team won the first team state title in OTHS history.
  • Brought back a 4th of July Fireworks display for the first time in 35 years.
  • Worked to start development of the Mid America Commerce Center (200 acres near Exit 21).
  • Approved development plans for the Old Lumber Yard property.
  • Added additional parking in downtown, bringing 135 new paved spaces over the past two years.
  • Fulton Middle School was recognized as being in the top 10% in Illinois.
  • Had seven first-time elected members added to the City Council (largest amount in O’Fallon history).
  • Introduced a new downtown façade improvement program to help local businesses.
  • OTHS was named as one of only 250 school districts in the U.S. and Canada honored by the College Board for being placed on AP Honor Roll.
  • Worked with Shiloh to develop a new contract for treatment of wastewater.
  • Worked with Fairview Heights and Swansea to form a new business incubator.

I’m sure that I left a few off, but as you can see, the list is long! This year was great, and we are looking forward to 2020!

As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!