Pictured above left, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller delivered the annual State of the City address to a packed house. In the center photo are, from left, Anna Jones, Malisa Hanson and Rosasanna McGinnis, who represented the Opelika Public Library, which the Chamber named Community Partner of the Year. In the right photo is Sam Bailey of Opelika Parks and Recreation, which the Chamber named Tourism Partner of the Year.
BY DAVID BELL
FOR THE OBSERVER
OPELIKA — Speaking before a crowded room at The Southerly on March 28, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller delivered his annual State of the City address.
Fuller, the city’s longest serving mayor currently in his sixth consecutive term, began his address by acknowledging the efforts of his entire staff.
“We have the greatest team,” he said. “We all work together to make our city a safe and enjoyable place to live, work and raise our families.”
The mayor focused on a thriving local economy that continues to prosper.
“Our economy continues to grow at a healthy pace in all sectors,” said Fuller. “The highlight of our year was the announcement by Miele Manufacturing that they would be locating their first North American manufacturing facility in Opelika, with a capital investment of more than $650 million and the creation of 850 jobs.”
The company has purchased property on Orr Avenue to construct a plant that will produce high-end domestic and commercial appliances.
“In total, we picked up about 950 new jobs and $732 million in new capital investments,” said Fuller.
The mayor said residential housing experienced the second highest growth on record.
“People ask me why so many homes are being built, and I tell them it’s because people are buying them,” he said. “Since 2006, we have permitted and built 4,611 single family homes at a permitted value of $1,037,000,000.”
“There are two main things that attract people to your community: good paying jobs and great schools. We have both in Opelika,” he said.
In addition, the mayor gave high praise to the city’s public safety officials for their efforts in law enforcement and fire protection.
“Overall crime has been reduced by 25% through the efforts of our police department,” said Fuller. “Over the next year, police will continue to expand their footprint over the city, increasing their ability to help the most vulnerable citizens.
“Through the work of our IT department, we now have more than 600 cameras operating throughout the city that help us identify potential problems.
“Fire station #5 on Gateway Drive, which opened last December, is the first new fire station in more than 40 years,” said Fuller. “It will greatly increase our ability to serve our citizens and protect their property.”
The mayor also noted numerous street and sidewalk improvement projects that have been completed and will continue, including sidewalks along Pepperell Parkway from the Auburn city limit to Five Points. He discussed multiple new construction projects at parks and recreation facilities, providing additional sports and leisure opportunities, as well as other major infrastructure improvements.
“Our public works department is second to none, and serves as the cornerstone of our municipal government,” Fuller said. “During the past fiscal year, they completed more than 50,000 work orders.”
In conclusion, the mayor thanked the entire community for making Opelika the city it is today.
“We’re all in this together. We’ve had mostly good times in Opelika, and I’m grateful for that. I look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said. “I want to also express my thanks to each member of the Opelika City Council. Our best days are ahead.”
The annual State of the City event was hosted by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and included three special award presentations.
Opelika Parks and Recreation received the Tourism Partner of the Year award. The Opelika Public Library was named Community Partner of the Year, and Rev. Dr. Clifford E. Jones, pastor of Greater Peace Baptist Church, was presented the Spirit of Opelika award.
“I’d like to thank our sponsors, partners and volunteers who helped make the year’s State of the City the best yet,” said Opelika Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch.