Charles City ‘State of the County’ address encourages to ‘Imagine Tomorrow’

“Imagine Tomorrow.”

That was the message delivered by Charles City County Administrator Michelle Johnson during her second annual “State of the County” address delivered Tuesday night Charles City’s Board of Supervisors monthly meeting.

Johnson began her presentation by highlighting achievements the county has made over the last 12 months. Among them include increasing the fund balance to $11 million, having 42 new business permits, and an unemployment rate of 3.6 percent, lower than the national average.

The county administrator continued, speaking about new revenue heading into the county. Among them included the proposed implementation of a meals tax and the new lodging text. The biggest expectation of revenue is the proposed addition of power sources that have been slated for the county in the upcoming years.

“As everybody probably heard, we have two power stations and one solar plant that are looking to build in Charles City,” Johnson said. “It’s estimated that these facilities will bring in just over $6 million in revenue.”

Johnson transitioned into areas of focus that county supervisors directed her to consider as part of the budget process. Among them include facilities, park, community engagement, and economic development. Additional comments revolved around the advancement of technology at the county administration building, staff accomplishments, and the hiring of new positions that include Jimmy Johnson as the Director of Fire and EMS services, a position that will help the county transition into having paid emergency services for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Next, Johnson spoke about several outreach programs for both employees and citizens. Among them include a retirement workshop and employee recognition programs. She also highlighted ways to recognize the community and provide more entertainment, mentioning the first volunteer banquet and the Summer concert series.

Focusing on the future, Johnson provided a list of projects for 2019. Among those completed include the lowering of the roof at the recreation center and the renaming of the Charles City Courthouse to the Iona W. Adkins Courthouse. Projects on the horizon for the remainder of the year include the opening of the Charles City Library, groundbreaking of the Dollar General, celebration plans for the 400th anniversary of Charles City County, completion of renovations for the Historic Charles City Courthouse, and receiving bids for the Neighborhood Facility Building for re-purposing.

In conclusion, the county administrator emphasized her love for the county and desire to make it a place for all to visit and many to live in.

“I come to work every day and do this because I love it,” Johnson said. “This isn’t a job for me. I have a passion for this.

“One thing Charles City is doing is we are doing more with less,” the county administrator continued. “I want to thank my board of directors and their staff for everything they have done.

“Charles City has a lot of great things going to offer and a lot of big things planned for our future,” Johnson concluded.