From Michael Gay
Millbrook City Council
It has been over six years since I joined the Millbrook City Council. During this time, I have witnessed growth and exciting changes to our city. It is this growth and change I want to share with you. Sometimes it is hard to see because it happens slowly, and sometimes it happens in places we do not see but has substantial impact on our lives.
Before I get into this discussion, I want to thank the citizens of Ward 2 for allowing me to serve you. It is an honor and privilege I do not take lightly. I also want to thank Joe Lott, the previous city councilman for my ward. I was appointed to complete his term after he fell ill. Joe served the community well through his professional life, civic life and personal life. It was and is an honor to have followed in his footsteps.
The City of Millbrook is in strong financial shape. We have enjoyed an average three percent revenue growth in our budget since 2015. Our expenses have also stayed within our revenue growth. This has been accomplished through conservative budget practices and good money management by city department heads and the Mayor. The citizens can be proud of the work of its city employees. They do an outstanding job with the resources they have. I can remember the first time I went to a city council meeting in 2004. The city was having to borrow money to pay its insurance bills and other obligations that required an annual payment. This had to be done because the city did not have enough monthly revenue to pay the bills. Now, 15 years later, we pay cash for many things and have strong financial reserves in the bank. In fact, the city could lose our sales tax revenue stream and continue to operate city services for one year. No other city in the area can make this claim. It’s is also comforting to know that in the future the city will be well positioned to weather a recession or other economic downturn.
All the things I mentioned above have been accomplished with the lowest city sales tax in the area. Our citizens enjoy an 8.5 percent sales tax. Our neighboring cities charge a higher sales tax and fees to pay for existing services and debt servicing for past projects. Some of these projects have not worked out as hoped. It is this wisdom gained by watching others that has guided your council and the Mayor to value conservative budgeting and paying for things with cash. Some of the things we have paid with cash have included police cars, Minnie Massey Park, New City Hall, the improvements to the playground at Village Green, a new well to provide water for the citizens, a new meeting facility at Legacy Park, the Economic Development center and the list goes on and on. The point is that we own these things and do not have to pay a “mortgage” for them. Again, not many cities can make this claim. Comforting to know in the event of an economic downturn.
What makes Millbrook unique? Why do people live here? Why do people move here? In fact, our city has grown by five percent since 2015. For my family, it was simple. The quality of life with a small-town feel. Jennifer and I made Millbrook our home to raise our children because of the friendliness and uniqueness of Millbrook. The first time we visited the city looking for a home a Millbrook police officer stopped and got out of his car to say hello. We were looking at a new house in a new neighborhood. The officer was kind and enthusiastically answered our questions. He encouraged us to visit the Village Green and dine at the Catfish House. This one experience sold us on Millbrook. That was 16 years ago. Millbrook has grown a lot since then!
Today, we have a city golf course and five beautiful city parks with a newly updated playground at the Village Green. The council recently approved funding for additional improvements for the playground. All the parks continue to be improved. Our parks and recreation department work hard to insure our citizens can enjoy these public spaces. We also have several private organizations that provide outstanding recreational opportunities for our citizens. Alabama Wildlife Federation’s Lanark offers 400 acres and a children’s activity center called the Alabama Nature Center. Jackson Lake Island offers an adventure to the movie set “Big Fish” or a nice stroll around the island. The Grandview YMCA has 200 acres with activities for the whole family. The Y also has major expansion plans with some underway now. Last, the Millbrook Community Theater has been entertaining residents at the old Robinson Springs School for 15 years.
Shopping and restaurants have changed a lot too. Sixteen years ago, there was no Walmart. The shopping center where Marvin’s is located was almost empty and run down. We had three grocery stores; Win-Dixie, Food World and a small store on Main Street. Retail and restaurants were scattered and limited back then. Over the years we have seen significant growth in our retail and restaurants with more growth expected. All this has been accomplished without the city having to give away our future tax revenue from new businesses. On a side note, I would also like to encourage entrepreneurs to look into franchise or other business opportunities in Millbrook. I personally feel many opportunities are being missed by locals. As an owner of a small business, I can attest to the opportunity of owning your own business.
What makes Millbrook unique? It is the people. It is the small-town feel. It is a city where it is not hard to find something to do. There are always things going on at the parks, churches, schools, and other venues. All one has to do is plug in and get involved. We have great civic clubs serving the community. Churches and organizations serving the needy. Public servants that love their jobs and the citizens they serve and a community that appreciates them. We are a place you can go for walk in your neighborhood or see a friend at the store. We are a place where people care about their neighbors and care about their community. We are a city on the move with a bright future ahead.
