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Walker: Economy may be on rebound
Published February 28, 2009
Boaz Mayor Tim Walker is an eternal optimist.
He realizes the economy has taken a downturn, but thinks Boaz and Marshall County are already on the rebound and will be stronger and more prosperous in the end.
Speaking to a large group of Boaz Chamber of Commerce members Thursday, Walker gave a State of the City address where he spoke about the city’s recently adopted budget, the United States’ economic status and altruism.
“I’m passionate about Boaz,” Walker said. “Our city is a jewel on Sand Mountain.
“Now is a time of challenge for our city, for our state and for our nation. There’s been a lot of talk about the Great Depression. I don’t think we are going there. There is a downturn in the economy, but it will get better.
“I feel you have a great deal of confidence in us, your elected leaders. We will continue to promote our city, accentuate the beauty of our community and work hard. We have some really great people living and working here,” he said.
Walker recommended area residents invest in Boaz, buying unimproved properties and renovating them, making them attractive additions to the city.
“Land in Boaz is a great investment. We have a great school system. People are trying to get into the city limits. If you buy land in Boaz, it could become a gold mine.”
Boaz also boasts the lowest sales tax rate in the state, a fact Walker and the City Council work hard to maintain. The city enjoys a 7 percent total sales tax rate.
“We provide good service while managing to balance a budget,” Walker said.
Utilizing a color-coded pie chart, Walker showed the bulk of the city’s budget goes to pay for police and fire protection. An additional chunk is used to run the city government, while substantial portions go toward operating the senior citizens’ center and the city’s public library.
“We have some great industries in Boaz and Marshall County. We are seeing some layoffs and cutbacks, but you will find we are faring much better than people are in other places,” Walker said.
“We will continue to grow in the future, but we will manage the growth.”
Walker urged those with steady jobs to help those who were suffering from the economic crisis and layoffs.
“You have to help people. We appreciate our industries keeping people on staff. For those with a job, you need to reach out more.
“We are looking at some initiatives to help those who are in need. We have civic projects that need to be done. We have flowers to plant, trees to transplant, litter to be picked up. These are just some of the initiatives we are looking at,” Walker said.
He urged residents and civic groups to take up funds, hire someone who is out of work and tackle a waiting project.
“It may only put (a little money) in someone’s pocket, but you never know. It might help at home,” Walker said.
Walker’s 11-year-old son has asked if he needed to be worried about the economy, Walker said.
“I told him if anyone puts their faith in New York City or Washington, they will need a big bottle of pills because they will need some relief,” Walker joked.
In terms of businesses within the city, Walker reported local businessman Randall Pankey planned to move his catalog overstock store into half the former West Point store in the outlet centers and work to construct the Zaxby’s restaurant is under way after a short delay.
“Our outlets have seen growth, a period of leveling off and then some decline. But, our outlets are still a source of great buys. If you are not shopping those stores, shame on you. You’re missing out on some great bargains. We need to remember to shop in our city and support our Chamber of Commerce businesses,” Walker said.
He later alluded to a pending industrial development, but declined to release details, saying instead he and Marshall County economic development officials are “within a few weeks” of releasing some good news.
Walker also touched upon one of the most emotionally charged issues in the area, illegal immigration. Using a basketball analogy, he explained his stance was one dead set against illegals.
“When you play basketball, you can’t get onto the floor without checking in at the table. And when you come off the floor, you have to check out at the table too, don’t you?
“Legal immigration enhances your economy. If you are here illegally, you need to become legal. It is that simple,” he said.
Summing up his speech, Walker praised Snead State Community College and Marshall Medical Center South as being two great industries within the city, employing hundreds of people and making a positive impact on the city.
“We have lots of gifts within our community. We will be OK. We will just have to work together,” he said.
“I want our residents to be happy and healthy. We want to be able to educate our children and help them seek the good life. We want to be comfortable and feel safe in our community.
“We need to look for somewhere to help somebody. If you have a job and a stable family life, you should help where you can. Give as well as you have been blessed.”
After Walker’s speech, Snead State Vice President Allen Champion was the only one in the audience to pose a question, asking for an update on the city’s finances in relation to the progress on proposed upgrades and improvements to the Downtown Mall.
Walker said the city had been awarded more than $600,000 to open the Mall to vehicle traffic and undertake additional upgrades. Walker had floated a proposal to add an open-air amphitheater, add restrooms, landscaping, lighting, benches and trash cans to the area, making it more of a family-friendly venue for civic events.
“We took a step back to look at the project,” Walker said.
“We are working on plans now with the direction and the economy in mind. If we don’t use the grant money, we lose it. Right now, we just lack direction.”
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