Rockwall Mayor’s Message: Good news for our city

Rockwall Mayor David Sweet

(ROCKWALL-May 23, 2013) I want to share with you some good news about this wonderful city. First, I’m extremely happy to report that so far this year, sales tax revenues are up 16% over last year. Now the even better news: the sales tax report the City recently received showing collections in December 2012 was the first time in Rockwall history the city collected more than $2 million in sales tax for a single month.

Hard to top that, but there is great news about development in Rockwall – dirt is turning and I’m glad to report that we’re ready for it! Development slowed during the economic downturn, but with good planning, the city managed to hold on and maintain a balanced budget without increasing taxes. Now there is a healthy upswing in commercial, office and retail development – especially since the start of this year. Commercial building started making a come-back in 2012, and that trend is continuing. Commercial permits issued this fiscal year will bring new value of $42 million that will come online in the coming year. 116 new residential permits have been issued this fiscal year, which is a 127% increase over last fiscal year at this time. Plans for new phases of existing residential projects are coming in now, a sign that residential development is also on the upswing. Construction has started on Trend Tower at The Harbor, which will add significant value to the tax rolls.

Switching to a different type of good news, there is a big change in the city’s Code Enforcement Department. I’m very excited about it, and I think you will be too. The department has a new name (Neighborhood Improvement Services), new focus (neighborhood specific priorities) and a new direction (from enforcer to neighborhood partner). Department staff will notify you when they are scheduling a get-together in your area so you can get to know each other and so they can learn what you and your neighbors consider top priorities needing immediate attention. The department has a friendlier name, and they are going in a much more customer oriented direction focusing on what residents need.

As I’ve said many times before, we are all blessed to live in such a great community where the small town friendly atmosphere hasn’t gotten lost in growth. Life in Rockwall just keeps getting better!

By Rockwall Mayor David Sweet.