Jacksonville Mayor Johnny Smith was the guest speaker at last week's Exchange Club meeting. Smith talked to the Exchangites about the current state of the city.

The Mayor started with the FY10 budget.

"On September 28th, the council passed the fiscal 2010 budget that has $706,000 more expected expenditures than revenues," said Smith. He hopes that by year end, the economy will turn around and the city will end in the positive. According to the Mayor, the budget is a lean budget, cutting out over $500,000 of what the department heads asked for.

The Mayor said that the city does have the funds to cover the $706,000, but he would like to see the city keep those funds for FY11 if the economy does not turn around.

"I don't think you will see a lot of new projects around the city of Jacksonville from the city this next year, unless it's something that can be payed for from grant money or something our own crews can do."

While there was no cost of living raise, and some city employees are stretched because of a soft hiring freeze, the mayor says the city workers are hard workers.

"I don't think you will see any drop off from your services."

Last month, Jacksonville have had the best sale tax revenue for the year.

"I hope it's a sign of what's coming," said the Mayor.

The Mayor then went on to talk to the Exchangites about complete projects. Projects like the public square enhancments and the disc golf course at the community center.

"I was going to say the Greenleaf Street project is complete, but that depends on who you talk to," said the Mayor. "The contractor says it's complete. I disagree with that, and, fortunately, so does the Alabama Department of Transportation, and they are the ones with the final decision of when that project is complete."

The Mayor says that the street is bigger and safer, but is too bumpy. "It's a little rough. It's not bad, and we could probably get by with that, but do you want to just get by with that after spending $1.8 million? It's not what I expect after a $1.8 million job."

Smith says the contractor has promised to dig up 1.5 inches of the top layer and resurface it.

The Mayor mentioned currently on going projects as well. Smith says the Train Depot renovations are around 90% finished, and the Greenway project is still gearing up too. Both projects are headed by volunteers, so progress is slow.

Because of some extra money from the state highway department parts of Ninth Street, Spring Street, Adalake Drive???, and Ballyloop Dr. will get re-paved. Due to stimulus money, Jacksonville-Alexandria Road and the city's part of the Chief Ladiga Trail will get resurfaced.

Mayor Smith was also proud of the private sector's projects in Jacksonville. He complemented places like the new Hampton Inn and BF Dawgs for starting up in Jacksonville.

"The other thing where you are going to see some upcoming activities the old Wal Mart building, thank goodness," said Smith. "The owners of that building will be at the next planning commission meeting with their plans."

According to the Mayor, the plans are to divide the building into sections for different stores like Dollar Tree, a Mexican restaurant, and a new store that Jacksonville hasn't seen before.

"You can be assured that this council will continue to work to bring retail here so that you don't have to go out of town to spend your money," said Smith.