2023 State of the City address
Citizens of Southport, members of the City Council, Clerk Treasurer Newhouse, and Chief Vaughn. Thank you for your service to our city. The partnership we have developed has continued to create progress for Southport over the last year. I would like to take a few minutes to provide a year-end review of the activities in the city of Southport for 2023.
The highlight of 2023 has been the approval of a 4 story, 92-unit apartment building by the Redevelopment Commission and the Southport City Council. The total investment in the community will be $18 million. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held shortly after the closing on the property. In addition to building a new apartment building at the Davidson Lumberyard site the bond that was used to purchase the lumberyard was paid in full in December 2022. Great news for the citizens of Southport.
The Southport Police Department continued to keep Southport safe while assisting IMPD and Beech Grove with runs throughout the year. 1 new police car was purchased locally from Fletcher Dodge in Franklin IN. The National Night Out event held in August was very well attended by the community this year. There was great involvement by local vendors providing food and prizes for the event. Officer Justin Davis graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in August. Congratulations, Justin. Additionally, the Southport Police Academy graduated 4 new recruits in October. Congratulations and good luck to the new officers. The police department also organized and staffed the Christmas with the Kids program. The event was changed from the police officers shopping with the kids in a store to a new format which now allows the parents the opportunity to buy gifts for the kids to open on Christmas day. The event was well received by the kids and the community. Perry Township Schools allowed Southport PD to host the event at Southport Elementary School. Southport PD and the Parks Board collaborated this year regarding Santa in the City and Christmas with Santa events. Both events were held the same day with Southport PD ending the drive through the city with Santa at the Southport Community Center. The event was enjoyed by the residents as well as the children who were able to give Santa their Christmas wish list.
The Board of Public Works and Safety continued improving infrastructure within Southport. The city completed the Community Crossings Grant from the state of Indiana in the amount of $327,328.50 to repave Southfield Drive as well as repair and improve stormwater infrastructure along the street. Additionally, the plan that has been developed to add stormwater infrastructure as well as a sidewalk on the south side of South Street is close to being finalized. The city received ARP funds in the amount of $398,000, which will be used to fund the South St project. The project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2024.
The Clerk Treasurer, Alissa Newhouse and Jane Vaughn, Chief Deputy Clerk Treasurer, continued to watch over the budget and the city’s finances in 2023. A new budget was prepared and approved in the fall by the City Council providing opportunities for growth in 2024. Alissa and Jane partnered with the Keystone Group to update to the financial software that they use daily to pay bills, track account balances, pay payroll, etc… The project involved transitioning from the old system to the new system and converting financial information for reporting purposes.
The Redevelopment Commission was also involved in removing the bridge in Buck Creek at the end of 2nd Street. The bridge was demolished in November. The water level of the creek immediately dropped substantially after the work was completed, which will now help prevent flooding in the park, along the creek and Southport Road.
The new Board of Zoning Appeals heard its first variance petition in November 2023. The board heard a case involving subdivision of an existing lot.
The Parks Board was able to have a full schedule of events this year-Easter Egg Hunt, Independence Day Parade, Fall Festival, Trunk or Treat, and Christmas in the Park. The residents expressed appreciation for the events and provided feedback for future events.
I want to thank our city employees, the City Council, Clerk Treasurer, Chief Deputy Clerk Treasurer, Police Chief, and all the volunteers who give of their time and expertise by serving on the city boards and commissions as well as volunteering at city events. The City of Southport is a better place in which to live due to the city staff and volunteer efforts of its residents.
Thank you all. To the citizens of Southport, I am honored to continue to serve you as your mayor.
May God Bless the City of Southport.
Jim Cooney, Mayor
City of Southport