From the Cleveland Daily Banner: Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis highlighted the county's robust growth and efforts to combat youth drug addict
From the Cleveland Daily Banner: Bradley County Mayor D. Gary Davis highlighted the county’s robust growth and efforts to combat youth drug addiction in his annual State of The County Address. Notable achievements include the rise of business and industry, with $947 million in industrial investments since 2020, creating 300 new jobs per year until 2030. Davis praised the newly opened Bradley County Tennessee State Veterans Home, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the city, county, and state.
In financial matters, Davis shared the county’s success in paying down $6.9 million of its debt, emphasizing responsible fiscal management. He also pointed out there were no tax increases or new taxes in the past year. However, he acknowledged the impact of inflation on increased sales tax, attributing it to “Bidenomics.”
Davis discussed the ratio study affecting the county’s revenue, leading to a 28% discount but highlighted that despite challenges, the county passed a balanced budget without cutting services. He addressed priorities, including pay raises for employees, with a focus on competitive pay for law enforcement agencies.
Touching on emergency services, Davis mentioned efforts to address staffing challenges at Bradley County EMS and highlighted the significance of Cleveland State Community College’s paramedic program.
The county’s opioid fund, received from a nationwide settlement, amounts to $700,000 to be distributed over 17 years. Davis outlined plans to utilize these funds to prevent opioid use, particularly targeting teenage vaping. He aims to install vape monitors in BCS high school restrooms to deter the use of these smokeless nicotine-based devices.
Davis concluded by expressing his commitment to serving the community, stating, “I work for you, and I’ll continue to do so for as long as you allow me to stay here.”
