GAINESVILLE - Gainesville Mayor Ruth Bruner and Hall County Commission Chair Tom Oliver Thursday shared their visions for the two government entities with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce.
Despite the economic difficulties facing most communities over the last year, both Bruner and Oliver said their governments were in good shape financially.
Bruner cited an increase in sales tax revenues of seven percent for the city of Gainesville over the last 12 months. And, she noted that retail activity is on the rise.
"Michael's, Ulta, The Children's Place have all come in [to the city] down Dawsonville Highway," said Bruner. "We've had some businesses come and go on the Square, but we've netted two businesses downtown."
Oliver noted that while the economy is still fragile, the county can't be afraid to invest in projects that will stimulate business.
Bruner restricted her comments to the "state of the city," discussing Gainesville's new website, the opening of the new Public Safety Building, the work on the Midtown Greenway Project and a renewed commitment to making improvements to the rowing venue on Clarks Bridge Road.
Oliver, however, did address some of the conflict that has dogged the county commission, saying that while county government may appear to be "bent and battered," it has not been broken. Oliver told the audience that despite the division between newly-elected commissioners and veteran commissioners, he expects commissioners to set aside their differences and focus on the progress of Hall County.
Saturday
May 18th, 2024
12:19PM
