As of this writing, the oaths of office have been administered and the municipal term for 2021-2025 is underway.
This month marks the beginning of the new four-year term with all the ambition, hope for success, and a promising future for each municipality. It also comes with the unexpected, the challenges that can completely change things and shift priorities.
Back in 2017, when the new municipal term began four years ago, it could never be imagined the unexpected that governments and citizens would face. The severe thunderstorm, floods, and, of course, the coronavirus pandemic would rank at the top of the list for this past term.
These challenges don’t stop by any means when the new term begins, and the aftermath of thee challenges continues.
An example from this week, Carroll County Emergency Management will be finalizing setting up two vaccination sites in North Carrollton and in Vaiden. This is an effort to reach more people here who have not yet been vaccinated.
Another example is the flood from last month that has had effects on infrastructure and homes. Another fallout from the storm last month involves our waterways, including the creeks. Big Sand Creek, between the two municipalities of Carrollton and North Carrollton, has trees which have fallen into the waterway and parts of the bank is caving as a result of the flood.
Beasley Creek, which runs through North Carrollton near J. Z. George High School, is having the same issues.
This week, the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will be using a drone to assess the damage as we see how widespread the problem is through the waterways.
Municipal officials also have a lot to do with garbage collection, street maintenance, water, and sewer. Most municipal officials agree that another key component of their duties is the establishment of water rates, and these decisions impact municipal fire insurance rates.
Municipal government has always been referred to as the government close to the people. It really is, and that goes from basic services including the response in times of disaster. Also a municipal government having a great working relationship with the county government makes for a bright future.
I look forward to the 2021-2025 municipal term with all the dedication for the future with high expectations and a determination to handle the challenges of the unexpected. That makes for a stronger municipality in reaching our full potential the next four years.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors
