State of city is good, McKinney tells council

Berryville Mayor Tim McKinney delivered his annual State of the City address during the Berryville City Council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

“The state of the city is good, but we always want to get better,” McKinney said. “Berryville is blessed with a great city council and employees and I try to remind them every chance I get that we all work for the citizens of Berryville and that should be our focus in all we do every day. Thank you for giving me the honor to serve as mayor for what I think is the best little town in Arkansas.”

McKinney, the longest-serving active mayor in the state at 32 years and counting, also said he wanted to clarify his plans for the future.

“I feel humbled by having this privilege for so long,” McKinney said. “And while four years is a long time, I want to clear up one thing, because of some rumors I’ve heard — and I know some of my own statements may have led to these rumors — I hope to serve as mayor of Berryville for as long as I feel like it and I can feel like I’m doing a good job and the people want me to serve. That’s all in the future, and the future is in God’s hands. I look forward to 2023 and what we can all do for our town working together for the good of all.”

McKinney discussed several aspects of the city government, beginning with the parks department.

“The city has always been committed to providing a quality park system for Berryville and will do so in the future,” McKinney said. “However, what I have seen in my time as mayor is that the really successful parks and parks programs are the ones supported by our citizens. I would encourage everyone to not only use our parks but also look for how you can make a difference. Our youth programs always need the support of our community, and volunteering at the community center is great way to help our park system and have a chance to meet a lot of really nice people.”

The police and fire departments, McKinney said, “are probably the most stable departments in the city.”

The city’s recent acquisition of the former Entergy building at 613 S. Main will allow the police department to move into that space with the water department in turn moving into the former police department building next to city hall.

“This will give us much needed space to grow and be much more convenient for our customers as we will eliminate a lot of stairs and add a drive-thru window.”

City construction manager Chris Bouly will oversee the work, McKinney said, eliminating the need for the city to hire a general contractor.

“Chris … has the skills to do almost anything,” McKinney said. “He will be an asset to the city for many years to come, I hope.”

McKinney said the city’s new industrial park is completed and open and city officials are in discussions with potential tenants.

McKinney said longtime public works director Dwayne Allen recently returned after working in the same position for several years in Eureka Springs.

“Dwayne’s knowledge and experience will be a great asset to the city,” McKinney said.