News and Events for District 2 - Connie Hudson, County Commissioner

January 4, 2011 
District News and Events

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MESSAGE FROM COMMISSIONER CONNIE HUDSON


Happy New Year everyone! 2011 promises to be a year filled with anticipation and excitement for Mobile County. Just before Christmas, we received confirmation from Washington D.C. that Austal USA will be awarded a $5 billion contract to manufacture 10 additional Littoral Combat Ships. That contract is expected to add over 1,800 new jobs to the Austal site which will double their current workforce!


December 10, 2010 marked the historic Grand Opening of the ThyssenKrupp Steel Mill in North Mobile County, the largest non-government economic development project in U.S. history. Two of the TK steel production lines are currently operating, and a third, the Stainless Steel Melt Shop will be operational in 2012. At full employment, TK is expected to provide approximately 2,700 jobs.


EADS North America (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Co.) is currently moving forward with plans to construct a $600 million assembly plant at Brookley Field. EADS expects to be selected by the Air Force to build refueling tankers in Mobile. EADS is competing with Boeing for a $40 billion Defense Department contract to build 179 new planes. A decision on the award is expected early this year, and once again, we are poised for great news!


Planning is currently underway for Mobile County's Bicentennial Anniversary celebration in 2012. December 18, 2012 marks the 200 year anniversary date of the founding of Mobile County Alabama. Events to celebrate the Bicentennial will begin on December 18, 2011 and continue throughout the following twelve months to highlight the rich history and cultural heritage of Mobile County and its citizens. Stay tuned for updates and a published calendar of events and special activities as the Bicentennial approaches!


It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve you on the Mobile County Commission. As we move into 2011, I remain committed to work with my fellow commissioners, the county administration, and all of our employees to ensure the highest quality and most efficient customer service that Mobile County can provide. Thank you so much for your support!


HAPPY NEW YEAR!

SEMMES VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES ASSISTANCE


The Semmes Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department has received $20,000 in funding assistance from County Commission District 2 to purchase structural fire fighting gear in order to completely suit nine firefighters. According to Semmes Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department Chief, Terry Sexton, the new gear will replace equipment that is outdated and offers limited protection to the volunteers. The Semmes Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department not only serves the Semmes area but provides fire and rescue assistance to the Wilmer-Georgetown, Oak Grove, Tanner Williams, Seven Hills, and City of Mobile communities as well.


DISTRICT 2 ROAD PROJECTS

UPDATE


District 2 road projects are moving along toward completion  A summary follows:


* Cody Road South - The road improvements are 75 percent complete. The  widening project between Pine Run and Cottage Hill Roads will add a turn lane and shoulder and drainage improvements


*Old Shell Road - The  widening project between Hillcrest and Schillinger Roads will create a five-lane roadway to ease traffic congestion. It is 80 percent complete. 


* John Shinn Road - The project to upgrade a dirt road to pavement is 98 percent complete. It is located south of Chuncula Georgetown Road.


*Firetower Road - Firetower Road resurfacing has been completed! The County resurfaced 3.6 miles between Howells Ferry and Moffett Roads.


Also getting started are two more projects.  Jeffrey Road and Wiggins Lane are dirt roads that will be paved.  The project was bid out in November and awarded to John G. Walton Construction in December.


Mack Hinton Road East is another dirt road set to be paved.  Utilities have been relocated for the project, and it is anticipated that it will be bid out in March.


According to ALDOT representatives, Hwy. 98 improvements from Big Creek Lake to the Mississippi state line will begin this Spring. This four phase project has an expected completion date in late 2012.

*Big Creek Lake Bridge extension will begin in the Spring of 2011.

*The Glenwood Overpass and the Connector (which will connect Schillenger to the end of the Big Creek Lake Bridge) phases are expected to begin in late 2011.

*The final phase is a base and pave project that is expected to be completed in late 2012.


COUNTY FINANCES AT A GLANCE

 

 November financial figures show that the County of Mobile has both taken in approximately 12 percent of total revenues anticipated for the year and spent approximately 12 percent of budgeted expenditures. 


Those numbers represent just a snapshot in time, and will vary during the year.  It is not until the books are closed after conclusion of the fiscal year that all numbers are reconciled.


The County approved a General Fund budget of $124 million for 2010-2011.  That number also is subject to variance during the year as actual revenues and expenditures are calculated.


Sales taxes are the largest part of total revenues to the County.  The sales tax   currently accounts for 38 percent of all General Fund revenue. Sales tax revenue is not a stable revenue source because it declines during periods of economic downturn like we have experienced in the last two years.


It is still very early in this fiscal year to identify trends but we do track sales tax results closely to identify any negative or positive trend. As we move into the year we will provide additional information about sales tax performance.


Property taxes contribute about 18.4 percent of General Fund revenue. Property taxes are paid primarily in November and December. This is a very stable revenue source as long as property values do not experience declines.


 

EARN IT! KEEP IT! SAVE IT!

FREE TAX PREPARATION


The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) offers free tax preparation to any one individual or any family earning $49,000 or less. The program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service in partnership with HandsOn South Alabama, Goodwill Easter Seals, Mobile Community Action Agency, Boat People SOS, Mobile Housing Board Clinton L. Johnson Center for Economic Development, and RSVP of Mobile.


As many as 115,000 taxpayers in Mobile County qualified for this free assistance last year, according to IRS data.  By using this free service, people can avoid high fees and be assured that they get qualified help. Electronic filing makes it possible to get your refund in 7 to10 days.


OIL SPILL TAX CONSEQUENCES

The service could be especially helpful to those people whose income was impacted by the oil spill.  Whether you lost income, or earned added income during the cleanup, you can get expert help on calculating your income taxes.


Even those who owe money to the IRS can use the tax preparation service at no charge.


For more information, or to make an appointment, call 211.  Or to locate a VITA site near you, go to www.irs.gov.


NOTE: Anyone wishing to volunteer for IRS training and service in the VITA Program should call HandsOn South Alabama at 433-4456.


ASHLEY WILLIS TO REPRESENT
MOBILE COUNTY IN STATE COMPETITION

Ashley Willis, a senior at Mary G. Montgomery High School, will represent Mobile County at the Distinguished Young Women competition (formerly Junior Miss) statewide competition which will be held at Saint James School in Montgomery, January 14th and 15th.


Ashley Willis 2011 Junior Miss

The program awards college scholarships to young women who have distinguished themselves at school and in their communities. Those who participate in the program develop interview skills, self-confidence, and other life skills that lead to future success.

Ms. Willis will vie for the state title and young women from all 50 states will travel to Mobile for the 54th annual nationwide competition, June 23-25, 2011. All finalists will compete for a share of at least $150,000 in cash scholarships.

DISTRICT TWO
WINTER CALENDAR


 GODADDY.COM BOWL SET


When: 7 p.m., January 6  

Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium

 

The GoDaddy.com Bowl (formerly GMAC Bowl) in Mobile will feature Middle Tennessee State University of the Sunbelt Conference and Mid-American Conference contender Miami University of Ohio. The teams will go head-to-head at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.  ESPN will televise the game nationally.


Ticket prices are $45 for sideline seats and $15 for end zone seats.  General parking for all fans begins at noon (subject to change) at a cost of $10 per vehicle.  Parking for RV's and motor homes is $25 per day.  Shuttle service to the game also is available. 


For more information or to purchase tickets Click Here.


FIRST LIGHT MARATHON

SET FOR JANUARY
 

When: 7:30 a.m., January 9

Where: Race begins downtown at Government and Claiborne Streets


Join the BankTrust First Light Marathon in January that benefits L'Arche Mobile, a residential community for disabled adults. Four races will take place, including a 23-mile marathon winding through the historic districts in midtown and ending in Bienville Square. 

Cost: To register or for more information, call 438-2904 or Click Here.

ENGAGING THE NEXT GENERATION

INVITES YOUNG ADULTS
TO CONNECT TO COMMUNITY

When:  
6:30 to 8:30 p.m., January 13
Where: Mobile Museum of Art

Engaging the Next Generation is an effort by local leaders to engage young adults in the civic life of our community.  If you are between the ages of 21 and 39 and would like to get connected with the community, you are invited to attend a free community event January 13. 

It's a great way to meet one-on-one with representatives of local non-profit and charitable organizations.  It's also a great way to meet other young professionals who want to make a difference in their community. Food, refreshments and entertainment will be provided. For more information email Kinnon Phillips at [email protected], or go to www.facebook.com/engagingthenextgeneration


TOP COLLEGE ATHLETES
TO COMPETE IN 2011 SENIOR BOWL

When: 
3 p.m., January 29 
Where: Ladd-Peebles Stadium

The Under Armour Senior Bowl, set for January in Mobile, is football's premier pre-draft event.  It features the country's best senior collegiate football stars and top NFL draft prospects.

Teams representing the North and South are coached by the entire coaching staff from two National Football League teams. This one-of-a-kind contest is attended by over 800 general managers, head coaches, scouts and other personnel from the NFL teams. The game will be broadcast by the NFL Network.

For further information, please Click Here.

MOBILE CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 6 COMMUNITY MEETING

When: 6 p.m., February 3
Where: Mobile Regional Senior Community Center at 3201 Hillcrest Road
Hosted by: City Councilwoman Bess Rich.

Invited meeting guests are Mayor Sam Jones and County Commissioner Connie Hudson.

GO RED FOR WOMEN SYMPOSIUM

When: 8 a.m (Luncheon 12 noon), February 4
Where: Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel
64 South Water Street

The Go Red for Women Symposium is an event sponsored by the American Heart Association and is intended to empower and educate women in our community about their heart health while raising funds for much needed research. The symposium will be held on National Wear Red Day (February 4th). The event will feature health screenings and break-out sessions designed to educate women with a luncheon and fashion show at noon. Chairwoman for the 2011 event is Shelia Dean Rosenbohm. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by visiting

www.heart.org/algulfcoastgored or calling 251-545-7845.


For more information on City of Mobile events please Click Here.

SPOTLIGHT ON COUNTY SERVICES

Each edition of the District 2 E-Newsletter will highlight an area of service, service agency, or a county service that is predominantly funded by the Mobile County Commission.

 

MOBILE COUNTY

SHERIFF'S OFFICE

TO OFFER CRIME MAPPING

 

The Mobile County Sheriff's Office has launched a new website at www.mobileso.com.  One of its new features is a crime mapping section under "My Neighborhood" on the homepage.  The page shows users how to do their own crime mapping for all Sheriff's Office cases, in the unincorporated areas of Mobile County.

 

The crime mapping feature provides crime data in real time, updated every ten minutes around the clock. The public can quickly see where a crime is committed by using a web browser or a mobile device.  Users select a location where the crime occurred and then they have the ability to choose a street view, satellite view, normal map view, or even a hybrid view.  A hyperlink is also provided to anonymously share tips on a particular crime.


A user may also choose to filter crimes by the crime type, a certain date or by a landmark such as a church or a school.  A notification system is also in the final stages of development which will allow users to be notified by email and text message if crimes are committed within an area that they specify.


Crime mapping is used by analysts in law enforcement agencies to map, visualize, and analyze crime incident patterns. Mapping crime, using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allows crime analysts to identify crime hot spots, along with other trends and patterns. Crime analysts use crime mapping and analysis to help law enforcement make better decisions, target resources, and formulate strategies, as well as for tactical analysis.


"With our success of Methtext we already know that the public wants to be involved in helping to fight crime", says Sheriff Sam Cochran."We are now able to provide better technology so that they can help us create a safer community."
 

CITY OF MOBILE PRECINCT ENP INFORMATION


The City of Mobile's Enhanced Neighborhood Police (ENP) officers are available to provide area crime statistics and neighborhood safety tips upon request to Neighborhood Associations and Community Action Groups within the City of Mobile. For more information contact the precinct area ENP officers listed below.


Precinct 2
3725 Airport Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36608
(Festival Center)
251-208-1246
Sgt. Robert Pounder
[email protected]
  
Precinct 4
4851 Museum Dr.
Mobile, AL 36608

251-208-1263
Cpl. Gary Brunson
[email protected]

Precinct 5
8400 Airport Blvd.
Mobile, AL 36608

251-776-5861
Sgt. Richard Ramey
rramey@cityofmobile-org

 
Connie Hudson, Distric 2 County Commissioner; district2web@mobile-county.net  Office: (251) 574-2000

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