By: Natalie M. Zeigler
City Manager
As 2016 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on both the accomplishments of the year now ending and the challenges that remain to be tackled in 2017. The last twelve months have seen continued growth and improvement as Hartsville cements its identity as a small town unlike any other. We have experienced heightened engagement with our residents and specifically with our community’s youth. We have seen an outpouring of community pride: from the All-America City Award celebratory block party, to another successful season of Red Fox football, to Butler Heritage Week, to neighbors helping those hardest hit in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. Our city ends 2016 a stronger community, with milestone improvements to both our built and social infrastructure.
This year saw the long-anticipated completion of the College Avenue street repair project as well as improvements to downtown parking lots and streetscapes. Additional improvements to downtown streets are planned for 2017
In the midst of 2016, some of our community’s youth and the organizations who serve them came together to represent the city to win the second title as an All-America City. This prestigious recognition is granted to the top ten cities each year who recognize the areas of need in the community and demonstrate a commitment to working together to solve tough problems. Most importantly, this honor has highlighted the importance of engaging the talents and perspectives of our youth in continued dialogue. To this end, we will be launching a Youth Leadership Council in 2017 to connect our youth with our elected officials.
Public safety has been a high priority this past year. We celebrate the launch of the Hartsville Safe Communities program-the Community Outreach Division of the Hartsville Police Department. Our two dedicated Community Liaison Officers work continuously with the Department and community stakeholders to enhance communication and build trust with the community by implementing best practices in community policing.
Substantial progress has been made in the revitalization of the Historic Butler District. Several recommendations identified in the Neighborhood Revitalization Plan authored by the American Planning Association in 2015 have been completed or are currently underway. These efforts mark collaboration with experts in planning and revitalization, residents of the area, businesses, industries, elected officials and City staff, and non-profits.
In 2016, Main Street Hartsville proudly conducted seven ribbon cutting ceremonies and looks forward to several more in 2017. Thriving businesses allow for a greater investment in the community through increased tax revenues. Sales, Hospitality, and Accommodations Tax revenues have increased significantly over the last five years. FY 2016 saw $489 million in gross sales, up from $412 million in FY 2011. Additionally, City Hospitality Tax collections increased 30% and City Accommodations Tax revenues nearly doubled.
We celebrate all those who have worked so hard to build the momentum that we now enjoy, while recognizing that our work is from over. We will continue engaging, collaborating, and innovating to better serve the needs of our residents. I look forward to all that 2017 has in store for our city.
Natalie Zeigler is the City Manager of Hartsville. For more information, call City Hall at 843-383-3015 or email info2@hartsvillesc.gov.