The past year has passed with breath-taking speed. There have been accomplishments as well as disappointments in Lewisburg.

Our greatest disappointment is the loss of so many of our fine citizens. All of us have shared grief in some form. Others are critically ill and our prayers are with each of them.

All of us are disappointed in the slowness of the reconstruction of the bridge on East Commerce. It is a TDOT project and I am informed that the contractor is paying a $740 a day penalty. While this has been way too long an inconvenience, Lewisburg residents are going to be inconvenienced by several more projects in 2017. Most projects are lead by TDOT, while others are TDOT projects in partnership with Lewisburg.

The biggest impact to local traffic will be the Ellington Bypass widening from Nashville Highway to Franklin Road (US431), which will be a three-year inconvenience. The low bid for this project was more than $37 million.

The widening of the intersection at Heil Avenue and West Commerce will hopefully be completed in the spring, while the reconstruction of 1st Avenue from the square to Rock Creek Park, will create an inconvenience for up to a year.

When several layers of asphalt get removed from Yell Road, the reworking of driveways and new road surface will create an inconvenience for several months. The ramp from the bridge on East Commerce to the walking track will may cause a few weeks of closure of the walking trail. Several city streets are scheduled to be resurfaced in the spring and will cause an inconvenience for a day or two on each street.

While all these projects will cause inconvenience, when completed they will be, in my judgment, well worth the wait. We can describe this as growing pains, and as we continue to grow their will be additional inconveniences in a planned and hopefully orderly way.

Many good things have happened this year. Some of these include the adoption of new property standards that are slowly but surely making our city more attractive. New businesses are being established throughout the city, including two on the square. A sizable increase in single-family housing building permits points to growth. The expansion of industry and businesses, such as Lewisburg Printing and Meiwa are good example of growth, too.

The industrial property next to our Industrial Park have been Site Certified by the State, which points to more growth potential. Major improvements to our airport help build our infrastructure. Significant improvements to the Recreation Center will help provide needed relaxation.

Major funding for our police department includes advanced bullet proof vests to protect our officers, and major funding for the fire department will include the funds needed to remodel the fire hall. Major funding for the Public Works Department includes a new brush truck.

We did have the largest tax increase in the history of Lewisburg. The previously mentioned expenses explain much of those funding requirements.

In addition, pay raises and reclassification of our fine city employees required funding. Since the increase is a fact, it is the responsibility of all of us to see that every penny is spent wisely and responsibly.

Perhaps a past problem is one of our greatest blessings today. Just a few years ago our unemployment rate was greater than 20 percent. Presently unemployment is below five percent, and we have trouble getting enough workers to fill job requirements. There have been cases of jobs with starting salaries of up to $15 an hour, plus benefits, that have gone unfilled. We are told that the main requirements for employment are to be dependable, able to get along with others and demonstrate a good work ethic.

We continue to look for new businesses and industry every day. However, we realize that our existing industries and businesses are the most important and we try to listen to and aid them.

As previously mentioned, we are having growing pains and this will continue. Steady, controlled growth is good, but sudden growth is not. I also hope that as we grow will not lose our sense of community and family.

This year will bring more opportunities, challenges and, yes, inconveniences. I wish every citizen in Lewisburg the best for the 2017.

May God continue to bless Lewisburg.