Media Advisory
For Immediate Release Contact: Carole Graves
June 06, 2011 615-425-3911 (office), 615-339-0008 (cell)
Kingsport receives Municipal League award
NASHVILLE, Tenn. --- A model city in every sense of the word, Kingsport is a classic example of the phrase “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” The city’s capacity for new and innovative projects is extraordinary, particularly when much of the progress arrived during times of severe economic stress. Kingsport’s checklist of accomplishments and awards is nothing short of impressive. Beginning with a group of talented, brave governing officials who have tackled everything from redevelopment to jobs to educational reform, the city’s goal is to provide the best possible amenities and resources for its citizens at the lowest possible cost. In recognition of Kingsport’s unfailing commitment to progress, the city will be recognized with a 2011 Tennessee Municipal League Achievement Award for Community Progress, which will be presented on Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at 8 a.m. during TML’s 72nd Annual Conference at the Embassy Suites Conference Center in Murfreesboro.
Hard times were the catalyst that brought education into play in Kingsport, where community leaders found themselves dealing with a steep decline in the area’s historically strong manufacturing base. In an effort to create a competitive and marketable workforce to attract outside businesses, city officials decided education would become a free commodity in Kingsport. In 2001, the city launched the “Educate and Grow” program offering two-year scholarships at Northeast State Technical Community College to any local high school graduate who met the college’s entrance requirements and an optional K-14 program. The new Kingsport Academic Village includes the Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Regional Center for Health Professions, Regional Center for Applied Technology, Kingsport Higher Education Center and the Pat Barger School of Automotive Technology.
As one of only eight cities nationwide to receive the prestigious Gold Award for Municipal Excellence from the National League of Cities, progress is booming in all areas of Kingsport. The finishing touches are being placed on a new $4.4 million, three-story parking garage downtown. A 10,000-square-foot multi-purpose facility will be built adjacent to the parking garage that will include retail, office and/or residential space.
In addition, at least two electrical charging stations will be provided in the garage for electric vehicles, and restrooms will be provided in the facility for use during special downtown events. The Kingsport Public Library has announced a major $12 million expansion and the new Aquatics Center continues to move forward. The $15 million, 46,400-square-foot swimming venue will enhance MeadowView Marriott Conference Resort & Convention Center’s new $15 million Executive Conference Center created in partnership with the city. The Aquatics Center, which will open in 2012, will be co-located with a new $6 million, 35,000-square-foot Greater Kingsport Family YMCA, on an 18-acre site across from the Convention Center. Since MeadowView opened in 1996, the surrounding property has witnessed incredible growth, with more than $88 million in private investment construction projects, including the headquarters of Eastman Credit Union and Wellmont CVA Heart Institute, a Holston Medical Group medical facility, and the Katherine Square and Sheridan Square business and medical complexes, among many other hotels, restaurants and businesses.
“We have created an even stronger Conference Center that will continue to attract visitors to Kingsport for years to come,” said Kingsport Mayor Dennis Phillips. “At the same time, when joined next year by the new aquatic center, we will have put a solid foundation in place for continued private development in the MeadowView area.”
The city’s Fun Fest celebrated its 30th festival with the production of two books, a pre-show sellout crowd and more than 500 hotel room nights related to Fun Fest activities. Fun Fest also garnered two awards from the International Festivals and Events Association. The Cultural Arts Division of the city of Kingsport has been selected by Americans for the Arts, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts, to be one of 100 communities that will participate in the inaugural Local Arts Index. These local arts agencies will be part of an 18-month research initiative that serves as a complement to the National Arts Index.
Auditors have issued a clean opinion on the city of Kingsport’s finances for the 11th straight year, with no audit findings of weaknesses or deficiencies in the fiscal year 2010. Kingsport’s tax rate remains at $1.94 per $100 of assessed property value, the third lowest rate in the city’s history. And, Kingsport holds high-quality credit ratings from both Moody’s, which rates Kingsport’s debt as Aa2, and Standard & Poor’s, which assigns Kingsport an AA- rating.
“I think the credit truly rests with our line workers, managers and department heads, who have tightened their belts and done their very best to hold costs down where ever possible,” City Manager John Campbell said. “Our Finance Department has also done a great job of managing the taxpayers’ dollars and ensuring they are properly accounted for. In addition to the growth in the general fund reserve, Kingsport posted another $12.8 million in unrestricted assets in the fleet and insurance internal funds. “I think Kingsport is well-positioned to come out of the recession stronger than anyone could have imagined,” said Campbell.
“Kingsport has become one of the most progressive cities in Tennessee,” said Pat Hardy, MTAS Municipal Management Consultant. “Led by Mayor Dennis Phillips, the Board is not afraid to face challenging issues. And the results show. They have been able to identify and move forward with a series of projects which intertwine to shape a new and very exciting future for the city.”
Each year the Tennessee Municipal League honors cities throughout the state for overall excellence, improvement, specific out standing programs, or department accomplishments. Other award winners for 2011 include: Knoxville, for Excellence in Human Resources; Livingston, for Excellence in Public Works; McMinnville, for Excellence in Police Services; and Memphis, for Excellence in Green Leadership.
The Tennessee Municipal League is a voluntary, cooperative organization established by the cities and towns of the state for mutual assistance and improvements. The League’s primary function is to advocate on behalf of city governments. TML works with the Tennessee General Assembly promoting legislation helpful to cities and opposing legislation harmful to cities.
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