Lakeland Mayor Mike Cunningham spoke at the monthly Lakeland Chamber of Commerce luncheon today (9.25.19) emphasizing the positive points of the City he leads.
A lot is happening in Lakeland, he said, as he detailed financial highlights, lifestyle choices, City amenities, new businesses and a three-year vision for the City.
The luncheon was at Stonebridge Golf Club and sponsored by First Tennessee Bank. Attending from the City were Commissioners Richard Gonzales Jr. and Wesley Wright and Shane Horn, city manager. State Rep. Tom Leatherwood also attended the luncheon which was attended by 75+ people.
In his remarks, the Mayor thanked Dr. Ted Horrell, superintendent of the Lakeland School System (LSS), for the August state accolades for the School System. “We owe him a round of applause,” he said as Dr. Horrell stood in the audience. Mayor Cunningham referenced LSS is the #1 ranked district in the state for grades 3-5 achievement and the #2 ranked district in the state for grades 6-8 achievement and an Exemplary School District for the third time in four years. Both of Lakeland’s schools were named 2018-19 Reward Schools. “This is the beacon, the shining star,” he said.
Three-year vision
Within his vision for Lakeland is a complete K-12 school system, he said, which will be exemplary. He said people will want to move to Lakeland for their children to start with kindergarten and go through 12th grade. And the School System will keep families coming to Lakeland, he said. Among big things happening in the City, he said, is approval of a USDA loan to build the first high school in Lakeland. “It took a lot of work. That is a huge plan for us. I believe it is the right solution.” Other visions he mentioned are public safety and security cameras, promotion of the I-40 interchange, investment in infrastructure, continued smart growth and completion of New Canada Road.
Financial
Financial highlights Mayor Cunningham cited are a balanced budget for 2020 and the reduction in the property tax from $1.25 to $1.24. He also said the median home value in Lakeland is $283,500 compared to $260,000 in Arlington.
Lifestyle choices
There is a full spectrum of lifestyle choices in Lakeland from north to south, he said, and lots of new developments.
- Homes along Stonebridge Golf Club
- Sterling Place for 55+ living
- Garner Lake for fishing and boating
- Family-friendly neighborhoods
- The Heart of Lakeland along the U.S. Highway 70 corridor
- North Lakeland for rural living with large lots and agriculture
Amenities
Along with the state-recognized School System, the Mayor said amenities in the City include great parks and recreation leagues, the senior center, free LAMP outdoor concerts, tennis courts and the future Dog Park.
Businesses
New businesses have found the path to Lakeland, he said, and named HOTWORX, Nutrition Lounge, Journeys Taco Express, Subway, New Life Medical Center, Cannon Chiropractic, Brink & White Pediatric Dental Associates and Smoothie King. Future businesses he mentioned are ALDI, Lakeland Commons and The Lake District.
Questions
Among questions asked following the talk were a timeline for the new high school and anomalies reported to the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury this year by the Mayor and Commissioner Gonzales.
Mayor Cunningham deferred the school question to Dr. Horrell who said he expects the high school to open for the 2022-23 school year for 9th grade, adding subsequent grades each year thereafter. But he said the Lakeland School Board has not made a formal decision on the timeline.
The second question was for an update on anomalies announced by the Mayor April 11th at a Board of Commissioners meeting. At that meeting, he announced he had done extensive research for the past three months into Lakeland’s records and he found numerous questionable financial anomalies in the double digits. He said he was obligated by law to report and he did so at the state level and was to meet with local authorities. At that same BOC meeting, he continued by saying he asked for a full forensic audit of all Lakeland’s departments and entities including the School Board.
In response to the question, he said he had no idea, that he turned it over and the officials said thank you. He said he has heard nothing from anyone. “I’ve not been told yay, nay or anything.”
A third question related to the opening of ALDI. Mr. Horn replied, saying 2021, maybe late 2020.
And the rest of the meeting
Wil Ashworth, Chamber president, announced the next and final-for-the-calendar-year Chamber luncheon will be Oct. 23rd.
The Annual Golf Tournament is Monday (9.30-19) at Stonebridge. He reminded those in attendance that all the proceeds are split between the two Lakeland schools.
… Photos courtesy of Anna Stonestreet Smith
