State of the City address

Mayor Kim Wolfe was forthright Saturday afternoon with the city of Huntington when giving the annual State of the City address in the hallway of City Hall. Wolfe shared positive things that have happened over the past year, like improvements made in the area, as well as the difficult financial times the city is in now and facing this coming year.

Wolfe had an audience of about 75 people, including protesters who came in from outside to hear his address. He gave those in attendance some uplifting reminders of the good that has came out of the past year, like the benefits of the user fee increase. Wolfe said the fee increase has allowed the employment of six additional police officers, more paving of streets and roadways, and equipment for the city. Wolfe also said emblems and signs were purchased to credit those improvements to the user fee. He spoke highly of Jamie Oliver's positive effect on the city, mentioning the cooking class that is now available in Huntington. Wolfe praised the Create Huntington organization and credited it with fueling volunteerism. He shared the Weed and Seed program's success of helping get a 13.5 percent increase in drug arrests.

Wolfe shared plans for the future including developing park growth, improving shelters and playgrounds, additional trees and making the park more easily accessible. He mentioned the problem of burned down structures in the neighborhoods and his intentions to get those taken care of. Wolfe also said the city of Huntington's Web site, http://www.cityofhuntington.com/, has now changed, including a citizen support center system for questions and requests.

The difficulties Huntington faces are in finances. Wolfe noted a possible 10 percent reduction in revenues this year. He stated the city isn't looking for a short-term solution in financial difficulties. He noted a possible 20-day furlough for city employees, lay-offs of some employees, and not filling positions that are opened due to retirement until the city sees better a financial position.

Huntington's financial situation seems grim, and Wolfe wasn't bashful about sharing it.