Longview, Texas – In a State of the City address delivered Wednesday, Mayor Kristen Ishihara emphasized the city’s commitment to better roads, a stronger workforce and responsible recycling. The mayor announced an eight‑percent increase to the road‑maintenance budget, citing the everyday importance of safe, reliable streets for every resident.
Road‑maintenance budget gets a lift
“Every single one of our residents uses our roads, so when we ignore infrastructure for too long it hurts our community,” Mayor Ishihara said. “We are being proactive in planning ahead and making sure we have quality infrastructure here.” The budget increase will fund ongoing projects such as the Mobberly Avenue and Reel Road improvements, which have already caused temporary inconvenience for local businesses.
Gas and Supply General Manager David Collett acknowledged the disruptions but expressed support for the long‑term benefits. “It’s kinda a pain in the butt, but we know it’s for the good overall,” he said, noting that his company sits off Eastman Road and has seen the construction firsthand.
City employees receive market‑pay adjustments
Addressing workforce challenges, Ishihara detailed a recent market‑pay study that allowed the city to raise salaries for many employees by roughly 15 percent. “We wanted to make sure we’re treating our employees right,” the mayor explained. The raises were funded by a 30 percent increase in EMS billing revenue, cuts to other spending areas, and the elimination of seven vacant positions.
Collett observed a rise in new residents, attributing it to the city’s viable job market. “There’s jobs here and there’s some growth. It’s just a beautiful area to go to,” he said.
New recycling enforcement rule
The address also covered the city’s recycling program. Mayor Ishihara voted to keep the program after hearing from 12 community members who voiced support. A new ordinance now permits the city to issue a fine if trash is placed inside a blue recycling bucket, a measure intended to preserve the integrity of the recycling stream.
Community feedback to follow
In December, Longview will launch a community satisfaction survey, inviting residents to rate city services on a simple scale. The mayor encouraged participation, noting that citizen input helps shape future priorities.
Overall, the State of the City address underscored Longview’s focus on infrastructure, fair compensation for public workers and responsible environmental stewardship, all aimed at improving daily life for families across the city.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
