A balanced budget, strong bond rating, and stable tax rate are all highlights of last year in Rock Island. That's according to Mayor Dennis Pauley who gave his annual state of the city address Tuesday to a joint meeting of Kiwanis and Rotary clubs.
The long list of accomplishments includes major projects by various city departments, plus new, and expanding local companies. And Walmart signed a contract to build a new superstore on 11th Street.
Pauley says Mother Nature also helped Rock Island last year.
In addition, the police department has moved into its new headquarters, with new and modern equipment, and an improved national rating for the fire department means lower insurance costs for home and business owners.
Mayor Pauley also announced a new grocery store will open by April downtown - in the 16-hundred block of 2nd Avenue.
