Mayor Believes Twinsburg Moving in Right Direction

Mayor Katherine Procop spoke before a crowd of city business owners with a message of confidence and optimism in her State of the City address Thursday afternoon.

The event, hosted by the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce, gave the mayor the opportunity to share insight on the previous year in the city as well as opportunities for the future.

She started out by mentioning changes in leadership and legislation in Ohio could have a direct impact locally.

“I have no doubt that decisions at the state level will also impact our own municipal budgets,” Procop said.

The possible reduction in the local government fund and estate tax could mean loss of nearly $1 million annually for the city.

“The message is loud and clear: It is time for local jurisdictions to assess and use all of their available resources,” Procop said.

Another economic blow has been the loss of the Chrysler plant in 2010, costing the city jobs and revenue. But even in tough times, opportunities present themselves, she said. The key to finding them is planning and hard work, and the positive response of a community.

“Although challenged, the city’s diverse economic base and community character have met the test,” Procop said.

She mentioned several key industries that will energize the city such as the addition of a 24-hour emergency unit at University Hospitals, the opening of the , Kent State’s Twinsburg and additions and innovations with the General Electric plant.

“These industries are accelerating the city’s recovery in ways that other Northeast Ohio communities are unable to match,” Procop said.

The mayor also mentioned some highlights from last year for the city and some departments.

• Twinsburg received more than $4 million in American Recovery Reinvestment Act funding. It used the federal grants for capital projects like repairing roads and investing in green initiatives that have saved the city almost $100,000 on energy consumption.

• The city was eight percent under and received more than $1 million in extra revenue because of the late closing of Chrysler.
• The was given $128,000 from the Office of Criminal Justice Services for two new cruisers and new digital video systems.
• Parks and Recreation began the successful Rock the Park last year and is planning six concerts this year starting in June.
• The had its highest membership and .

Procop also acknowledged the work of city council and their great desire for the benefit of the community.

“We could never have accomplished what we have without their support,” Procop said. “This is one of the best years I think that we have had since I have been mayor in 1999.”

Procop ended her talk fittingly, reminding the room that Twinsburg was rated the top suburb in Northeast Ohio by Cleveland Magazine.

“We believe it’s a clear choice,” Procop said. “Twinsburg truly is number one and we are really proud of it.”

Procop hopes that residents and businesses know that despite setbacks, there is reason to be optimistic in the potential for growth.

“Despite some of the setbacks the city of Twinsburg has had, such as the closing of Chrysler, we are moving forward and we have great projects and initiatives going on,” she said afterward.