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MY PERSONAL GOALS AS MAYOR OF BEAUMONT
GOAL: Ensure our city remains in excellent financial condition.
PROGRESS: The City of Beaumont remains in excellent financial condition with a healthy fund balance (rainy day fund) of more than $28M in the general fund which is 24% of annual expected expenditures. This would equate to approximately three months of expenditures.
GOAL: Enhance “customer service” programs to bring city government closer to our citizens.
PROGRESS: In 2008, I fulfilled one of my original Mayoral campaign promises to establish the city’s 311 Customer Service Hotline, enabling two-way communication between citizens and city government. The 311 non-emergency customer service hotline provides citizens with an easy way to request city services or report code violations. The service ensures prompt response to citizen concerns, tracks the progress of each request, and allows citizens to play a vital role in keeping their city clean and it’s infrastructure in good repair.
In 2010, an online city newsletter was established and is available free of charge by subscription to residents. In addition, the city Website has been completely revamped and is more user-friendly. Features of the site include:
- Online bill payment (water and fines)
- 311 service requests
- Council agenda and complete packets with details
- City Council Meetings online
I am especially proud of the creation of the One-Stop-Shop within City Hall. I proposed the concept and plan for this service after learning of the red-tape people had to go through for permitting. Now a reality, the One-Stop-Shop provides a central location and a streamlined process for handling plan review and permitting. Our One-Stop-Shop makes doing business in Beaumont faster, simpler and better.
Recent City Hall renovations include relocation of Water Customer Service. Previously, customers were required to contact customer service by phone or visit the office on Langham Road to resolve any questions or issues. Now, customer service is located just steps away from the cashier’s office, which is located on the first floor of City Hall. The new Water Customer Service offices are also conveniently accessible by public transit. In addition, citizens who call Water Customer Services are now assisted by the next available clerk instead of an automated voice system.
The newest addition to customer service enhancement is our new GORequest App for your smart devices. The app was put into place in 2013-2014 to allow our customers to report new issues and track issues on their smart devices. Search your app store for GORequest and allow use of your current location.
GOAL: Continue programs that strengthen city infrastructure to create a true foundation for growth.
PROGRESS: In the past four years, we have made more than $150 million in improvements to our street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure.
One example of our efforts is the FEMA/Calder project ($65 million), which, upon completion will provide a much-needed drainage overhaul to this major Beaumont thoroughfare. The project is also creating bike lanes, paved sidewalks, and aesthetic lighting to beautify the city.
The City of Beaumont has approximately $75 million of water and sanitary sewer projects currently under design and set for construction within the next five years. To attract quality investment and support economic development, we must continue our focus and plan ahead to properly maintain and upgrade our infrastructure.
Large projects recently completed:
Street and Drainage
2012 Calder – Main to Phelan........................... $62M
2012 Park and Neches Streets.......................... $11M
2012 Fannin Street – 4th to 11th....................... $6.1M
2013 Madison Street....................................... $2.5M
2013 Fannett Road – Ethel to 11th.................... $880K
2013 East Lucas Sidewalks.............................. $800K
2015 7th Street – IH-10 to Laurel..................... $6.6M
2013-2014 Citywide Street Rehab.................... $5.9M
General Improvement
2012 Amtrak Station ...................................... $675K
2012 Downtown Event Centre and Park............. $10.2M
2012 Riverfront Park Improvements................. $3.5M
2014 Civic Center Improvements..................... $450K
2014 Downtown Skate Park............................. $455K
Large projects currently under construction
Concord Road Phase IV- East Lucas to 105........ $18M
Delaware Overlay – Concord to Dowlen............. $2M
Magnolia Reconstruction – Gill to East Lucas..... $5M
South Park Relief Drainage Project.................... $14M
Street Rehabilitation Citywide.......................... $5M
Washington Boulevard – MLK to Amarillo.......... $16K
Athletic Complex Tennis Center........................ $3.6M
(Pro Shop completed; Four Covered Courts under construction)
Fire Station #2 Relocation............................... $3.1M
Fire Station #11 Relocation.............................. $3.25M
Hike & Bike Trail Phase II – Major to Dowlen...... $826K
New Public Health Complex.............................. $8.2M
New Senior Center.......................................... $6M
(Currently being designed)
GOAL: Maintain safety and security throughout the city.
PROGRESS: The safety of Beaumont’s residents has always been a top priority for me. Since 2008, we have purchased five trucks totaling approximately $2.6 million for the Beaumont Fire Department, and have purchased 105 vehicles for the Beaumont Police Department at a cost of $2.67 million. We must continue to provide the best equipment and apparatus possible to these important departments to better serve our residents. I am an advocate for both the Fire and Police departments and am pleased to report that I have received the support and endorsements of both the Beaumont Police Officers Association and the Beaumont Professional Firefighters Local 399.
GOAL: Continue projects to make our city more inviting for residents and visitors.
PROGRESS: Over the past three years, ten major planting projects have been completed in rights of ways and high-traffic areas. In addition, the city has partnered with many businesses and non-profit organizations to provide planning and labor for projects to beautify our city.
Since I became mayor, new and modern community centers have been constructed throughout the city for the recreation and enjoyment of residents:
Central Park Community Center
Rogers Park Community Center
Alice Keith Park Community Center
North End Community Center
Tyrell Park Community Center
GOAL: Provide equal representation for all citizens of our city.
PROGRESS: Since I was first elected, I have worked closely with each Ward representative to be certain their constituents’ concerns and opinions are treated with equal importance at City Hall. In addition, I actively support many neighborhood and civic organizations.
I am also an advocate for citizens in Washington, DC. As a member of the United States Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities, I have helped develop policies and programs on the federal level that will benefit Beaumont in vital areas such as transportation, housing, community and economic development. I have consistently worked both with Congress and the Executive Branch to promote federal assistance for specific projects in the community.
Thank you,
Becky Ames
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