City of Harrison Mayor Bill Neyer delivered the “State of the Community” update at the Greater Harrison Chamber of Commerce breakfast Nov. 9 at VFW Duwel Post 7570.
Neyer said the City has enjoyed both residential and commercial growth during the past year, including 30 new business openings.
Following his presentation, Chamber representatives Mark Hildebrand and Jolene Winter presented a special recognition to Neyer.
"An Advocate for Growth & Prosperity,” the award reads. “For Service to the City and Support of our Business Community, this award is presented to William Neyer, Mayor for the City of Harrison, who we proudly recognize is Made In Harrison.”
In addition to business success, the City finalized its Sister City agreement with Meckesheim Germany and hosted a large delegation in September.
Neyer reported the City employs 93 full-time and 32 part-time employees, mostly in the fire and police departments. The City has completed significant road and safety improvements, including Park and Harrison avenues and West Road. The Dry Fork Road at the I-74 Interchange will be tackled in 2025. Utility projects completed included a chemical room upgrade and a new well. On a daily basis, the City serves 4,272 water accounts with 1.5 million gallons of clean water and treats 900,000 gallons of waste water.
The City is not without challenges. Neyer said rising inflation, employee recruitment, aging infrastructure and rising costs for construction and healthcare pose ongoing obstacles.
Neyer has served as Mayor since 2015 and previously served on City Council.
Mayor Elect Ryan Grubbs also spoke at the Chamber event. He will take office in January 2024.
In Harrison, the Mayor is elected for a four-year term and serves as the chief executive and administrative head of the City. The Mayor serves as President of Council and presides over all Council meetings.
The legislative powers of Harrison are vested in a Council of seven members. All members of Council are elected for overlapping terms of four years, with an election held every two years. More information about Harrison City Council, including elected officials and meeting times, is available on this page.
Pictured: Chamber Board Member Jolene Winter, Harrison Mayor Bill Neyer, and Chamber Chairman Mark Hildebrand at the Chamber's 2023 State of the Community breakfast.