MAYOR KUDER ISSUES 2024 “STATE OF THE CITY” ADDRESS AT CHAMBER LUNCHEON
Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder issued the 2024 “State of the City” address during the Chamber of Commerce’s March luncheon, held from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at Castle Ridge.
Kuder spoke on the city’s progress during the previous year, which included reports on the city’s departments and updates on major city projects.
Highlights from the “State of the City” address included:
· Mayor Kuder discussed on the city’s new water treatment plant, which will serve not only Centralia’s 12,800 residents, but also Kaskaskia College, the Centralia Correctional Facility, and several surrounding communities. In addition to securing a $1 million grant courtesy of Congressman Mike Bost, Kuder said the city is seeking grants and low-interest loans. Kuder said the new plant could promote industrial growth in the community and will be designed to handle increased usages if Centralia’s population rises.
· The City of Centralia received a reported $2.3 million in grants during the previous year.
· The City will be implementing a new webpage, meant to allow users to pay utility bills, manage their accounts, and have increased accessibility to services performed at City Hall.
· The City was awarded the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Office Association, based on a review of its budget.
· The mayor discussed planned improvements to both the Centralia Municipal Airport and Amtrak Station. Kuder said the airport improvements will include repairs to runways, taxi-ways, and upgrades to the building itself. After having been awarded $500,000 from Amtrak to improve the local station, Kuder said the City is planning to remodel the building to make it
· Kuder discussed the completion and approval of several community projects, including renovations and improvements to Laura Leak Park, Point Park, and the skate park in the City’s Fairview Park.
· Kuder highlighted seventeen new businesses which opened or introduced new management in 2023.
· The mayor gave updates on advancements in equipment and technology for both the Centralia Police Department and Centralia Fire Department. Kuder said the police department received new radios and mobile data computers for squad cars, and discussed several officers who were awarded for acts of bravery in the line of service. Kuder spoke on the most recent Shop with a Cop, which spent $22,000 on 175 local children for Christmas. The fire department received upgrades to its station, including garage and new software designed to keep track of equipment and fire trucks.
