The Norman Transcript - Moore growing, prosperous, city leaders say

The Norman Transcript

Transcript Staff Writer

MOORE -- The city of Moore is growing, successful and thriving, two of its leaders said Tuesday.

Speaking at a membership meeting of the Moore Chamber of Commerce, City Manager Steve Eddy and Vice Mayor Kathy McMillan both praised the community, its government and its leaders.

The event -- the city's annual State of the City address -- was held at the First Baptist Church of Moore; Eddy and McMillan filled in for Moore Mayor Glenn Lewis who was out of town.

"Without their (the council's) leadership and guidance, this city really wouldn't be where it is today," Eddy said.

In a 20-minute speech, Eddy outlined Moore's economic health, the growth of its business community and the strength of its tax base.

"A lot of us have been around for a long time, and for those of you who have, you know that Moore is not the same Moore that it was," he said. "It's not the same Moore in any shape or form that it was, I would say, 10, 15 or certainly, 20 years ago."

Eddy said growth has changed the city's population and financial systems.

"Many people don't realize that Moore's population has grown to over 50,000," he said. "We've had about 9,000 people move here in about six or seven years."

He said the 1999 population was 41,138 and has jumped to 50,177 today. "Those people are expecting and demanding services of their city. And I think we're doing a pretty darn good job of providing them."

Along with its residential growth, Eddy said Moore also is expanding its tax base.

"Obviously, the commercial growth of our community is what people are seeing," he said.

As an illustration, Eddy said the city's sales tax revenue had jumped from "a little under" $10 million for fiscal year 2000, to $15.5 million in 2006.

"That's pretty good growth in five or six years."

In addition, he said retail sales have increased from $314 million to $519 million. "The numbers are pretty awesome. As you know, cities live and die on sales tax and we're pretty lucky and pretty fortunate here in Moore."

That good fortune also has contributed to the city's bottom line.

"The city's financial condition is very good," he said. "Last year our budget was $42 million, next year's budget is $55 million. It's a good indicator of the city's financial condition."

And though Eddy said part of the city's budget increase is due to last year's public safety sales tax increase, the city, Eddy said, also will have a carryover of about $5 million.

Speaking after Eddy, Moore Vice Mayor Kathy McMillan attributed Moore's growth and change to its citizens.

"When businesses are looking for a strong and talented work force, we have it here," she said. "That's why they come."

The city, she said, has become strong and progressive because of its investment in money and energy.

"It takes a lot of money and energy to make things happen," she said.

McMillan, who also serves as a Ward 2 councilmember, praised each quadrant of the city, describing its cultural, educational and community resources.

"We've got a beautiful new high school under construction and we've got the Riverwalk," she said. "And smack in the middle of Moore is Old Town."

Yet even with all the changes, she said, Moore also has stayed true to its roots.

"We're always going to be the town and the people we've always been," she said. "We're Moore residents."

M. Scott Carter 366-3545 scarter@normantranscript.com