Gainesboro Mayor Rick Head said he will prioritize new revenue streams to improve employee compensation and address critical water infrastructure as he begins his first term in office.
Head said he decided to seek the position because city employees expressed a desire for his leadership based on their past working relationship. Head said his background includes five years as a city employee and four years serving as an alderman before being elected to the mayor’s seat.
“Being able to figure out a way to have get more revenue for for the town of Gainesboro, because you know, there you know, our employees are not paid, you know, really well,” Head said. “And to be able to pay them better is be to try to find a way to get more revenue, more tax you know, more tax money off hopefully new businesses.”
Head said the town previously relied on revenue from liquor stores and local factories that have since closed. Head said the loss of those industries significantly impacted the historical tax base of the community.
Head said water infrastructure is a top priority because the state could intervene and raise rates if water loss is not managed. Head said the town is currently installing new master meters and individual meters to help address these concerns.
“So I’m hoping, we got new meters going in, new master meters, and with a new water plant in the near future, I’m hoping that’ll help out on the water part,” Head said.
Head said the town must maintain an open mind regarding potential new developments to determine how they will benefit the municipality. Head said it is important to keep politics out of decision-making to focus on what is best for the future of Gainesboro.
Head said a new hotel project and existing local shops offer opportunities to attract more tourists to the area. Head said he hopes more people will move into vacant buildings to establish additional businesses.