County holds annual address

SMITH COUNTY – Smith County Judge Neal Franklin gave the State of the County address to more than 540 people at its annual Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon. The annual luncheon is held in April during National County Government Month. The theme was “Pressing Forward.”

Judge Franklin talked about important projects going on in Smith County, including the new courthouse construction project, continuing road projects, the completion of the new Facility Services Department property and plans for the renovation of the Smith County Animal Shelter, adjoining green space and Animal Control Offices.

The judge also talked about plans to bring more county departments from the Cotton Belt to relocate to the east side of downtown Tyler.

He highlighted several department leaders, including Fire Marshal Chad Hogue, Law Librarian Chandelin Barnett, Veteran Services Officer Mike Roark, Budget Officer Timothy Hollis and Treasurer Atonia Rawlings.

He also talked about economic development and local initiatives and events that are important to the community. Nearly 50 Smith County elected officials and department leaders attended the event at Green Acres CrossWalk Center.

Smith County would like to thank everyone who attended the sold-out State of the County luncheon, the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce for putting it on, Chamber Chairman Tom Perkins for leading it, Commissioner Ralph Caraway Sr. for giving the invocation and Heath Walker for the musical entertainment.

A special thank you went out to the Chamber luncheon’s sponsors: Hoar Construction, Fitzpatrick Architects, Henry & Peters and Southside Bank.

The Tyler Chamber has posted a video of the of the luncheon here.