Newton emphasized the city’s business growth as well as public safety, quality, community, financial accountability and service as some of the main elements he is most proud of since being elected mayor in 2016.
When looking at the city’s efforts in creating a thriving business community, Newton noted the city’s business support programs established throughout the years, such as the gift card program, in which residents receive a $35 gift card to use at participating businesses. The city has invested over $2 million in the gift card program.
The Colleyville police and fire departments were also highlighted by the mayor, who noted the numerous prestigious awards received by both throughout the years.
“We have the best police and fire chiefs in the nation,” Newton said. “And I genuinely mean that. You can go to any city—large or small—and not find a more skilled, professional and caring police or fire department. Colleyville consistently ranks among the safest cities in Texas and the nation.”
In 2021, the Colleyville Police Department earned two awards from the International Association of Chiefs of Police out of a total of 16 given worldwide, Newton said. And the fire department has had 18 CPR saves since 2018 and received the American Heart Association’s 2021 Mission: Lifeline EMS Silver Plus Achievement Award.
Newton said the city has made a point to focus on ensuring quality development throughout Colleyville. For example, the city has been working on its commercial corridor beautification project for the last three years and held its groundbreaking ceremony to construct two new towers at Main Street and Hwy. 26 on Nov. 16.
“We strive for excellence in the services we provide and the projects we complete,” Newton said. “Residents and business owners have invested in their own properties and have set high quality standards. So it's incumbent upon us at the city to provide at least the same level of quality.”
Colleyville has also worked to increase the number of events it hosts over the years in order to build a strong community, Newton said. The city has enhanced its staple events, such as Stars and Guitars, while also adding new ones, such as the fall 2021 car show.
“Our events have been wildly successful and a testament to the fact that our residents enjoy each other's company,” Newton said.
Newton pointed out the city’s adoption of a no-new-revenue tax rate of $0.291778 per $100 of assessed value for fiscal year 2021-22, officially lowering its tax rate from FY 2020-21.
But the FY 2021-22 tax rate only scratches the surface, as Newton said there has been an 18% reduction in the tax rate since he has been at the helm.
Colleyville has also worked to provide important services to residents throughout unprecedented events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Winter Storm Uri in February 2021, Newton said.
The mayor said the Colleyville Fire Department “played a vital role” at Tarrant County’s vaccine site at the Hurst Conference Center and even “went above and beyond” by gathering its own vaccination equipment and opening up a vaccination center at Colleyville’s central fire station.
The 2022 State of the City address was Newton’s last, as he has reached the term limit in the mayoral position, which is up for election May 7.
“The last six years have been an absolutely wonderful and rewarding experience,” Newton said.
