by: Matthew Lane
Communications Specialist
City of Kingsport
The City of Kingsport made strong progress on several significant projects during 2023, including Main Street Rebuild, Brickyard Village, Bays Mountain Park and the Fort Henry Mall.
In addition, Kingsport allocated $3.8 million towards street resurfacing this year, funded the next phase of the employee pay plan, and continues to place a strong emphasis on technology, infrastructure and public facilities.
Kingsport City Manager Chris McCartt and Mayor Pat Shull delivered their State of the City report Thursday morning to more than 275 city, county and state officials, business, education and community leaders.
The 10th annual event was held at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.
The State of the City is an annual report given by the mayor and city manager about the overall well-being of the Model City and includes information on finances, economic development efforts, demographics, recent accomplishments and future projects.
Kingsport is experiencing a wave of construction from residential developments, new businesses, redevelopment and public amenities, as well as critical improvements to the city’s infrastructure. During calendar year 2022, the city issued 314 permits for new residential development, a 131% increase over the pre-pandemic averages, and 2023 is on pace to match the previous year.
Kingsport remains financially sound with strong revenues, conservative budgeting and sound financial management. The 2023 fiscal year closed with a $25.5 million fund balance, which represents 26% of the city’s operating budget. Kingsport’s strong financial position fueled the issuance of a $63 million bond earlier this year to fund a variety of critical capital needs, most notably the renovation of the Buck Van Huss Dome.
“In order for us to have success, our financials have to be in order,” City Manager Chris McCartt said. “Our sales tax collections continue to grow; we’re managing our debt extremely well and as a result the city’s financial health remains strong and sound.”
Kingsport officials expressed their excitement about several major projects either in the works or coming soon. These include a state-of-the-art IMAX theater coming to the Fort Henry Mall, nature center and animal habitat improvements at Bays Mountain Park, the progress made on the Main Street Rebuild and the groundbreaking for a 464-unit residential development at the Brickyard Complex,
“One of the city’s greatest strengths is outstanding financial management, evidenced by numerous awards over several years,” Mayor Pat Shull said. “Kingsport continues to be an attractive place for new citizens, as well as prospective and existing businesses.”
Read more: The Kingsport Housing Boom
Several projects on the horizon were also highlighted during Thursday’s State of the City report – the creation of a Lynn Garden Master Plan, the redevelopment of the Dobyns-Taylor Warehouse, the opening of the Kingsport Dental Clinic next summer and the construction of a new Fire Station #2.
Finally, Kingsport celebrated several proud moments this past year - the 10th anniversary of the Kingsport Aquatic Center, the restoration of the city’s original 1917 fire engine and the completion of a new 2,000 linear foot pump track at the Brickyard Complex.
“There’s a tremendous amount of excitement taking place in Kingsport, and I hope you allow that excitement to be contagious,” McCartt said.
To watch this year’s State of the City report, visit https://bit.ly/46BIEja.
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