Jefferson County is “resilient and strong,” County Executive Dennis Gannon said in his State of the County speech on Monday at Seckman High School in Imperial.
About 210 people attended the event, sponsored by the Jefferson County Growth Association.
Gannon recapped 2021 in his speech and said that despite the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, “Jefferson County was open for business, and county government and services remained open and available.”
Gannon spotlighted several accomplishments during the year, including the distribution of $26 million in money from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act; the completion of 15 road projects; the purchase of land in Hillsboro that will be the site of a new jail; and the opening of a new Animal Resource Center in House Springs and a recycling center in Hillsboro.
“Key economic indicators were strong in 2021 and appear to be continuing thus far in 2022,” Gannon said. “Construction activity, business development and sales tax collections are key indicators to measure economic health.”
He also mentioned two key developments at the ports in Kimmswick (a riverboat landing dock opening) and Herculaneum (plans for a shipping container lot).
“Discussions are currently underway with other business enterprises that have expressed interest in locating here in Jefferson County,” he said.
Gannon also said the upcoming expansion of I-55 to three lanes both northbound and southbound between Pevely and Hwy. 67 south of Festus “will increase safety and capacity for further growth in the corridor.”
He said heading into 2022, county government will complete a study to determine the best locations for warning sirens in unincorporated areas; replace 2,000 signs on county-maintained roads; upgrade restrooms at seven county parks; complete capital renovations at county buildings; and work with Sheriff Dave Marshak on plans to build a crime lab.
“We have much to be thankful for, yet there is still much we can improve on,” he said.
Fox C-6 School District students created drawings that were made into placemats that reflected the event’s theme – unity.
Gannon encouraged those assembled to “grab a neighbor, friend or family member by the hand and bring them along or perhaps speak words of encouragement and support.”
Dan Govero, president of the Jefferson County Growth Association, said “there are lots of opportunities in Jefferson County for growth – industrial, residential and commercial,” and he encouraged county residents to shop locally.
“Shopping Jefferson County can save your life,” he said, noting that sales tax generated by purchases locally benefit first responder agencies.
Fox C-6 Superintendent Paul Fregeau also spoke, giving the audience a summary of ongoing construction projects and successes in the district.
Seckman High Student Council president Abigail Woods and National Honor Society president Eli Sasenger emceed the event.
Saxissimo, a Seckman High saxophone quartet made up of Cooper Eames, Lydia Duren, Emily Heyl and Jade McConochie, provided musical entertainment.
Afterward, Govero said he was happy to see the event return to an in-person breakfast after it was held virtually last year.
“We were limited to 210 seats this year because of COVID – we normally have about 300 – but it’s great to be in-person again,” he said.
Fregeau agreed.
“Any opportunity moving forward that we can have events face-to-face is great,” he said. “It’s great getting to meet people, getting to know them.”
Fregeau also credited the work of the custodial staff and about 35 students from the Seckman High Student Council for working the event.
“They really stepped up, getting up early on a day off (for Presidents Day),” he said.
The Dunklin R-5 School District will host next year’s State of the County event.