First Paris Citizens Government Academy Is Graduated

By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Members of the inaugural session of the Citizens Government Academy were recognized at the Paris City Commission Thursday night for having completed the seven-week program which began in July.
The 16 graduates received certificates and pins for their achievement. The Citizens Government Academy provides a comprehensive overview of how municipal government is structured, what services are available and how they are provided. Individual sessions in the class cover all aspects of Paris government, including the police, fire, parks, public works departments, codes enforcement, budgets, taxes and more.
City Commissioner Gayle Griffith told the academy how proud he was of everybody. “I’m so proud of seeing members of the Citizens Academy here. I’m proud of everybody for learning more about how the city works.”
Academy Member Jack Spencer was chosen by his fellow classmates to speak for them and thanked the city commission for the Academy and the opportunities it offered. “I hope more people take advantage of this in the future because it’s sorely needed. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation being spread on social media” and participation in the Citizens Academy can better educate people on how city government works.
Spencer said he hopes more citizens “get involved in your community and your church. Embrace your citizenship.”
City Manager Kim Foster thanked everyone for their participation and encouraged graduates to help the city communicate its services.
In other business:
–Foster announced that the next Preserve Paris Clean Sweep Day will be in the Atkins-Porter Neighborhood again. It will be held on September 22, with a rain date of September 29. It will begin at 9 a.m. at the A-P Recreation Center.
–Foster reported the city has been awarded an $800 grant to be used to paint city-owned dumpsters that are in visible locations. The city, Downtown Paris Association and Board of Puboic Utilizies have been awarded a $12,000 grant from TVA to complete art work on the side of the BPU offices in the east court square alley.
–City Finance Director Traci Shannon said there was a decrease in retail sales for June of 2.56 percent compared to June of last year. There was a positive ending of the fiscal year with retail sales showing a 2.41 percent increase.
Business licenses for three new businesses were issued: Everyone’s Attic, Voiptec LLC, Paris Christian Book Store.
Photos: Members of the Citizens Academy in a group photo; Spencer speaks to the commission; Commissioner Jackie Jones and Mayor Carlton Gerrell give a pin and certificate to Mary Hickman. (Shannon McFarlin photos).