Staff Writer
To begin his second year as the city mayor, Miles Williams offered a “state of the city” address at the start of the first regular meeting of the Caribou City Council on Monday. Williams said he looked forward to working with the other council members and having “healthy debate” with each opinion respected.
“We’ll work as a group to have a majority vote on all expenditures,” said Williams.
The mayor pointed out the successes of the various city departments and congratulated the staff for its work.
“I look forward to working for the City of Caribou, while keeping taxes under control,” said Williams.
Calling him a “statewide ambassador for the city,” Williams also cited City Manager Steve Buck for his work.
“His knowledge and guidance are invaluable to the City Council,” Williams said.
With five feet more snow than usual this year, the highway department has done an “excellent” job, he said.
“We really appreciated what they go through,” said the mayor.
The Fire and Ambulance Department is perhaps the “best in the state,” and the Police Department is “Class A,” even with having to function with shortages due to officers deployed to the war in Iraq, Williams said.
The Recreation Department has been kept on track while construction of the Wellness Center has been ongoing.
The mayor also cited the great staff at City Hall and the Public Library. In addition, the Caribou School Department, in dealing with the state’s proposed consolidation plan, “has shown what it means to be unified,” Williams said.
In closing his address, the mayor also encouraged Caribou residents to contact council members with any questions and to come to council meetings.
