Mayor Don Hall delivers the State of the City Address on Thursday. | Brent Maze

Mayor Don Hall said building business in Hartselle is one of the most important aspects to the City of Hartselle from a financial perspective.

“Seventy-four percent of all our tax revenues comes from some type of commercial establishment,” Hall said to a crowd of 115 during first State of the City Address at Sparkman Civic Center Thursday. “For all of you who take the time each day and sacrifice to build business in our city, I’d like to say, ‘Thank you.’”

That note is one that Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce President Susan Hines takes to heart when encouraging residents to shop locally.

“It really shows the importance of shopping Hartselle first,” Hines said. “It could affect how many employees the city has and what services the city can provide. We’re just trying to remind everyone to shop Hartselle first.”

Hall delivered his State of the City Address on the 115th day in office. During his speech, he touched on issues ranging from city tax revenue to numerous projects underway in the city.

One in particular deals with the projected traffic problems once the new Hartselle High School opens later this year.

“We know that there will be some headaches once the new high school opens, but we’re working on that,” Hall said.

Hartselle is using money from the Alabama Transportation Rehabilitation and Improvement Program to upgrade Bethel Road from the intersection at East Main Street to just past F.E. Burleson Elementary School. The project plans to make Bethel Road a three-lane road with a center turn lane and add additional acceleration and deceleration lanes in front of both schools.

The project also calls adding turn lanes at the intersection of East Main Street and Bethel Road.

Hall also said they are planning to add turn lanes at the intersection of Bethel and Roan roads to give better access to the back side of Hartselle High School campus.

Hall also said the city is working with the Alabama Department of Transportation to expand Thompson Road and the expansion of Alabama 36. Thompson Road is planned to be expanded to five lanes from I-65 to U.S. 31.

Plans are already in the works to add lanes from I-65 to Roan Road on Alabama 36.

The City is also working to mitigate flooding in downtown Hartselle after receiving a $400,000 grant last year. And plans are being made to retime the lights in downtown.

Overall, Hall believes the city is in good shape and is looking for future growth.

“The city is in great condition,” Hall said. “I look forward to the next three and a half years.”