County and city leaders discuss future plans and successes in Houston County

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Perry Chamber of Commerce hosted it’s annual state of the community luncheon on Wednesday to discuss improvements and future plans for the city.

Perry Mayor James Faircloth says, “I’ve got a great team. My city council is very responsive. They actually run the city. I try to steer the ship.”

From growth in infrastructure, to a good school system and building relationships in the community, there’s plenty to be proud of.

“Nothing happens by accident and it’s very exciting to see these plans actually come to fruition. The citizens not only in the city of Perry but also Houston County will benefit from many years to come because of the planning and the thought process that goes into the capital improvements projects that we hear,” Faircloth adds.

Job opportunities aren’t issues in Houston County. Robins Air Force Base 78th Air Base Wing Commander Col. Lyle Drew says jobs are available on base for aircraft mechanics, sheet metal mechanics, engineers, and painters.

Faircloth says, “When we compete the interest of ROTC students who are in high school, when we compete the interest of college students and young adults who may not know that’s an option, and having the AERO club on base as one of those options is critical.” The AERO club offers an option for people to get their private pilot’s license.

Houston County schools’ graduate rates are up. Superintendent Dr. Mark Scott says the district is above state average. In addition, the sat scores are higher than national and state levels. The educators and school leaders are credited for that success.

Faircloth adds, “The education of our students is paramount and that truly is the future of the success of this region and city.”

There are several projects in the works for Houston County. The county plans to build a fire station on Lake Joy road. Another firestation near Perdue Chicken was opened this year.