ATHENS, Alabama — As many gathered for breakfast at Athens State University's Carter Gymnasium, good food alone wasn't what got them there. Many gathered to hear the state of the City address.
Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks said the city is under 50,000 in population, but it is all about everyone pulling together in one way.
"We as government have a responsibility to provide the best services that we can to each and every one of you," he said.
As the city continues to grow Mayor Marks says Athens has a need to develop a new sewage treatment facility.
"We have a need as we grow to develop another pond, as I call it. it's a treatment facility that is in the neighborhood of about $5 billion," said Mayor Marks. He also said that it is very important to shop local. "So, if you're not going to support our local businesses, please shop online because we get a part of that back."
Mayor Marks believes there are five critical important things that each city and county should stress.
"Public safety, jobs, education, education, jobs. Whichever way you want to do that, quality of life and improving government. But if we don't look at creating jobs and keeping our education system up, we're going to fall down from being one of the greatest cities to a mediocre city," he explained.
Athens High School senior and youth commission member Christina Jones said the City of Athens has shown her that her dreams are not just a dream but the future.
"Athens is one of the many reasons why I want to become Alabama's first African American woman to become attorney general and then later, the U.S. Attorney General," said Jones.
The city is working on several other projects to make certain Athens is attractive and an overall safe and great place for all residents.
Mayor Marks said everyone is all in this together.
"Grow with us, soar with us, and we will all become a better community for the benefit of all of us," Mayor Marks continued.