Mayor approaches one year in office

By Michael Butler

Sarah Hill will hit the one-year mark on July 1 as mayor of Tallassee. The transition has been fairly seamless from her former seat on the city council.

"In terms of our city employees," Hill said, "I know they've been out working really hard. There is a lot more cohesiveness. The council is very supportive. We're looking at ways to improve."

Hill has been at the helm during the state-funded Benjamin Fitzpatrick Bridge improvements, as well as a downtown streetcape project and the multi-million dollar east side mill work.

"Progress begets progress," she said. "Hopefully that will continue. It's such a beautiful town. I want people to come here and be excited with everything that has changed."

Hill announced a federal grant of over $9.7 million for gas line replacements in April. That work will be in Elmore County.

Hill accepting the US Department of Transportation grant for infrastructure improvements

"There's 33 miles of cast iron. Half of it is on the Elmore County side. The rest is on the Tallapoosa side. We will be reapplying for the Tallapoosa side next year for around $8 million."

Hill's current term runs through the end of 2025.

"There are some exciting things coming up. We'll see some additional growth and changes for the better. I know quality of life is a big issue. Recreation is one of the things people want to see. That's where I'm looking next. (I'm) not promising anything at this moment, but we have some potential good things on the horizon."