Making it all official: new start at ‘The Hall’
State, Knox County and Town dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the ribbon-cutting event.
“The Board of Mayor and Aldermen wants to thank you for joining us,” Mayor Ron Williams said. “We think this beautiful building reflects our wonderful community.
“Improvements can be seen everywhere you look,” he added. “For example, the Knox County Clerk’s and Trustee’s Office is now on the first floor. This is where most folks are headed when they come to Town Hall, so it just makes sense for it to be easy to access.
In addition, “If you stick around for the Board meeting, you’ll see our new and improved Board Room,” Williams said. “The sound and lighting have been updated, and the cameras that record our livestream are top of the line.”
“What you can’t see is the new configuration of the staff office space upstairs,” he added. “Visitors now have one point of entry where they can ask questions or meet with staff.
Looking back, “What was designed 34 years ago was built for what was needed at the moment,” Williams said. “What you see today will carry us well into the future as our Town builds out. Our goal is efficiency for the community as well as Town staff.
“Today, I’d like to thank Cope Architecture and Wright Contracting for their fine work, and project manager Bud McKelvey, who oversaw this monumental project,” the mayor added. “Next would be the input from our staff members, who put in many hours of work to make this dream a reality.
“I will also have to mention our Town administrator David Smoak, as well as our past and present Board of Mayor and Aldermen for staying the course with the ongoing vision started 45 years ago.”
In closing, “I think we all can be very proud of the results that you see around you,” Williams said.
