Economic growth focus of discussion by Anna City Council

Economic growth, as reflected in the number of building permits which have been issued, was highlighted at last week's regular meeting of the Anna City Council.

The meeting was Tuesday evening, Oct. 16, at Anna City Hall.

The City of Anna issues building permits for residential and commercial projects.

City administrator Steve Guined presented statistics showing that 22 residential building permits had been issued for the period from January 2011 through the time of last week's meeting. The permits had a value of $434,823.

During the same period, 17 permits had been issued for commercial projects. Those permits had a value of $3,930,599.

Anna Mayor Jim Cross said this week that he and the rest of the council are glad to see positive economic development in the community.

The mayor said he continues to support a proposal to establish home rule in the Union County community. Home rule, he said, will serve as a catalyst for further growth.

"We think we can do better if we get home rule," he said.

Voters in Anna will have to approve the implementation of home rule.

Cross is hoping to see home rule on the ballot in April 2013. A push could begin before the end of 2012 to help inform the public about home rule, the mayor said.