05/07/2024
As some of you may know, my father passed last year. This has presented a life decision for me and my family. We have made the decision to relocate to Oklahoma to be closer to family. So effective May 15th, I will resign my seat on the Board of Commissioners. It has been an honor to serve the fine people of Ranlo. It is my heart felt wish that I have served the people with integrity, transparency, and wisdom. Looking at my five years of serving with the Board, we have tackled the the town's financial issues that plagued the town then. We have went from losing over $300,000 annually to replacing the loss of the prior four years to adding substantial increases to the fund balance. This should almost insure Ranlo is taken off of the Unit Assistance List. I am pleased that I will be leaving the town in a strong financial situation. I know this because we conducted the financial audits for the prior four years and have remained current each year since. We have passed financially responsible budgets each year as well. We have secured over $25 million in grants to repair our crumbling infrastructure. We have plans to repair or replace water and sewer lines, repair roads afterwards, and have upgraded both parks and the Lodge. We are currently progressing with the Ranlo Avenue extension that will open up our community's walkability and decrease response time in the event of emergencies. I am pleased I will be leaving Ranlo with funds to modernize our infrastructure. In regards to public safety, we have fully funded the needs of our police officers and public works so they can safely do their jobs in serving the people of Ranlo. In regards to the administration of the Town, we have upgraded the software to help in the more efficient ex*****on of the town's business such has the smart meters, online bill payments, direct deposits, online presence, and other things. We also replaced the staff with people who were qualified for the positions they hold. I am very satisfied in knowing we have great department heads who do their jobs with the utmost professionalism. We have had two of the best town managers in the county. Their results speak volumes to their dedication to the town.
I also would like to take a second to give my most heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the elected officials I have had the privilege to serve alongside. Prior Commissioner Katie Cordell, and Commissioners Doug Moore and Robin Conner, you guys truly serve to better the town with your visions of Ranlo's future. To prior Commissioner Locklear and Commissioners Laws and Morton, we may not have always agreed on things but more often than not we did. I wanted to say thank you because you guys have always treated me with respect and it was appreciated.
Ranlo is far better off today than five years ago and the next few years look promising. Under the right leadership, Ranlo's future is bright. Thank you to the people of Ranlo for allowing me this opportunity.
Respectfully
Commissioner Jamie Fowler
