By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

“There’s always something happening in Columbiana,” said Mayor Stancil Handley. “I want Columbiana to be known as the entertainment center of Central Alabama.”

To achieve this goal, Handley has worked to improve the efficiency of the city and atmosphere of City Hall.

“The City is us and City Hall belongs to all of us,” said Handley. “I am thrilled with two new hires that are, in my opinion, home runs: City Clerk Mark Frey and Marketing Director Helen Dean. This has followed through on one of my campaign promises to make this city more user and business friendly.”

“Communication is key to a city. The Columbiana Bugler, our free monthly newsletter, is filled with news and calendar of events. I also meet quarterly with all Shelby County mayors to collaborate and discuss issues.”

More Columbiana achievements are:

1. Raised pay 3.8% for all city employees

2. Purchased trolley to start the Shelby County’s first public transit system

3. Granted permits for new businesses in town

4. Lowered rental fees at community center

5. Increased monetary support to Rescue 88

6. Purchased laptop to facilitate city court more efficiently

7. Hired new prosecutor for city court

8. Purchased two new cars for police department

9. Established a school security plan

10. Established full time school security officer

11. Paved Meyer Street

12. Roofed City Hall

13. Striped all city-owned parking lots

14. Upgraded street and maintenance fleet with three pickup trucks, grade all and brush truck with grapple

15. Repaired driveway behind City Hall to give police second exit and public access to storm shelters

16. Installed new aeration system for sewer plant

17. Purchased small utility vehicle for sewer department

18. Purchased lot on Industrial Road

19. Signed agreement with ALDOT for intersection improvement Highway 26/70

20. Bids let for senior citizen center on Mildred Street

21. Prepared site plan for Summer Classics property park

22. Funds to refurbish library

“Our goals for 2014 are to begin construction on these projects, continue upgrade our fleets, update the municipality comprehensive plan and start an auxiliary division of the police department,” Handley said.