An Open Letter to Our Community

June 27, 2025

Greetings:

Last night, vandals defaced multiple city signs, parks, and the newly constructed pedestrian bridge with graffiti. This was an outrageous and senseless act.

We are a small city, and we work hard to build things that matter: places where families can gather and where everyone can feel a sense of pride in their community.

Our Public Works Department shows up every day with that mission in mind. They pour their sweat and heart into making this city better for everyone. When something like this happens, it forces us to redirect time and energy from where they’re needed most.

To those responsible, you are not just hurting the city. You are hurting yourselves and your community. The money that will now go into cleaning up this mess could have gone into services that benefit everyone.

Vandalism is one of the reasons we had to indefinitely close restrooms at 11th Street Park. It’s not a decision we took lightly. But when a few people choose to act with disregard, the entire community suffers.

We need your help. If you see something, say something. Talk to your kids. Encourage respect for public spaces. Remind each other that we all have a role to play in keeping our city strong.

We will continue serving this city with pride and determination. Now more than ever, we need you, the community, to stand with us. Speak up and look out for one another. Help us protect the spaces we all share.

                                                                                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                                                                               Jeremy B. Caudle

                                                                                                                                               City Manager