Corbin Mayor Suzie Razmus addressed the Corbin Rotary Club on Feb. 5, providing an update on recent developments and upcoming initiatives within the City of Corbin.
Razmus alluded to several ongoing projects, noting that details cannot be shared until they are finalized.
“A lot of really cool things are happening behind the scenes,” said Razmus. “It takes forever to get these big projects completed.”
Razmus continued, “We all work extremely hard trying to solve the problems and look for opportunities for our city.”
Regarding the ongoing efforts with White Flag Ministries, a faith-based ministry dedicated to providing life-saving sanctuary to unhoused individuals during extreme weather events, Razmus recognized funding and resource constraints.
“We opened our recreation center last year when things got really cold, and White Flag had no resources, and that worked. We didn’t have anyone freezing to death,” Razmus explained. “It was hard on our staff. It was hard on our building. It was hard on our recreation members that would come in the morning, and we would have people there. It just wasn’t a good setup.”
She added that after discussions with Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the church agreed to let White Flag use its gym once their initial capacity is reached.
“White Flag has done such a good job at getting everybody sheltered,” said Razmus. “I feel really good that everybody works so well together.”
Razmus also commended the Public Works Department for its swift response to the recent winter ice storm.
“They were out at 11:00 and midnight trying to get these roads under control,” said Razmus. “I’m really proud of them, and I wanted to give them a shout-out because they worked super hard.”
When asked about the annexation process, Razmus noted that Walmart is “jumping through the hoops to get into the city.”
According to Razmus, a new restaurant and another business similar to Tractor Supply will soon be announced near Exit 25.
“This is going to be a big, big exit in the next five years,” said Razmus. “You’re going to see a lot of growth.”
The city is discussing with the federal government the addition of a fire and police substation in the area and is applying for grants to replace aging fire equipment, including more trucks and a new ladder truck.
Razmus praised Corbin Housing Authority Executive Director Robert Hayes for achieving strong inspection scores and securing additional federal funding.
“He’s really turned that around,” said Razmus.
The City of Corbin has recently added two new police officers and plans to hire two more.
“We are starting to get some good quality applications again,” said Razmus.
Razmus praised the Corbin Fire Department’s efforts in responding to the fire that occurred in Williamsburg on the night of Jan. 20.
“That whole block would have been gone if it wasn’t for the help of our guys,” said Razmus. “They’re so well trained, and so knowledgeable. I’m just really, really proud of our fire department.”
Razmus expressed concerns about the city’s recycling program.
“We’ve got to do something,” said Razmus. “We can’t continue like we’re doing.”
City leaders are exploring ways to make the recycling program more sustainable.
Razmus noted that the Corbin Arena is now operating more efficiently and is closer to becoming financially self-sufficient after years of relying on city support.
She also praised the new hotel built next to the Corbin Center and the Corbin Arena.
“If you all have not been to the new hotel, you’ve got to go. It is unbelievable,” said Razmus. “It is amazing, and I am just really proud of how that’s turned out.”
Razmus also highlighted the ongoing expansion at the Corbin Center.
“By September, it’ll be open and ready to go, so that will be just a real boom for us,” said Razmus.
Despite the challenges of ongoing and future projects, Razmus remains hopeful and determined.
“We’ve got to fight for every dime,” said Razmus. “We try all the time.”
The Corbin Rotary Club expressed their pride in having a fellow Rotarian serve as the longtime mayor of the City of Corbin.
