Last Friday’s Early Chamber of Commerce luncheon featured the annual “State of the City” address.  Mayor Bob Mangrum went over statistical information on City of Early operations in 2024, and talked about some new things to expect in Early this year and next.  Among the new items:

Atwoods – The superstore, which is being built on Highway 377 just north of Early, will feature everything from farm essentials to home decor.  Construction is expected to be complete by the end of May, with the store opening sometime in late summer or early fall.  Atwood’s expects to employ 25-50 jobs, full-time and part-time.

Early Town Center – Progress continues on the construction of Early Town Center.  Mangrum announced three new additions to the project:

DOG PARK:  Described as “a safe place for dogs to run and play.”  The dog park will be split between areas for small dogs and large dogs, and will include an agility course, shaded areas, and a water fountain

PENATUKAH COMANCHE HERITAGE EXHIBIT:  The exhibit “aims to honor the history and cultural heritage of the Penatukah Band Comanche Indians, who historically camped alongside the Pecan Bayou.”  The exhibit will feature a 20-foot teepee and interpretive signs along a nearby walking trail.

CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND:  This playground is still in the planning phase.  It will be designed to “provide a fun, safe, and engaging environment for families and children of all ages.”

All three of the above new additions to the Town Center are planned to open in Spring 2026.

TOWNEPLACE SUITES:  Will include 75 studio suites with each room containing a kitchen and living area.  The Suites will also have a meeting space, a fitness center, and a patio.

WHW VENTURES LLC:  This will be a mixed-use space featuring a Quiznos Restaurant and rental spaces

HUTCH PROPERTIES LLC:  This will be a mixed-use space by the Boardwalk entrance featuring a restaurant and bar, prime rental spots, and a Visitor’s Center.

The construction of the Boardwalk should be complete by the fall of 2025.

Some of the statistical information provided by Mayor Mangrum included:

Early Chamber of Commerce:  43 new businesses joined the Chamber in 2024; 15 events were hosted; and 22 ribbon-cutting events were held.

City of Early:  Ten new businesses opened in 2024.  Construction began on three new subdivisions (390 acres) which include single- and multi-family housing, plus commercial and industrial properties.

Total revenue for the City of Early in 2024 was $7,935,041.  The breakdown by source of revenue:  Sales Tax $3.14 million (39.6%); Water, Sewer, and Sanitation $2.9 million (37.0%); Property Tax $1.5 million (18.9%); Hotel Tax $363,000 (4.6%).

Police Department:  3,245 calls for service in 2024; 629 School Resource Officer calls; 1,287 hours of Continuing Education

Fire Department:  783 calls for service in 2024; 123 fire inspections conducted; 1,255 hours of Continuing Education; new 103-foot Ladder Truck acquired

Development Services:  171 building permits issued; 451 inspections performed; $7 million of construction projects for over 70,000 square feet

Parks and Recreation:  Manages six facilities for a total of 1,368 acres; ten events held in McDonald Park; three events in City Park; 214 games hosted; forty new trees planted

Public Works:  Maintains 47 lane miles of streets and 56.52 miles of right-of-way; 7,828 feet of water and sewer lines installed; 808 brush and bulk pickups; 4.6 million pounds of trash collected; 9,000-ft of sidewalk installed; 3 major street reconstruction projects; 6.5 miles of street repair work; 1,139 citizen service requests completed.

Convention and Visitors:  109 events hosted; $18.3 million in direct spending by travelers; $1.5 million in sales and hotel tax revenue.