West Lafayette mayor says city in 'fantastic' shape in 'State of the City' address

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - "Fantastic." That's how Mayor John Dennis described West Lafayette in his "State of the City" address.

In his speech to the West Lafayette City Council Monday night, Mayor Dennis said low crime, better fire protection and infrastructure improvements, as well as the continued partnership with Purdue University, made 2011 a great year.

Specifically, the mayor said the West Lafayette Police Department saw an increase in service calls of 18% in 2011 but saw a decrease in criminal arrests by 2%. The city's insurance service office rating went up from a six rating to a four, which Dennis said places the West Lafayette Fire Department in the top 8% for the State of Indiana.

Looking forward, Mayor Dennis believes the future of the local economy is bright.

"Probably, most importantly, we've got a lot of enthusiasm and excitement in this community from the side of development. New businesses are calling up every day and looking to invest in West Lafayette, and that's nothing but fantastic," Mayor Dennis said.

Accomplishments like the completion of Lindberg Bridge, rebuilding two city parks (University Farms and Tommy Johnston) and expansion of the trail systems, among other projects, highlight the successes of 2011.

The mayor also credits the city's financial situation as, quote, "healthier than it has ever been." Dennis said the city began 2011 with its smallest budget in four years.