“Fantastic” is the shorthand version of Mayor Lynn Ragsdale’s annual State of the City address to Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce members Thursday at the Route 66 Events Center.

For one thing, he said the city’s financial reserves are in such “great shape” that he and City Administrator Carl Francis don’t lose sleep about how the city would handle a crisis.

The city’s balance of all funds is closing in on $9 million for the first time.

Francis called attention to the city’s continued growth in economic development. Looking forward, he said construction of the Flat Creek restaurant can be expected soon next to the Sleep Inn and Suites. 

He said he is particularly excited about the potential for development of the former G&H Redi-Mix property, which was purchased and cleaned up last year by the city. It fronts both East Street and Broadway.

Before the end of the year, he predicted all of the available commercial lots on Madison Street between Seventh and 14th streets will be sold. Meanwhile on Madison Street, Scooter’s coffee is about to open, and Zips car wash is under construction.

Housing starts are continuing at a fast rate. To which Francis said Webb City is fortunate that Schuber Mitchell Homes has chosen Webb City for its home office.