Anthony, Texas Thriving Economically

While many states, cities and counties are struggling to meet their budget needs…one small town in our area is thriving. There’s no talk of raising taxes and employees are getting raises.

“A lot of businesses have started moving here, ” said Ray Cadena who has been living in the area for 37 years. He says slow and steady growth is finally paying off with hustle and bustle in this small town.

“When I moved here in ’73 we had two police men, one night and one day shift and that was the Chief of Police,” said Cadena.

Meanwhile, going on 18 years in office…Mayor Art Franco says he also remembers some tough times, “I remember one year we actually had to hold checks back so we had enough money to cover them.”

But now, as other larger governments struggle with their budgets… Franco and the Anthony city council have adopted a lower tax rate and a 3-4 percent raise for all 28 city employees, including its 14 police office officers.

“We feel that we’re in fairly good shape,” said Franco, who points to a boom in business and residential developments, “It’s small but consistent growth that has helped us out a lot.”

A creative use of state and federal dollars, “We actually apply for as many grants as we can,” said Franco.

And frugal spending. The town’s plans for a new, no-frills city hall is an example. And also, a lot of patience from the town’s 4400 residents.

“What I’ve seen here in Anthony, Texas is growth and not wasteful spending that you see in other towns,” said Cadena.