From an economic development standpoint, the city of Mexico’s main focus continues to be getting the hospital reopened.

That was the message at the city’s last council meeting of the year on Dec. 11. The council won’t have a second meeting in December because the regular meeting date falls on Christmas. The council can always call an emergency meeting.

A presentation was given to the council by Economic Development Director Amy O’Brien who was hired less than a year ago to focus on getting the hospital back open. O’Brien told council members she’s naturally optimistic but there are also facts supporting her optimism the hospital will reopen under the current management.

“The team they have here I think they are top-notch,” O’Brien said. “If anybody can do it they can.”

The reopening of the hospital has hit several snags including a case currently in front of a federal bankruptcy judge. Hospital staff were hoping to have some services open by now but the legal problems have caused delays. O’Brien said they’re hopeful something will get resolved by the end of December.

Last month the city agreed with the Main Street Organization on a plan to help the city bring more economic development to the area. The first meeting with those folks will take place right after New Year’s. 

Overall the city had a pretty successful year with development. The city issued 23 new business licenses and the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce has kept the calendar full with ribbon cuttings on new businesses and buildings.

“It’s all about the fun I’ve had,” O’Brien said joking with council members.

The city issued 21 new house construction permits after issuing 26 in 2022. The city also broke a record with resident renovation construction permits in the value of more than $11.5 million. More than 1,200 permits were issued. The city also issued more than $6.5 million in commercial construction permits.

The city also saw new construction with First State Bank and major expansion projects at Abacus Logistics, Walmart, King’s Daughter, and Zenith Aircrafts. O’Brien noted that Zenith not only employs several local people but also brings customers to town every month and brought hundreds of people to Mexico in September for their annual homecoming event.

“Zenith not only manufactures things but they also bring people to town on a monthly basis,” O’Brien said.

The one big downside to 2023 was the loss of Soft Surroundings and the more than 75 jobs that went with it. O’Brien said she’s optimistic they’ll have a new tenant soon.

“I’ve been out there with two different potential investors looking at that site,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien said although the city is building new homes they still need to work on housing to continue to build the workforce. She said a recent survey showed many workers are willing to drive 20 to 30 minutes to work but she would rather they have a much shorter drive.

“I want to have opportunities for them to live here so they shop here and pay taxes here,” O’Brien said. “That’s what we want as a community.”