There are a lot of positive aspects to living and visiting Kingfisher, said City Manager Jim Thomas.

However, he added, there are a number of issues with the foundation that runs the city - its infrastructure - that need to be addressed.

Thomas and Mayor Geoff Covalt want to discuss those issues - and more - next Wednesday, Aug. 27, at a “State of the City” luncheon.

It will be held at noon at the Pioneer Engineering Conference Center, located on the second floor at 315 E. Robberts Ave.

Hosted by the Kingfisher Chamber of Commerce, it is open to the public and lunch will be provided free of charge. An RSVP is required to attend by calling 405-375-3705 or registering online at kingfisherchamber. com/events.

Thomas and Covalt are expected to speak and answer questions for about an hour.

“Mayor Covalt and I have one goal in mind: To be transparent with the citizens and businesses in Kingfisher about the deferred capital needs that need to be addressed,” Thomas said.

“Kingfisher has deferred a substantial amount of water improvements, storm water, road repairs, sewer processing facilities and electrical.”

Thomas said the city commission has committed to a capital improvement plan that will cost about $30 million over the next 10 years.

“Our infrastructure has aged and now is the time to make a financial investment in Kingfisher’s future,” Thomas said. “We have maintained the status quo too long.”

In addition to infrastructure needs, Thomas said the city needs to increase its economic development efforts “as we diversify our revenue sources.”

“Our community has great quality-of-life programs: parks, baseball, soccer, Winter Nights, a golf course, aquatic center and a nice downtown,” Thomas said.

“We just need to make improvements with our infrastructure ASAP.”

However, he continued, the work can’t be completed ASAP.

“Rome was not built in a day and we can’t fix these challenges in a day, but it’s a new day in Kingfisher,” Thomas said.

He and Covalt plan to discuss that “new day” with citizens and business leaders who attend.

“We have a vision and the city commission is committed to leaving a positive legacy for future generations to enjoy the same quality of life to which we have become accustomed,” Thomas said.