Fordyce Mayor John MacNichol gave his final State of the City address as the council conducted several other matters of routine business.

The Fordyce City Council met Monday (Feb. 9) at city hall and first accepted the resignation of council member Roderick Rogers.

MacNichol, who is resigning at the end of 2026, then laid out his remarks.

“Tonight, I stand before you humbled, grateful, and deeply moved, because the state of our city is not only sound – it is strong in ways that numbers alone can never capture. Fordyce is strong because its people are strong. It is thriving because its people refuse to give up. And it is full of hope because its people believe in something bigger than themselves.

Over the past few years, we have watched Fordyce transform. Not through grand speeches or big promises, but through the everyday courage of ordinary citizens – men and women who get up early, work hard, care for their families, and pour their hearts into this community. You are the reason Fordyce has become a place where people want to live, work, visit, and raise their children. You built this progress. You carried this city forward.

Tonight, I want to speak from the heart. Serving as your Mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life. And as many of you know, I have submitted my resignation and will continue to serve through the remainder of 2026. This decision was not easy. But I made it with peace, because I know this city is in good hands – your hands. The hands of a community that has never backed down from a challenge.

To the Fordyce City Council, our City Attorney, and every member of our city staff – thank you. You have stood beside me through storms and celebrations, through long nights and early mornings. You have given your time, your energy, and your heart to this city.  You have been the backbone of our progress.

To our police officers and firefighters – you are the quiet guardians of Fordyce. You run toward danger when others run away. You protect our families, our homes, and our peace of mind. Your courage is the heartbeat of this community.

Every day, my staff and I have worked to meet the needs of today – but our mission has always been about tomorrow. About the Fordyce our children will inherit. About the roads they will drive on, the parks they will play in, the water they will drink, and the safety they will depend on.

We must continue improving our streets, our drainage systems, our intersections, and our traffic signals. We must continue strengthening our water and sewer systems for them to remain reliable for generations to come. We must continue investing in public safety in our parks, in our civic center, and in the walking trail that brings families together and reminds us what community truly means.

These past several years, we welcomed new businesses such as the Murphy Fuel Stop, Precision Therapy, Taco Bell, Tractor Supply and Hunks Fuel Stop, as we watched long-standing businesses continue to grow.

I stand here tonight more confident that ever that the state of the city of Fordyce is strong – not just physically and financially, but spiritually.  Our strength and hope comes first of all from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We faced crises – and we faced them together. And through every challenge, Fordyce showed its true character: resilient, united, and full of heart.

Our future shines brighter, because the citizens of Fordyce refuse to settle for anything less than progress.

Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for supporting me. And thank you for being the soul of this city. Fordyce is not great because of any one leader – it is great because of all of you. Our story is not finished. And the best chapters are still ahead.”

MacNichol’s address was well-received from those in attendance. After his remarks, the city council conducted other business:

• Approved Resolution 439 to demolish property at 611 Ash St.
• The council voted to purchase a mini excavator from Erwin of Fordyce for $75,900 from a sealed bid.
• Approved Resolution 441 to be a “Pro-Life” city.
• Approved Resolution 442 to demolish property at 700 Charlotte St.
• Approved. Ordinance 2026-1 for control of dogs.

Fire Chief Jim Culp updated on the progress of the new 54 x 12 lean-to addition on the fire station with a new classroom.