When Albany Mayor Nicky Smith began his ninth year (third term) as the city’s chief official over a month ago, he made some local history by becoming the fourth class city’s first “full-time” mayor.

Smith was elected in 2002 and took office in January of 2003. The first two terms, like all mayors in the past, was tabbed a ‘part-time’ position. However, the duties of a mayor of this size city over the decades, has required basically full time work.

The mayor admitted there was really no difference in the work he is doing now as compared to the first eight years in office, simply because during those years the same time and duties required of a leading official hasn’t changed much.

Smith did say he had taken some more responsibilities on numerous boards that local elected officials serve on, including being elected as Vice-Chairman of the Lake Cumberland Area Development District, which could put him in line for the chairman’s position in the future.

The number of hours are the same, “24-7,” said Smith during an interview last week.

Smith reasoned that Albany City Council saw the need to make the position officially full-time with compensation to cover the amount of work it takes to do the job right.

In 2008, the council voted for the incoming council to receive a $100 a month increase in pay (up to just $300 total) and at the same time make the mayor’s position that of full-time at $24,000. That was to begin with the next term of council members, or those who were elected this past November and the mayor’s position becoming full-time the same year.

Mayor Smith stated “there is so much to do on a day-to-day basis,” making it essential the position is filled full-time.

He also said there is much more traveling involved with the job. “Everyone is after (grant/loan) money.” Smith said he had been to Washington D.C., Frankfort and other locations on numerous occasions over the past years seeking help in obtaining federal and state grants and low-interest loans.

During Smith’s terms in office, the City of Albany has been extremely fortunate in obtaining several large grants and other sizeable loans at low interest to help modernize the water system, treatment facilities and so forth, while keeping the cost to consumers low because a lot of the grant monies did not have to be paid back.

The mayor oversees all the city departments, including water and sewer departments, street department, police department, fire department and city hall. He noted that day to day operations of the water and sewer departments required a lot of time and feels the employees of both departments do a good job in maintaining those systems.

Smith commended the Albany Fire Department for the work they do, considering those on the department are volunteering their time and services. He also commended all of the approximate 40 plus city employees, saying the city had some very good employees and feels most citizens of Albany realize that.

Mayor Smith said among the accomplishments made through his first two terms, the one that stands out somewhat is moving the raw water intake system into Lake Cumberland. This he said, assured not only the necessary availability of water, but safer water for consumption to all people in the city and county.

He also said he was proud of the downtown revitalization that took place a few years ago and would like to be able to obtain funds to add more sidewalks in more locations, in particular south Albany near Albany Manor and northward to around the schools and park.

The mayor is also proud of the start-up of the food drive, which eventually led to the toy drive the next year as well, that has become known as the “Christmas at Home” program.

That is a project that is co-sponsored by the city, with several city employees, as well as many others in the community, working tirelessly in November and December to put the program together. And, according to the mayor, brings the entire community together.

Smith sees himself as a “competitive” official who likes to compete with other towns such as Monticello, etc. in obtaining grants for projects. But, he admitted that due to the economic situation at present, grant money across the board was shrinking and getting harder to come by.

Despite the lack of federal and state money as the economy tries to recover from the recession, the mayor continues to travel and work to seek funds wherever they may be available to local projects.

Smith also continues to seek industrial and business prospects who may be interested in the Albany area and puts that as one of his top priorities. “I try to sell Albany everywhere I go,” he added.

The mayor said he had followed some good mayors who had served over the years, as well as working with good council members–including the current slate of council persons over the past eight years.

Smith said he didn’t feel any different since becoming ‘full-time’ as mayor, but went on to say, “I’m glad the people of Albany gave me the chance. I feel humbled and honored. The public trust people have put in me means a lot,” he added.

“The people expect me to do a good job and I’m going to do my best to do that. This is the most rewarding job I’ve ever had,” Smith concluded.