Lawrenceburg Mayor Gives State of the City at Liberty Theater

Friday, February 7, 2025 at 2:27 PM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

Mayor Mollaun highlighted happenings from 2024 and previewed what is to come in 2025.

Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun gives his State of the City Address at the Liberty Theater. Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - Now in his final term, Lawrenceburg Mayor Kelly Mollaun gave his State of the City Address on Friday at the Liberty Theater.

His speech lasted approximately 15 minutes highlighting happenings from 2024 and previewing what lies ahead for the City in 2025.

Among the highlights of 2024 included a new 40-year Union contract, which went into effect this January. The two key changes in that agreement included transitioning police officers to 12-hour shift schedule and merging fire and EMS departments.

"These updates will improve coverage, enhance responsiveness and ultimately contribute to making Lawrenceburg an even safer and stronger community," said Mayor Mollaun.

Other highlights included increased school resource officer (SRO) presence at Lawrenceburg Schools, continued support of fostering new and existing programs at all schools, including St. Lawrence and Ivy Tech, reopening of the Liberty Theater, and new street signs.

The Liberty Theater reopened in September of 2024. The historic space was originally built in 1893 as home to the Liedertafel Society and is the longest-standing public hall in downtown Lawrenceburg. The theater is being used as a premier original live music site in addition to hosting a draft beer, bourbon and whiskey bar plus regular brunches and special events such as the State of the City Address.

Just recently, the Liberty Theater won Best Building Architecture during the Cincinnati Design Awards.

New street signs have been installed throughout the city limits to give a "better first impression" for visitors. Mayor Mollaun says upgrades to signage at the entrances of the city limits are in the works.

The rising popularity of pickleball has certainly made its way to Lawrenceburg. Pickleball courts are in the process of being installed at Ludlow Hill Park and are on schedule to be ready this spring. Todd Creech Memorial Park will too be home to new pickleball courts in 2025.

At the Lawrenceburg Community Center, a facade project has been completed. Upgrades to the workout facility and other renovations were included in the project.

In 2025, the long-awaited Lawrenceburg Riverwalk project is expected to get underway. City Council is currently awaiting a sponsorship letter of support from the Lawrenceburg Conservancy District. Once the letter is received, the City can get a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with the project. Upgrades to the levee will include seating, swings, and a fresh loop to the trail. The water side of the project will include two, modern style restaurants, public restrooms, ample outdoor seating, modern lighting and approximately 15 boat slips for visitors.

Within the next 30 to 45 days, the City plans to break ground on the new open-air pavilion across from Proof 124 Table & Tavern. This multi-purpose space will host the ice-skating rink in the winter and the Farmers Market in the spring and summer, among other events. The project will also include additional public restrooms.

Ludlow Hill Park will be getting a walking trail in 2025. This trail will give residents a chance to walk to the park from the Bellaire Drive trailhead with connections to both ponds in the park. Currently, the only way to enter the park is by vehicle.

Mayor Mollaun also hit on the City's attempt to apply for tax credits to help build additional senior housing. Their application was denied, but the City remains firm in their commitment to achieving this goal.

In terms of quality of life, Mayor Mollaun says there is a lot to be thankful for including: