Garland, Texas – June 9, 2010 -- The City of Garland’s new Charles E. Duckworth Utility Services Building is now open to the public and was officially dedicated Wednesday.
The new Utility Services building is named in honor Charles E. Duckworth, who served Garland as City Manager from 1965 to 1977. Mr. Duckworth is credited with vast improvements in the City’s bond ratings which provided for important infrastructure upgrades, including those at the Newman Power Plant and construction of the Olinger Power Plant to significantly increase GP&L’s generating capacity. Mr. Duckworth was a leader in the development of public infrastructure for municipal water systems, wastewater treatment, and public power.
“Charles Duckworth had a vision for what Garland could achieve,” said current City Manager William E. Dollar. “A great deal of this City’s success is rightfully attributed to Mr. Duckworth’s efforts.”
Mr. Duckworth and his wife, Billye, joined the dedication festivities Wednesday and were given a replica of the dedication plaque that will be placed on the building. “I am overwhelmed by this honor, and thank you from the bottom of my heart,” said Mr. Duckworth, as he remembered and recognized numerous people he worked with at the City of Garland. “I will always remember the dedicated, talented people whom I worked with during my time as City Manager.”
The Duckworth Building, at 217 North Fifth Street, houses the Garland Power & Light administrative offices, the Tax and Revenue Recovery Departments, and the Customer Service Department. Citizens needing to open new utility accounts, or access other services related to utilities and utility billing will need to go to the Duckworth Building. All City tax payments and related services will also be handled at this location.
Also open this week, the new Garland Utility Payment Drive Thru is located at 717 W. State Street, just a couple of blocks away at the corner of State and Glenbrook. This facility features a four-lane drive thru, a welcome improvement over the previous two-lane drive thru. Additionally, customers will be able to access the utility payment drop box without leaving their vehicle. The drop box is located in the far left lane of the Drive Thru.
The City will apply for LEED Silver Certification for both buildings as part of Garland’s ongoing efforts to support environmental quality. Both buildings feature solar panels to heat hot water, energy efficient appliances and fixtures, and green housekeeping and landscaping plans. In addition, at least 75 percent of the construction and demolition waste has been recycled.