Ferris residents become ‘city ambassadors’

FERRIS – Thirteen residents in the City of Ferris are undergoing a detailed look at how their city operates through the city’s first ever 10-month program offered by Ferris University.

Residents attending the class come together each month for a two-hour course in the evening.

The class began in early August beginning with a look at technology and communication followed by an exploration of the City Manager’s office and the city’s strategic planning.

In September, the Chief Financial Officer took to the podium for a session on finance operations and the city’s budget. 

Upcoming classes will include utility billing, taxes, and appraisal values.

“Ferris University is an opportunity for citizens to get a first-hand look at how their government functions,” said Ferris City Manager Brooks Williams. “The classes walk citizens through every facet of local government.”

Each session is taught by a different member of the executive leadership team in Ferris creating an awareness around the who, what, how, and why the city functions.

The 10-month course will graduate students in May of next year where each one will receive a certificate of completion and walk away with a thorough understanding of how a city operates on a daily basis.

“City staff is grateful to the citizens who took the time out of their personal lives to attend and become ambassadors for our community,” said Williams.