Ask the members of the Banks Town Council how many terms they have served and they can’t give a definitive answer. It’s not how long they have served that matters. What matters to them is having opportunities so serve the Town of Banks and its people.

“We’re small town USA and we like it,” said Banks Mayor Lisa Culpepper, with a smile. But that doesn’t mean the mayor is satisfied with the status quo.

“As a small town, we are always looking for ways to increase our revenue so we can do more for our citizens,” Culpepper said. “Right now, we have a convenience store and a cabinet shop, so we have room to grow in the director of business.”

Culpepper said Banks is a great place to live because it’s a place where neighbors are friends.

“We’re a small, friendly town and we are conveniently located 10 miles from Troy and 8 miles from Brundidge,” she said. “We’re small but we do good.”

As for seeking another term as mayor, Culpepper said some people would give her a rough time if she didn’t. And, too, she loves Banks and wants to do her part in helping it grow while maintaining its small-town atmosphere.

Jeff Hollis is the Banks Town Council’s longest serving council member. He began serving in 2003 and is committed to seeing Banks grow. And that growth will hopefully be in two directions, in population and revenue.

Hollis said, for those who are looking for small-town living, Banks fits the bill. But attracting business and/or industry will take putting ice candy out there as an incentive.

“We have to find a way or ways to make Banks an ideal location for business,” Hollis said adding that there are businesses that want to locate in small towns and Banks is one of the best.

Laura Hollis joined her brother on the Banks Town Council in 2014 and growth is also a priority for her.

However, she said, population growth will take care of itself.

“Who wouldn’t want to live in Banks?” Hollis said. “It’s a great small town with friendly, caring people. And, it would be a great location for small business. Small businesses generate revenue, too.”

“As for what we can do and need to do as a town council, we want to make what we have better,” she said. “Renovating Town Hall and making other improvements to our town give our residents a greater sense of community pride.”

So Hollis said, yes, she will seek re-election and will work to grow Banks in all directions.

Kim Henderson, has also served on the Banks Town Council since 2014 and will seek another term.

Henderson said, too, that finding ways to put more dollars in the town’s coffer is a priority for the town council because, small towns have financial needs as do larger towns and cities.

“We need additional revenue and we are always looking for ways to bring business to Banks,” Henderson said. “But we also want to provide more community activities for our townspeople. We are planning a Veterans’ Day program at our Town Hall. Bringing our community together at special times of the year and to honor our country is also a priority for our town council.”

Lori Welch said she plans to seek re-election. Lynn Wilson could not be reached for comment.