Girard is a community proud of its history, traditions and small-town atmosphere. Girard citizens are currently engaged in a visioning/planning process to revitalize our community and improve the quality of life. The Chamber of Commerce is focusing its attention on economic development and wishes to enhance the community plan with a strong economic and community development component.

Utility information

The City owns and operates a natural gas generation system and purchases energy from Westar. The City has recently secured a 20 year contract from the Grand River Dam Authority. This ensures the energy supply is sufficient in this community to support any future needs.

The community receives telephone services from Craw-Kan Telephone Company that provides wireless and cable television, dial-up and high speed DSL internet services, mobile phones and home/business security services. The company, established in 1952 with 14 subscribers, currently serves 33 exchanges in 3 states. Craw-Kan is capable of providing any necessary T1 lines and will present a letter of assurance upon request.

Girard Statistics

Total population - nearly 2,800

15-19 years. . . . . . . . . . . 8.3%

25-34 years. . . . . . . . . . . 11.2 %

35-44 years. . . . . . . . . . . 14.7%

45-54 years. . . . . . . . . . . 11.6%

75-84 years. . . . . . . . . . . 8.1%

Total housing units. . . . . . . . . .1,063

Renter-occupied housing . . . . .28.3%

Households w/individuals 65 & over 31.7%

Median family income. . . . . . . $46,000; nearly $9,000 below the state average

Our Business Community

• 80 Chamber members

• 6 insurance agents

• 10 physicians, dentists, chiropractors, hospital

• 13 other human services providers

• 8 retail shops

• 9 manufacturers

• 4 financial institutions

• 7 attorneys or accountants

• 1 Bed and Breakfast

• 7 restaurants

Our Accomplishments

• New location of city hall, new fire and police stations.

• Improvements to sidewalks.

• New municipal pool providing free swimming lessons to children in Girard and those bused in from the surrounding area through Parks and Recreation.

• Refurbishing city generators to reduce utility costs.

• Recent addition to Carnegie library through bond issue.

Our Goals

• Increase free or low-cost community activities around the downtown square.

• Establish a community fitness and activity center.

• Increase communication through the establishment of a website and the utilization of the local public access channel.

• Revitalize the downtown square area.

Our Schools

• Total district size —263 square miles; 45% of the students are bused to school

• Total district population 1,200

• Students qualifying for free and reduced lunches is 40%

• Overall enrollment remains stable in spite of a 6.5 % decrease over the past 10 years

• 3 buildings with excellent facilities