Andrew Lavoie

The Council discussed and approved several items, including the installation of commercial solar panels on Commerce Way, a donation for the upcoming Hometown Patriotic Celebration, and the closure of Cotton Avenue for a street concert. The Council also initiated the development of an ordinance to create an Entertainment District in the downtown area. Additionally, the Surplus Equipment List and an amendment to the Solid Waste Collection Contract were approved. The meeting included reports from the City Manager regarding financials, grant updates, and the approval of the 2027 LMIG road paving list. Various community infrastructure and administrative inquiries were also addressed.

The council approved a resolution for Georgia Cities Week, an intergovernmental agreement with Jenkins County for mutual aid in fire and rescue services, and a new beer and wine package sales license. The purchase of a new lawn mower for the Utilities Department was authorized using Splost 7 funds. A solid waste contract amendment was tabled for executive session. The City Manager provided updates on monthly financials, termite damage repairs at the Community House, and pending grant applications for infrastructure projects. Additionally, a future meeting date was scheduled for a budget workshop and grant bid review, and various municipal concerns regarding infrastructure and property maintenance were discussed.

The council discussed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including a review of projected revenues and departmental expenses. Additionally, the council reviewed the need for Fiscal Year 2026 budget amendments for the Administration, Fire, and Water departments due to grant receipts and loan amortization expenses.

The Council reviewed and approved the bid from Shockley Plumbing in the amount of $607,225.00 for the North Avenue SEID Grant Industrial Water Line Improvements, with funding for the matching portion to be sourced from Splost Funds.

The City Council meeting included a review of the Fiscal Year 2025 Audit by the City Auditor, noting an improvement of $2.7 million to the net position and the receipt of over $3.5 million in grants. The Council approved alcohol license renewals for the upcoming term (April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027) and approved new distilled spirits serving licenses for two establishments. Furthermore, a resolution for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant was approved. The City Manager provided updates on February financials, grant activities including GEFA loan/grant approval, bid solicitation status for the SEID Grant, and upcoming project timelines for the GDOT TIA Streetscape project and CDBG funding. Council Member Clifton reported on cemetery fencing repairs, potential student assistance from Georgia Southern, and debris removal services.