Kandice Hartley

During the Working Session, the Council recognized employees for years of service and acknowledged the retirement of a Fire Department Captain. Key agenda items included the renewal of the Toomsboro Animal Control Contract (suggested for annual renewal in the future), and the bid award for the engineering of the new police department. Department statistics for 2025 were reviewed for Police, Fire, Electric, and Water/Wastewater services. Discussions involved addressing reports of an uncleared ditch on Hines Street and addressing safety concerns regarding railroad track oversight on Tybee Street. Planning & Zoning reported on ongoing work regarding vacant houses and addressed an inquiry about a proposed personal care home ordinance. The City Manager reviewed the 2026 CHIP Grant application resolution and the use of CDBG Grant funds for the MLK sewer project. Council members also expressed the need to discuss the City Manager position and potential street naming honor for Terry Jones, and noted concerns about littering.

The working session focused heavily on the proposed redesign for Franklin Haynes Drive near the Recreation Department. Options included leaving the road as is with gates or relocating the road entirely around the park, the latter being favored for safety and expansion potential despite residents' initial preference for gates. The meeting also covered the bid award for the Animal Control shelter, where the lowest bid from ATL Prime Services was accepted over a higher local bid due to the winning proposal being more detailed. Subsequently, the regular session addressed multiple resolutions, including adopting a resolution amending the schedule of fees and charges, adopting financial policies, and adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Other actions included reappointing a member to the Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Board, approving the 2026 Council meeting schedule, awarding the Animal Control shelter bid, and voting on the Franklin Haynes Drive resolution, ultimately favoring road relocation over gate installation.

The resolution focuses on amending the schedule of fees and charges for the City of Sandersville, Georgia. It addresses services provided by the city's utility systems, including electricity, water, sewer, sanitation, and telecom services. The resolution adopts and approves the revised schedule of fees and charges, repealing any conflicting provisions in previous ordinances or policies. It covers various fees related to utility deposits, cut-off fees, temporary service, pole fees, returned checks, collections, outdoor lighting, underground service, same-day service, account establishment, transfer fees, reconnect fees, meter tests, credit card phone service, police department reports and background checks, animal control adoptions and reclaims, boarding fees, drop-offs, microchips, building and zoning permits for residential and commercial construction, reinspection fees, zoning verification letters, zone changes, zoning variances, plumbing, HVAC, street department services such as driveway/pipe installation, dirt, gravel, water/sewer taps, electric department fees, telecom dark fiber lease, special events permits, sanitation leaf and limb pickup, and tire fees.

The City Council adopted financial policies to guide the preparation and administration of budgeting, accounting, investment, risk management, debt, auditing, and financial reporting. The City Manager is directed to develop the annual proposed Budget and Capital Improvements Program in conformance with these policies.

The meeting included discussion of Resolution #2025-11 regarding the millage rate for 2026 and Resolution #2025-12 concerning the destruction of certain municipal records. An amendment to the bid for ASA Paving was made to include North Oak St. Concerns were raised about Evelyn and Hines Streets, specifically regarding abandoned houses, and a commitment was made to review ordinances on abandoned houses and vehicles. The council also acknowledged community involvement with SES.