Lisa Hosford

The meeting, called by the District 1 delegation, focused primarily on the transfer of the AA McNeel building from the Camila Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to the City of Camila. This action was necessary because the city had executed approximately $120,000 in tenant improvements (TIs) for the USDA, which rents the building, without prior formal intergovernmental agreement (IGA) with the DDA for the one-third of the building the DDA owns. The city attorney determined the city lacked the legal authority to charge the USDA for these improvements without proper conveyance or IGA. The council discussed two primary options: entering an IGA with the DDA to manage that portion, or having the DDA convey the third of the building to the city. The prevailing recommendation was conveyance to the city to maintain streamlined management, as the city has historically managed maintenance and collected rent for that portion without formal agreement. The council considered authorizing the Mayor or Mayor Pro Tempore to sign documents contingent upon the DDA's approval of the transfer.

This called council meeting addressed the proposed partial closure of a portion of Yellow Street, which had been discussed at a prior public hearing but failed to receive a second for discussion/vote. Council members explained the reason for calling this special meeting was at the request of Golden Peanut to receive a definitive yes or no vote on their proposal. Discussions included the potential disruption to traffic flow and livelihood in the neighborhood, and alternative solutions such as hiring extra staff to monitor traffic instead of closing the road, though concerns about liability for both Golden Peanut and the City were noted if the road remained open under partial monitoring authority. Council members emphasized their efforts to be accommodating to Golden Peanut throughout this process, noting multiple opportunities where the discussion could have advanced sooner.

The work session included a presentation by Ein Floyd of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute concerning the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Georgia and Mitchell County. Key topics covered were the economic impact of SNAP, proposed federal changes via HR1, including expansions to work requirements and eligibility limits for certain immigrants, and recent federal actions regarding the government shutdown's impact on benefit distribution. Following the presentation, the Council discussed an emergency food assistance allocation of $75,000 from the MIA rebate fund to support local entities like the Boys and Girls Club of Mitchell County and Mitchell County Schools in providing food assistance to residents who rely on EBT resources.

The work session included an overview presentation by Mr. Martavius Marcus regarding the new PB urgent care facility in Camila, detailing its operational hours, services such as on-site X-rays and orthopedic support, and its goal to reduce emergency room volume. A resident spoke to clarify that they were representing themselves as a concerned taxpayer regarding city spending, specifically noting opposition to a previous bar project and current concerns about a proposed hotel. The council proceeded to approve two proclamations. The first designated April 2025 as Child Abuse Prevention Month, following a presentation of local statistics showing higher rates of child abuse/neglect and child poverty in Mitchell County compared to the state average. The second proclamation designated April 2025 as Autism Acceptance Month, following comments from the Mayor Pro-Tim about a successful recent event held at Centennial Stadium.

This called meeting was convened to address the certification of the 2025 millage rate. A key discussion centered on reconsidering the previously certified millage rate of 6.105, which would result in a property tax increase. Following public commentary regarding community concerns, particularly food access issues and the impact of property tax increases on low-income residents, the council proceeded to vote. A motion was made and approved to roll back the millage rate from 6.105 to 6.084, ensuring that property taxes for citizens would not increase. The meeting concluded after the vote and adjournment.