Michael Thigpen

The strategic plan for the City of Warrenton aims to revitalize its downtown area by enhancing public infrastructure, supporting economic development, fostering community engagement, and preserving historic character. Key priorities include upgrading public spaces, attracting new businesses through incentives, promoting local events, and restoring blighted buildings. The plan seeks to increase community involvement and leverage the town's historic charm to boost tourism, creating a vibrant, economically resilient downtown that balances growth with preservation.

The meeting agenda items included reviewing the Finance Report for August 2025, discussing the FY27 Operating Contract, and considering multiple Land Use Applications, specifically #25-7-21 and #25-7-22, along with a Variance request. The Board addressed Intergovernmental Agreements pertaining to City Elections and FLOST funding. Other topics involved the Trees Act (HB223), a Library System Update, setting the 2025 Millage Rate, installation of a 4-Way Stop at Mitchell Road @ Five Points Jewell Road, the GMASS Agreement with Tax Assessors, a resolution for the American 250 Commission, and reviewing the credit card bill.

The meeting involved significant discussions on several agenda items. The Board voted unanimously not to approve a tabled text amendment request from Shangri-La Plantation Farms, LLC, which sought to add a Planned Unit Development (PUD) as a district in Chapter 4 of the Land Use Plan. Funding for previously approved vehicle purchases for the Sheriff's Department, Public Works, and Emergency Services was approved through the ACCG Equipment Financing Program, utilizing SPLOST funds. The Board approved the courthouse security system upgrade utilizing SecureTech Systems, Inc., and agreed to move forward with the FY25 LMIG Safety Action Plan, which requires a 10% local match for safety enhancements on off-system routes. Ronnie Easler Builders' lowest bid of $328,400.00 was approved for the construction of the Ricketson Fire Station. The Board decided to reject the current bids for the Public Safety Building Parking Lot Project and re-bid the project due to potential future building changes. Additionally, the Board approved streamlining supplemental insurance programs for employees and moved to re-appoint Chranda Baker and Elizabeth "Betty" English to the Library Board for three-year terms, as well as re-appointing Crystal Ladousier to the EMS Council for a new three-year term.

The agenda for this meeting included the approval of the Finance Report for September 2025, the discussion and potential approval of a Client Service Agreement with the Probate Court, and a Technical Services Contract related to a Hazard Mitigation Project. Key actions involved Storm Ready Re-recognition, ratification of the BOE 2025 Millage Rate, a Facility Use Agreement with the Red Cross, the sale of an ambulance to Glascock County, and declaring an old fire truck as surplus. The board also planned to review the Credit Card Bill.

Key discussion topics for this meeting included the Finance Report for May 2025, the appointment of a DFACS Board Member (Floyd Mayes), and the appointment of an Election Supervisor (Lisa Smith). The Board planned to address the award for 2025 TIA & LMIG and the FY24 EMPG Base Award, review the PSB Parking Lot Bid, estimate the Roll-Back Millage Rate, discuss Capital Projects Finance Proposals, and address the Ambulance Purchase. Other items included an update on FEMA, ACCG Financing, a Solar Ordinance Request, Solid Waste Fees, FY25/26 Budget Resolutions, HB223 (Timber), and the Classification & Compensation Study, in addition to reviewing the Credit Card Bill.