Shannon Bryant

The meeting began with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance. Key discussions included the presentation and unanimous approval of the provisional 2026 CenterPark Events Calendar, which featured a name change for the fall festival from Harvest Melody Arts and Music Fall Festival to Harvest Melody Arts and Music Festival. The governing authority also discussed sponsorship opportunities for the upcoming Independence Day Event as part of the America's 250th year celebration. A resolution for the 1st Budget Amendment for FY 2026 was unanimously approved to allocate $47,451.00 to the Fire Department's Repairs & Maintenance budget for storm damage repairs from May 2025. Furthermore, a resolution amending the Comprehensive Plan and updating the Community Work Program was approved following a public hearing, ensuring compliance with the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing (GICH) requirements and setting a timeline for the next full update in 2027. Finally, Councilwoman Velicia Y. Lowe, Post 3, was unanimously authorized as a signor on all city bank accounts.

The primary discussion centered on the FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), which details Centerville's estimated share (2.94%, or approximately $1.2 million annually) and outlines that the 1% FLOST tax will be subject to a referendum in a Special Election on May 19, 2026, with collections potentially starting October 1, 2026. The council unanimously approved the FLOST IGA. In New Business, the council approved a request to roll over the 2026 Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) funds into 2027 to help fund the repaving of Carl Vinson Parkway. Council members extended appreciation to city staff across various departments for their efforts during a recent weather event and encouraged citizens to vote in the State Senate Election. The Mayor also announced the Governing Authority's attendance at the GMA Cities United Summit.

The meeting commenced with oaths of office administered to the newly elected and re-elected officials for Mayor, Post 1, and Post 2. The Mayor recognized employees achieving service milestones in 2025. Key business items included the presentation of the 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement for informational purposes, which is set for a future work session. The Council unanimously approved the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG) Contract for road paving projects. Additionally, the renewal of the Employment Agreement Contract for the Municipal Court Chief Judge and the appointments for Municipal Court Chief Judge, Judge Pro Tem, Municipal Court Assistant Solicitor, and Municipal Court Public Defender were approved. The Council later entered into and subsequently reconvened from an executive session concerning potential pending litigation and personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with a ceremonial swearing-in for Councilwoman Post 3-Velicia Y. Lowe. Key new business included the presentation of the FY 2025 Audit by M&J CPA's Advisors, which reported a clean, unmodified opinion with no audit findings or material weaknesses, highlighting strong liquidity and a net position increase. The council unanimously approved an increase to the Employee Christmas Bonus amounts for both full-time and part-time employees, an increase absorbable across departmental funds. Amendments to the Sanitation Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2025-6) were passed, resulting in a residential rate increase of $0.50/month and an increase in the commercial cart fee, effective February 2026 billing. Council members also discussed the upcoming Centerville Lighted Christmas Parade. An Executive Session was held to discuss potential pending litigation, after which the meeting adjourned.

The meeting included a welcome from the Mayor, recognition of Election Day, and a proclamation for Red Ribbon Week. Discussions covered storm drain repairs at Dogwood Glen and the purchase of a can crusher and plastic compactor for the Recycle Center using grant money. Council members expressed appreciation to city employees and recognized the Middle Ga Young Marines. The upcoming Lighted Christmas Parade was announced, and citizens were encouraged to share ideas for future community events.