Town of Lone Oak

The council addressed financial matters, including tabling financial reports due to unavailability and investigating discrepancies in check entries. They discussed a water system update, focusing on connecting old and new wells with a new meter, and addressed a potential charge from Crawford for connecting lines. An error in depositing SPLOST checks was noted, and plans were made to close the incorrect account and transfer funds. Armelle Robinson was appointed as the new city clerk. The council discussed patching potholes, using TSPLOST money to purchase a pallet of bags for patches. The millage rate will remain the same, and an upcoming audit was discussed and approved. Councilmember Lamb's attendance at the Georgia Rural Water Conference was approved. Updates were provided on a lawsuit, and the possibility of adding fluoride to the water was discussed, including the option of putting it on a future ballot.

The council held a public hearing regarding the Fire Department Lease, where questions were raised about the lease's history and previous votes. The council approved the February financials for the Town and Water System. Updates were provided on the Water System, including the approval of bids for electrical work, pump replacement in the old well, and piping to connect the old and new wells. The council discussed VP Lawsuit and the Fire Department Lease. The council decided to move a CD to Community Bank and Trust in Hogansville for 6 months at 4.6%.

The meeting included discussions on community complaints regarding excessive chlorine in the water, a water system update covering the SPLOST agreement, lease agreement for the fire station, electrical repairs for the well house, and the connection of a new well. Infrastructure and expansion projects were addressed, including a water line for the new warehouse. The audit and financing were reviewed, along with intergovernmental agreements and municipal insurance. A proposal for the use of the community building as a homeschool group was presented, and updates were given on SPLOST and T-SPLOST funds. The municipal budget was also presented and approved. The need to hire a new town clerk was discussed, along with recognizing the contributions of the previous clerk.

The council meeting and public hearing primarily addressed the lease agreement for the Meriwether County Fire Department Station 3 located in Lone Oak. County representatives presented options including a long-term lease, purchase of the fire department, or relocation of the fire department outside the town, with concerns raised about potential impacts on the town's ISO rating and insurance rates. The council discussed the terms of the lease, particularly regarding its duration and conditions for termination, and explored alternatives such as a shorter-term lease with automatic renewal. A citizen raised concerns about building permits, and the council emphasized their commitment to securing the best agreement for the citizens of Lone Oak.

The council held a public hearing regarding a lease agreement with Meriwether County for the fire department/EMS station, discussing disagreements over lease terms and the provision of county services. They also discussed issues with building permits, financial matters, and water system updates, including contracts with Southern Corrosion and American Tank, well connection issues, and the potential for a SCATA system. Additionally, the council decided to move CDs to Community Bank and Trust for a higher interest rate and discussed a potential amendment to the General Fund budget.