City Council holds special meeting

A special meeting of the Swainsboro City Council and Mayor was called to order Thursday evening, October 24, at 6 p.m. Following an invocation and pledge of allegiance, council considered two items under old business.

The proposed 2025 city budget was considered, and two related motions were passed: one motion for the advertisement and public comment period of the new budget and the second motion for advertisement of the public notice of the new millage rate for city taxes. The second issue under old business concerned changes to the Alcohol Ordinance. No comments regarding the change were received from the council in the first hearing, and no action was taken.

Under new business, council approved the city administrator’s contract with a change made by motion to adjust the severance formula for Administrator Middlebrooks. Council then considered agreeing to a plan proposed by the county, the state and FEMA to deal with the pick-up and removal of storm debris. This plan reportedly provides 75 % funding from FEMA, 12.5 % funding by the State of Georgia and 12.5 % funding by Emanuel County to underwrite storm clean up along roadways. There is no financial participation by the City of Swainsboro.

‘);

The Police Department of Swainsboro is currently seeking to fill several vacant positions and council voted to hire Steven Davis as a certified patrol officer.

Next, council considered the contract for water/wastewater and public works. A motion was made to re-contract with ClearWater Solutions for another 12 months at the same amount as this year and agreed to by a vote of 4 to 1.

The final issue before council concerned rental of a front loader for storm cleanup. Council agreed to the rental which has been on-going since Hurricane Helene and authorized limited continuation.