Workshop meeting previews City issues

The Swainsboro City Council and Mayor held a special “called meeting” and a workshop meeting on Monday evening to discuss agenda items planned for the upcoming regular October meeting on Monday, October 6, 2025. In general discussion, council was informed that a tax sale of property determined to be delinquent will be held on November 4, 2025. Items of old business were then discussed including repairs to the floor at the Gumlog gymnasium. Estimates of $77.000 and $73,000 have been submitted for the repair of damage from previous roof leaks. Council then discussed the amendment to the alcohol ordinance relating to sale of alcohol at the Karrh Theater. Attorney Jon Levis offered a draft ordinance that allowed serving of beer and wine with provisions subject to policy management by the Theater. Council questioned Levis who then suggested variations to other plans. Despite extended discussion, no solution appeared as a clear consensus at the time. Under new business, Police Chief Ashley Riner discussed with council the staffing issues at the department and the hiring of two full-time officers. Next, council took up the application for a “game room” license for Sarah’s Playhouse, LLC at 229 South Main Street for the operation of coin-operated machines. The final agenda item under new business was brought by Project Manager Chris Morten of Clearwater Solutions who informed council of the need for repairs or replacement of pumps in the wastewater treatment operation. Council deliberated pump replacement costs of $53,991 versus repair costs of $25,949. Morten also took the opportunity to provide a general explanation and review of the city’s wastewater department. The final issue of the workshop concerned the approval of fees budgeted for legal services of the City Attorney. This year, the council approved a budget item of $75,000 for Attorney Jon Levis. Items discussed in workshop meetings receive no official action in the form of motion, vote, or any other binding designation. The issues undertaken in the workshop meeting will receive official action in the October 6, 2025, meeting. Action of the called meeting on Monday evening was limited to an executive session dealing with property negotiations. No results of that meeting had been available to The Blade at press time.