The Swainsboro Mayor and City Council met for a special called meeting on Tuesday, October 10, at the City Hall. Present were Mayor Bennett, Councilpersons Collins, Davis, Parker, Quarterman and Sconyers. Councilperson Stafford was absent. Following an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes of the October 2, 2023, meeting were submitted and approved.
In old business, council approved by a 5-0 vote a motion by CP Davis to advertise the proposed 2024 City Budget and set a public hearing date of October 26, 2023, at 3 p.m. at City Hall for comments or questions. In addition, council approved by a 5-0 vote a motion by CP Parker to advertise the proposed new millage rate as well as advertisement of the five-year millage rate history including the proposed new rate.
In new business, council considered responses to Request for Proposals issued by the City for Construction Management Services for the “Multipurpose Building” at the location of the Gumlog Street gymnasium. The number of responses to the RFP was not provided. CP Parker made a motion to accept a proposal from BAK company of Statesboro. Collins, Quarterman and Parker voted in favor. Sconyers and Davis opposed. The motion failed.
In a second effort to pass a motion from an earlier meeting, Councilperson Davis made a motion to approve an increase in certain fees charged by the city. Sconyers seconded. The motion failed 2-3. Davis and Sconyers in favor, Collins, Parker and Quarterman opposed.
Agenda items concerning fee increases at the Vann Community House and the City Auditorium were scheduled for discussion but were not acted on. No explanation was provided. In final business, CP Parker made a motion to approve purchase of police equipment and purchase of fire equipment. Both motions were seconded by Davis and passed with 5-0 votes on each. No dollar amount was provided for the expenditures. Council considered contracts that are due to expire at the end of the fiscal year, November 30. No action was taken, and no additional information was provided.
The agenda being completed, the meeting was adjourned.
