The City Commission of Twin City had a busy meeting for January 2024. Mayor Matt Donaldson, Mayor Pro Tem Jule Bady, Jr., City Commissioner Jesse Brown, City Commissioner William R. Brown, III, and City Commissioner Charles Moody were in attendance.
First, the swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Matt Donaldson, City Commissioner Jesse Brown, and City Commissioner William R. Brown, III was held with Judge Don Wilkes presiding.
Mayor Donaldson is beginning his 2nd term as Mayor. Donaldson has served on the City Commission for 8 years. He was first elected to the City Commission in 2016 and was elected Mayor in 2020.
City Commissioner Jesse Brown is beginning his 4th term on the City Commission. Commissioner Jesse Brown has served on the City Commission for 12 years. He was first elected in 2012. Commissioner Jesse Brown represents Ward 1.
City Commissioner William R. Brown, III is the newly elected member of the City Commission. Commissioner William R. Brown, III ran unopposed to represent Ward 2. Commissioner William R. Brown, III marks the 3rd generation of his family to serve on the City Commission. His grandfather, William R. Brown, Sr., served on the City Commission and served as Mayor of Twin City in 1946 and 1953. His father, William R. Brown, Jr., served on the City Commission for over 20 years from 1970 – 1996. Brown is not new to public service, as he has served on the Development Authority of Twin City since 2017.
Mayor Donaldson briefed the Commission on the upcoming road resurfacing project. Beginning in January, the City will be resurfacing 25% (1/4) of all the roads in Twin City. The project cost is approximately $1 million. The project is funded through a grant and loan through the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank, with the City pledging $400,000 in matching funds.
The Commission also approved Resolution 2024-01, which is a cooperative agreement between the City and Spring Fountain Lodge 414. The lodge has been engaged in city beautification projects and wished to formalize the relationship with the adoption of West Broad Street. Mayor Donaldson thanked the lodge members for their involvement and pledged continued support from the City of Twin City.
In other action, the Commission approved the minutes from the December 5th Budget Hearing, December 5 Regular Meeting, and the December 14 Called Meeting. Additionally, the Commission approved the 2024 LMIG application and the 2024 Schedule of Appointments by Mayor Donaldson.
Regarding personnel, the Commission approved the promotion of Brent Freeman to Community Development and Recreation Director. Freeman has served as Recreation Director since 2022. Since 2022, Freeman has taken on other roles involving applying for grants and community projects – mostly notably the Cotton Blossom Festival. Freeman will oversee all city parks and recreation operations, community development efforts, and grant writing.
Mayor Donaldson said, “We’ve been so happy to have Brent on our team. He has a can-do attitude and is always willing to help. His work with the City has improved our recreation department, and we are very happy with the growth with the Cotton Blossom Festival.”
