The Swainsboro City Council held its regular monthly meeting Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. with an invocation delivered by Pastor Willie Harden of Love In Action Worship Center, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council approved the minutes from the April 6 regular meeting and the April 15 special called meeting. During the April 15 session, Council voted to hire Trenton Baker as the city’s new building inspector. A public meet and greet for Baker is scheduled for May 12 from 1–3 p.m. at the City Administrative Office, 211 North Main Street.
Old Business
Council approved the FY 2025 GEFA Drinking Water State Revolving Fund application, which will support the replacement of water meters throughout the city. The total project cost is $2.7 million. The city received $1.6 million in loan forgiveness, leaving a balance of $1.1 million to be repaid through revenue from water bills and water and trash service fees.
New Business
Council approved road closures for the upcoming Annual Swainsboro Jaycees Freedom Fest.
Members also voted to hire Blake Lane as a full time employee at the Swainsboro Animal Shelter. Lane has been working part time at the shelter.
In addition, the council approved the hiring of Jay Vaughn as a full time firefighter. Vaughn is a certified firefighter and holds multiple professional certifications.
The final item of the evening centered on concerns about monthly water service cut offs. Suggestions included sending reminder notices, calling customers with unpaid accounts, and extending the hours for the city’s payment dropbox. City Administrator Herman Middlebrooks explained that water bills are due on the 6th of each month. Accounts not paid by the deadline incur a $50 late fee and cut offs begin on the 7th. With approximately 3,900 meters in the city, about 50 accounts are disconnected each month. Mayor Lillie Brown said the city will continue working to improve the process.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
