The regular monthly meeting of Swainsboro City Council was held Monday night, April 6 at 6 p.m. at Swainsboro City Hall, with Mayor Lillie Brown and all Council members present. The meeting opened with Pastor John Hancock of Beacon of Hope Church of God giving the prayer of invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rita Faulkner addressed Council regarding a dilapidated building at the Gerald Phillips Park. She requested Council contact the city attorney to see what could be done about getting it torn down.
Next, Shawntianna Lodge spoke regarding an incident on March 15 regarding her father, Verlon Lodge Sr. being struck by a car. Lodge said this was a hit and run situation. She asked Council to do something to ‘hold any and all persons responsible accountable for this’. According to Lodge, the incident was investigated by the Georgia State Patrol.
Viola Phillips asked Council to consider putting speed bumps on Rentz Street. Phillips stated that it was worse than a racetrack on Rentz and Hill Streets.
The final speaker, prior to the regular city business, was Dianna Wedincamp. Wedincamp requested that Council consider a policy change regarding fees being charged to civic organizations and non-profit organizations for the use of city facilities. She requested for Council to consider no fees for these organizations.
Minutes from the special called meeting on March 13 were approved.
Under old business, the first reading for consideration of the FY 2025 GEFA Drinking Water Revolving Fund application was held. This application, if approved, is for meter replacement throughout the city. Total cost for this project is $2.7 million. However, the City received forgiveness of $1.6 million, leaving a balance of $1.1 million. The loan will be repaid from funds received from water bills and charges relating to water and trash pickup.
Under new business, Council approved City Administrator Herman Middlebrooks’ spending authority to $40,000 to purchase two trucks from Lane Brothers Auction for the Public Works Department.
Council approved the hiring of three full time firefighters. Chief Ali Mims explained that two of the firefighters would need to be sent to the academy and one was already certified.
Next, Council approved the road closure for the Juneteenth Festival, which will be held June 20 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Under the consent agenda, Council approved: (1) the repair of the 1,500 ft. drainage issue at the recreation department; (2) purchase of materials to rehab the UV distribution system at the wastewater treatment plant; (3) the purchase of a bush hog for public works; (4) the development agreement of the workforce housing grant. The $2.5 million grant was approved in April 2025 for 47 to 56 houses on Highway 1 North and Fairground Road. The cost for the newly constructed homes will range from $125,000 to $290,000.
With nothing further to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
