With a packed house, Swainsboro City Council held their first meeting of the year Monday, January 5 at 6 p.m. Mayor Lillie Ann Brown and Council members Tjuana Culbreth, Roddrigus Foster, Lafonda Kelly, Brad McKenzie, Gregory Quarterman and Julian Sconyers were present. The meeting opened with prayer by Pastor Frank O’Neal, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Minutes from a special called meeting on December were approved.
Under old business, Council approved the hiring of Travis Foreman as the new city attorney. Attorney Foreman will receive an annual salary of $75,000 a year. The vote was 4-2 with Council members McKenzie and Sconyers voting against.
Next on the agenda was the City Administrator’s contract. This item was tabled until the next meeting.
A big topic of discussion was the purchase of a new fire truck. Fire Chief Ali Mims was present to discuss the need for the purchase, explaining the warranty on each truck. Two bids were presented to Council – one for $719,588 and one for $863,000. Councilman McKenzie expressed concern over the purchase of the truck, stating that taxpayers money should be spent wisely. After much discussion, Councilman Sconyers made a motion to purchase the truck for $719,588. There was no second and this motion was tabled. Following further discussion, Council voted to purchase the $866,000 truck with a vote of 4-2, with McKenzie and Sconyers voting against.
Council approved the Love Yourself 5K, 6-0. The 5K will go along Meadowlake Parkway.
Under new business, the appointment of committee boards was postponed until February.
Next, Councilman Gregory Quarterman was appointed Mayor Pro-Tem with a yes vote by all Council members.
A vacant seat on the Library Board was filled by Ricky Winfrey. Council voted 6-0 for this appointment.
Chris Morton will Clearwater Solutions was on hand to request repairs to the Knuckle Boom (Grapple) Truck. Council approved the repairs at a cost of $18,777.27. The vote was 6-0.
Council approved the hiring of Blake Lane as a part time employee for the animal shelter, along with the 2026 meeting calendar.
Last on the agenda was appointments to the planning and zoning board. Ronald Moore requested Johnny Dixon and Marshella Oliver for the appointments. Council approved the appointments 6-0.
Before the meeting was adjourned, everyone was invited to the City Administrative building for a meet and greet with Mayor Brown and Council.
