Cordele — At Tuesday night’s City Commission meeting, the board approved the publication of the 2010 tax digest and the five year levy history.

Edward Beach, finance director, reported “overall, the digest decreased $4,075,641 for the year. However, exemptions are down $3,257,954 having a net effect of reducing the tax base by just $817,687. The effect on tax collections for this year is a drop of $8,991 or .40% from the previous year,” he said.

Following the publication of the digest and levy history, Commissioners set Sept. 7 as the date for approving next year’s millage rate. No increase over last year is anticipated.

In other activity at Tuesday’s meeting:

— A proclamation honoring Louis Perlis as “Distinguished Citizen of the Year” was approved.

— In new business, Commissioner Jimmy Black suggested that all the commissioners ride and visit city facilities such as the fire department, library and the community clubhouse in about a month to see their condition. The board agreed to do his proposal.

— Black also recommended a name change from “major” to “fire chief” for Augustus Telfair. Dwayne Orrick, public safety director, added “Mr. Telfair is doing a great job. He is doing a lot of things that have needed to be done for a while now.”

Pending approval froma legal standpoint, Black’s suggestion was accepted.

— Commissioner Curtis Lucas Jr. proposed that the fine for non-compliance with the ‘baggy pants ordinance’ be lowered from $100 to $50.

Commissioner A.J. Rivers said offenders should be warned before being issued a ticket. More discussion is needed before the ordinance becomes law, he added.

— City Manager Jean Burnette reported that the GDOT planning director submitted a letter regarding “Request for Review and Comment on Draft Criteria for the Development of the Investment List per the Transportaion Investment Act (TIA) of 2010.”

This gives an opportunity to vote on a one percent regional sale tax to fund transportation projects in the region. “This is a process which deserves much thought and consideration,” said Burnette. “This matter will be discussed at the Sept. 7 meeting.”

— Ms. Burnette discussed the GDOT streetscape project that is proposed for 7th St. between 14th and 16th Avenues, and between the railroad tracks and 8th Ave.

In order for it to move forward, this project requires a minimum of a 20% local cash match, she said. “I make a motion to decline to do that at this time,” said Commissioner Black. Other board members agreed.

— Ga. Department of Corrections, Wilcox State Prison, requested a change that ten be the maximum number of inmates/detainees per work detail instead of 12 and the commission approved that request.

— Approval was granted for the first reading of the Cemetery Ordinance with the following revisions. The $150 interment fee must be paid at the time the permit is issued for interment.

— A work session was to be held for the higher education center and inland port funding on Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 1:30 p.m.

— The grand opening of the newly renovated Wal-Mart will be held on Friday, August 27, Ms. Burnette announced.

— Ms. Burnette reported SPLOST receipts for July 2010 were $342,981 as compared to $325,107 in June 2010 aand $294,076 in July 2009.

— Under community development, board members approved the second reading of an ordinance to carry out the order to remove a structure and clear the premises at three locations: 216 E. 11th Ave., 212 E. 11th Ave., and 412 W. 6th Ave.