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Lucas C. Allison, Dispatch Correspondent

The Rochelle City Council held its regular monthly meeting Wednesday February 5, 2025, present for the meeting were Mayor Wayne McGuinty, Councilwoman Bridgette Clements, Councilman Greg Lamb, Mayor Pro-Tem Xavier Ferguson, Councilman Herman Green (by phone) Councilwoman Vikie Kemp was not present due to medical reasons.  Present also was City Clerk Betty Adkinson.

The mayor gave update regarding well pump having to be replaced and that is cost $3295.00, the burned-out pump it was replaced with a 75 horsepower up from a 65 horsepower. The mayor also reported that he is filing a claim with Georgia Power for reimbursement as it believed that the burned-out transformer was the cause of the well motor failing.  Mr. Gaines Maintenance Supervisor reported that the person that was servicing the backhoe is out of business he was given approval to take the backhoe to Martin Tire in Rochelle to service it.  Police Chief Jimmy Banks gave his monthly report stating that total calls were 259, 2-fights, 7-animal, 6-domestic disturbances, 63-traffic stops, 1-auto accident, 2-warrants, 3-thefts, 1-shos fired, 1-DUI and 4 arrests. He stated that his department has made visits to citizens with animals running loose, they were provided with a copy of the animal ordinance and advised failure to keep the animals secured by leash, pen, or in-house they have been warned future incidents would require a citation.  Mayor McGuinty stated on behalf of council they were pleased with the manner in which he handled the enforcement of the animal ordinance.  He stated Detective Ronald Huckabee started employment January 13, 2025, and he hit the ground running and was working on the Evidence Room.  He reported that the officer banquet was held on January 10, 2025, and was a great event and he thanked those who attended. He reported that his department officer would be sworn in following municipal court on Monday February 10, 2025, and he invited all that would to please attend, the officers will be presented awards that were announced at the banquet.

The mayor gave  update on the USDA projects for sewer and water approvements met all requirements and were approved  with modifications.  The process for the projects began approximately seven years ago, the original project bid was $6,2106,105.17 but the inflation that has affected all and now the project is estimated to be $14 million, therefore the projects had to be amended accordingly.  Stillwater Engineering has recommended awarding the following contracts.  The contracts that follow were all approved after being properly motioned and seconded.  Project R-15003.006 Division 2 Sewer system East of Ashley removing a 4-inch main reduced the project $904,671.00 leaving a balance on the bid of $5,312, 095.68, the contract was awarded to Hancock and Sons.

Project R-15003.007 Water Division 3, Water Tank Installation for a total cost of $1,752,937.00, was awarded to Caldwell Tanks. It was also noted that the project completion date would be 400 days for completion Project R-150003.005 Division 5 new auto reader water meters was awarded to M &E Construction at a cost of $341,474.47.  Project R-153010 Well improvements was awarded to Green Water Wells for $247,777.00. The mayor stated the bond process would take approximately 60 days to complete with hearings.  He reported the city had received a Community Development Bond Grant (CDBG) for $1,000,000.00 on the project and also a GEFA loan for $400,000.00.  The mayor stated as a result of the projects which will greatly improve both water and sewer delivery for the citize3ns.  Effective March 1, 2025, water and sewer base rates will increase $9.50 each the base rate will be increased from $17.50 to $27.00, the per 1000- gallon rate will remain at 2.87 for water and sewer. The mayor also wanted to publicly thank the local Woodan of the World for a $1000.00 donation to the Rochelle Fire Department too help outfit the rescue truck with needed equipment. The meeting was adjourned.

The Rochelle City Council meets the first Wednesday of the month at city hall at 7:00PM.