In an effort to support the citizens of Ludowici, according to Mayor James Fuller, the city council on Tuesday lowered the city’s millage rate by one mill.
Councilman Jim Fuller, who brought the issue up, said that since city appears to be in good financial standing, the council ought to do what it can to help citizens. He moved to lower the millage rate from 10 to 9 for the upcoming year, and the council unanimously approved the measure.
“Being able to lower the millage rate is a good thing for everyone,” Fuller said. “This council has worked very hard over the last year to be fiscally responsible and, as a result of that hard work, this was the result.”
He also reported that the new high school’s water supply meets health standards, and work on the lines will be finished in a few days. Crews still need to install a new flow meter at the Church Street well so that the school’s usage can be monitored.
The council also discussed the possibility of Ludowici joining the Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart. Councilwoman Mary Hamilton brought up the issue because, she said, Ludowici and Long County need to do more to support military interests in the area.
Fuller agreed and said he thinks the council should create a military-impact liaison position to assist the council with this goal. After a brief discussion, the council unanimously approved the creation of the position and appointed Mike Riddle to fill it.
Fuller said that Riddle previously represented the city of Ludowici on the Fort Stewart Growth Management Partnership and, given his experience on that panel, he is qualified to do the job. Riddle was tasked with researching the requirements for the city to join the Southeast Georgia Friends of Fort Stewart and providing the information to Hamilton.
Councilwoman Kathy Phillips said the city should appoint two people to the Long County/Ludowici Library Board. Fuller said that any city resident who wants to be considered for appointment should contact him or submit their names in writing to city hall.
Ludowici Police Chief James Rogers reported that Florida resident Carol Landau made a second donation to his department to buy additional equipment. Rogers said that Landau, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, already made a donation to the department, and it was used to buy a gun safe, emergency lights for a car, pepper spray and ammunition. He expressed gratitude for her kindness and support.
Fuller said the Long County road department soon will clean out the ditches on Macon Street. Revis Boyd, who lives on the street, previously had expressed concerns about drainage.
Council members Fuller, Hamilton, Phillips and Mayor James Fuller attended the meeting. Mark Chesser was out of town, and Gwen Davis was ill.