The Ludowici City Council’s meeting earlier this month was a busy night for all.

City Clerk Tina Skipper reported tax bills would be sent out later than usual because the Long County Commission delayed setting the county’s millage rate. As a result, the city cannot set its tax base. She said she anticipates being able to send the bills in early January.

Skipper also said the city recently learned that unemployment insurance for the employees would be lowered by $10,000 for the upcoming year.

After a brief executive session, the council unanimously voted to terminate police Officer Marvin Laroche for reportedly improper search of a female inmate after her arrest.

In other Police Department business, Revis Boyd requested that the department increase enforcement of vehicles driving with loud music and loud engine noise. After discussion, police Chief Robert Poppell said he would look into the matter with Long County Sheriff Craig Nobles.

Ronald Gay told the council that one of the rims on his car was damaged by hitting a pothole at the intersection of Macon and Mitcham roads. The consensus of council members was that the city could not pay for the damages because the precedent might make city pay every person who claimed damages caused by city streets. There would be no way to know how the damage actually happened.

Library Manager Tammy Goober told the group that the Long County Library would have a Christmas celebration Monday. The event will include a Santa’s workshop with children’s activities, such as making Christmas ornaments, bookmarks and cards. There will also be drawings for prizes and refreshments, including ham.  

Goober said the celebration begins at 1 p.m. and will run all day. At 5 p.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will stop by and have a storytime. The couple will also be available to listen to kids’ gift requests and pose for pictures.

Goober said all are invited to stay all day, but if they can’t, they are welcome to drop in early and come back to see the Clauses later. For more information, call 912-545-2521.

Councilwoman Mary Hamilton said the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade would be on Jan. 9. She said lineup would be at Long County Middle School, and the parade would start at 10 a.m.

City court clerk Cindy McClelland said she had received a report from the state on the recent election. She said the report indicated the election was held according to all requirements and “looked good.”