Phillip Parham and other members of a neighborhood watch in Sherwood Forest Subdivision are frustrated after trying for months to get an entrance sign to their neighborhood built.
“We’re trying to add value to our properties,” Parham told the Hinesville City Council last week.
He brought the frustrations before council because, he said, he doesn’t believe the group should have to pay a $50 new-sign fee. They are a nonprofit organization trying to improve their area, he said.
“We’re being subjected to the same sign fee as profit organizations that are putting up advertisements,” he said.
The council, however, did not consider waiving the fee because of a second frustration over where it will be built.
City Manager Billy Edwards told council that the sign originally was built on private property. That owner since has sold the property and doesn’t want the sign replaced there.
Parham said another property owner has agreed to host the sign, but the deal has not been completed. And, he said, moving the sign has prompted the fee.
Mayor Jim Thomas said the land deal is a private matter, but that it should be resolved before the group asks that the fee be waived.
Councilman Keith Jenkins said that even if the fee is waived, the work still will be subject to inspection by the city.