The Midway City Council learned Tuesday that necessary permits have been issued and construction of the new Midway City Hall Complex is actually under way.

Liberty Consolidated Planning Commission Executive Director Jeff Ricketson told the council, “I bring good news: the final state approvals are in hand and clearing of the site has begun.”

A new city hall has been a top priority for Midway since 2011.

Ricketson’s news was greeted with applause and cheering. 

At present, Midway rents office space in Midway Mall and holds official meetings in the courtroom of the police department building at 10490 E. Oglethorpe Highway.

Preliminary city hall drawings show a double-winged building with the two major city functions, city council and municipal court, “front and center.” A large room intended for council meetings and municipal court is right off the entrance lobby, as are accessible offices for the mayor and council members.

Space for municipal court operations and staff are on the right, and administrative offices for the finance director and water department are on the left.

The police department and a sallyport are at the end of the court office wing and the water department’s bill-paying area is at the end of the administrative wing.

At present, Midway rents office space in Midway Mall and holds official meetings in the courtroom of the police department at 10490 E. Oglethorpe Highway.

Preliminary city hall drawings show a double-winged building with the two major city functions, city council and municipal court, “front and center.” A large room intended for council meetings and municipal court is right off the entrance lobby, as are accessible offices for the mayor and council members.

Space for municipal court operations and staff are on the right, and administrative offices for the finance director and water department are on the left.

Scott Simpson of the accounting firm of Henderson and Godbee gave the council a report of the audit of the year ending Dec. 31, 2017. He said Midway had received an unqualified good audit report and with a fund balance of more than $1 million, “The general fund is in good shape.”

The public defender of Midway’s city court, James Smith, resigned last month and Mayor Levern Clancy said the city is advertising for attorneys interested in the job.

Midway City Attorney Reginald Martin reported the arrangements for the referendum to decide if Midway will allow sales of beer, wine and liquor on Sundays. He said the usual agreement was in place for the county board of elections to do the referendum which will be held Nov. 6 along with the general election.

The council granted a business license for the Divine Elegance Beauty Salon to operate at 217 Butler Avenue, Suite B.

A license was approved for Cell Phones and More at 9735 Oglethorpe Highway Suite E. The business will sell cell phone accessories and jewelry.

Home occupation licenses were approved for America’s Flooring Solutions and Alasia Marie Boutique, an online retail sales business.

The council held a closed-door session said to deal with personnel matters. 

After adjournment, as councilmen were leaving, Clancy called out to them to please propose a date for a city town hall meeting. Midway has previously said such a session would be held to discuss fire protection or possible other matters like public works.

The next regular meeting of the Midway City Council is set for Oct. 8, Columbus Day.

Parker can be contacted via email at joeparkerjr@hotmail.com.