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New vehicles, equipment studied by Ludowici
gavel

The Ludowici City Council held their monthly meeting last Tuesday to discuss the latest business concerning the city of Ludowici.

The General Fund Bank Balance stands at $131,273.06. The Water/Sewer Bank Balance stands at $112,766.68. General Fund Savings is at $351,187.70. SPLOST stands at $90,122.37.

The first order of business was an open public hearing to apply for a grant of $53,000 for either police vehicles or equipment. The money will be ordered by September 30th.

Next up was the Republic Service Rate Increase. The council mentioned that the increase is 33 cents per month a can is picked up. They are in a contract so that they can do this annually based on costs. Also, costs of living increased were also taken into consideration. City Hall has to be notified 60 days prior to November 1st should they decide to opt out of their contract.

Mayor Jim Fuller acknowledged this was going to be a major adjustment. “It’s a major undertaking going through this,” said Mayor Fuller.

The 2022 LMIG Discussion was up next and the discussion pertained to figure out which street needs to be repaved. It would cost anywhere in the neighborhood of $30,000 to 40,000 to pave a particular street. Although $40,000 is the max to be repaved. Plus, $30,000 has to match 30% when it is repaved.

The Johnston Station, Phase 3A was next and City Hall approved building permits for this particular scenario. They were discussing charging water and sewer connecting fees and drafting up. In the meeting, it was said that citizens must pay water and sewer upfront which was expressed by Mayor Jim Fuller as a necessity in order to function.

“We need our money to operate,” said Mayor Fuller.

The AirMedcare Contract renewal was also discussed and there is an option to enroll in a full plan in which paying someone to be flown out would be $45 locally and $85 out of the city. Long County may be the only one in the whole state to have the renewal. The motion was renewed and the renewal will begin in September.

The State ARP Grant Awards were next. The council received information from State Senator Blake Tillery that they could receive a minimum of grants that can help with the infrastructure. The city is also eligible to get grants to help with water and sewer. The State ARP awards up to $850,000 in grants with $425,000 upfront and the other half at a later date. Also, as part of the ARP Grant, employee bonuses will include hazard pay and the council reached a consensus to give employees $3000. Delinquent payments on water bills were also a part of this. Credit accounts were $100 and

if a water bill is 60 days delinquent, it will be cut off and locked until said bill is paid in full.

Mayor Fuller was also vocal on this issue and believed it could provide the necessary help. “It’s an opportunity to get some extra help,” said Mayor Fuller. “We may never see it again.”

The City Hall’s attorney, Luke Moses, was also determined to push this through, but do so in a fair and humane fashion. “We will be aggressive yet conservative in our approach,” said Attorney Moses.

Lastly, City Hall wishes to hire temporary workers to cut grass and weed eat. If they do a good job, it might turn into a permanent position. The council is interested in doing a job fair at the Long County Library and Tina Skipper will contact Tammy Goober to see if they can get the ball rolling.

 

 

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Community gets a rare snow day
Snow Day 1

City of Hinesville and Liberty County offices are closed today, and the Liberty County School System is undergoing a day of virtual learning after a winter storm hit southeast Georgia.

Coastal Georgia was inundated with one of the biggest snowfalls in recorded history as forecasters called for 4-6 inches of snow to fall Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Initial reports Wednesday morning indicate at least 2 inches fell on Hinesville.

Sean Hafer and his family took advantage of the quiet roads and still Wednesday morning to enjoy the snow at Bradwell Park. He’s lived in Hinesville for almost 12 years and recalled the snow storm of 2018. But that snow was “not this deep,” he said. “It’s been a while.

“I don’t think many people went to work today,” Hafer said. “You think people would be out in it having fun, but I guess they’re scared to drive in it. It’s fun when you don’t get it around here.”

Hafer said he was curious to see how much snow was going to fall.

“They did well on this,” he said of the meteorologists. “They were accurate. They earned their pay on this one.”

The City of Hinesville declared a state of emergency Tuesday in advance of the storm and residents are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel due to potential severe weather conditions. Melting snow and ice can refreeze overnight, making roads dangerous.

Liberty County offices will remain closed until Friday. Liberty County School System students are having virtual learning Thursday.

Near-record lows tonight could lead to hazardous road conditions through tonight and Thursday morning, especially on secondary roads due to refreezing of melted snow and sleet and black ice with freezing of water puddle.

While daytime highs will be more temperate, overnight lows for the next few days are expected to remain well below freezing. The City of Hinesville encourages residents to drip their faucets overnight, insulate exposed pipes and to let warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinet doors under sinks, especially those near exterior walls.

Some travel issues could persist Thursday night, with the potential for any remaining snow or slush to refreeze, especially on secondary roads.

The city also is reporting no power outages and all traffic lights are operational. Since most businesses are closed, traffic is minimal and residents are urged not to travel unless necessary.

 

 

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