by John Wagner, RadioJones, LLC
Following the swearing in for new four year terms of council members and new Mayor Lillie Ann Brown, the group turned their attention to the affairs of the City of Swainsboro and the first regular meeting of the year Monday. In old business the first item was consideration of hiring a city attorney. In response to a question from council of why there was only one candidate. City Administrator Herman Middlebrooks explained that past City attorney Jon Levis also had applied, but was voted down 2 months ago. Councilman Roddrigus Foster motioned to hire the remaining applicant, Travis Foreman. Which carried on a 4 to 2 vote. Voting yes were Foster, Lafonda Kelly, Tijuna Culbreth and Greg Quarterman. Voting no were Julian Sconyers and Brad McKenzie. Foreman in his application said he would take the job for $75,000 for the first year, which was the entire city budget for legal expenses. The Group also had the same split vote on the purchase of a new fire truck. Approved was the truck recommended by Swainsboro Fire Chief Alima Mims who backed the purchase of a $863,000 truck, over a $719,588 truck because the less expensive truck had only a one year warranty; the higher priced truck had a three year bumper to bumper and up to ten years on some parts. Other votes for the night passed unanimously.
Also in old business was approval of the route for the Love Yourself 5-K run. Police Chief Ashley Riner negotiated with the organizers a route that start at Harmon Park on Meadowlake Parkway at go to Old Nunez Road and comeback, avoiding crossing any federal roads that would need to be closed.
In new business committee assignments for council members were tabled to next month. Ricky Winfrey was appointed to the Franklin Memorial Library board, their manager highly recommended Ricky as active at the library and active in the community.
The council approved 18,777 dollars to repair the city’s Knuckle-Boom (grapple) truck. Hired Blake Lane as a part-time animal shelter employee, Approved the 2026 meeting calendar, and appointments of Johnny Dixon and Marshella Oliver to the city’s planning and zoning board.
The meeting was then adjourned, allowing the people to travel to the City Administration Building at for a reception with the council and new mayor.
