Perry Council recognizes class of 1973, millage rates approved at Tues. meeting

PERRY, Ga. – The new city hall hosted its first council meeting Tuesday evening, and many citizens were able to see its new walls.

Perry High School class of 1973 reunited for the first time in their weeklong class reunion. Mayor Walker and council members welcomed them during the beginning of the meeting, and the mayor presented a proclamation to the class.

They showed their Panther pride Tuesday night with excitement and happy faces as the mayor read the proclamation and announced it will be displayed in the Perry Area Historical Museum for future generations to see their milestone.

“Whereas, we are always grateful for the alumni who graduated from Perry High School, thrilled that many still call this region home, and even more excited when others return home to remember and celebrate their younger days; we hope that the 50-year reunion for Perry High School Class of 1973 is memorable and enjoyable for former classmates, family, and friends. Now therefore, be it resolved, that the City of Perry Council hereby recognizes the 50-Year Reunion of Perry High School Class of 1973, congratulating members of the class for reaching this special milestone in their lives,” states the proclamation.

To read the full proclamation visit https://pub-perry.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=5088.

Later in the council meeting, millage rates have been a hot topic in the county, and the city has reached its final decision.

During the council meeting, Director of Finance Mitchel Worthington proposed a resolution establishing the Ad Valorem Millage rate. According to council documents, the council held During the council meeting, Director of Finance Mitchel Worthington proposed a resolution establishing the Ad Valorem Millage rate. According to council documents, the council held three public hearings to determine if they will keep the current millage rate. After the public hearings, it was proposed to the mayor and council to establish the rate at 14.000 mills.

The resolution was approved by the mayor and council.

The approval of the millage rate leads to the next item on the agenda. City Manager Lee Gilmour proposed a council consideration of budget additions.

According to council documents, Gilmour proposed the mayor and council open new positions in the city. Gilmour proposes the city to transition part-time evidence technician to full-time, add an additional fire marshal position and add an additional position for litter control. The proposal was approved by the mayor and council.

There are more positions now available in the city. During the pre-council meeting, City Manager Lee Gilmour made a proposal to the mayor and council about Leisure Services. Former Director of Leisure Services Sedrick Swan has resigned from his position. Gilmour recommended the mayor and council to approve the postings of the new positions: Director of Leisure Services and Athletic Programs Manger. This was approved during the regular council meeting.

The council meeting began with David Smith as the new Municipal Court Associate Judge. Smith swore his oath in front of the mayor and council and is looking forward to starting his new role.

During pre-council, Economic Development Director Holly Wharton presented new economic development guidelines to the mayor and council.

In the new guidelines it states the department will connect unemployed and underemployed residents with jobs and training opportunities. According to Wharton, they will do this by partnering with the Houston County Board of Education, Higher Education Institutions and WorkSource Georgia.

Another addition to the new guidelines is favoring the reuse of existing buildings and corridors over new developments. This will encourage investment in old corridors leading to downtown like Gen. Courtney Hodges Boulevard, Sam Nunn Boulevard and Macon Road.

The new guidelines were approved during the regular council meeting. Visit https://pub-perry.escribemeetings.com/FileStream.ashx?DocumentId=4949 to see the rest of the guidelines.

Also during pre-council, Gilmour told the mayor and council about the old city hall lease termination. According to Gilmour, this allows the old city hall to be demolished and Jernigan Street extended to Newton Place.

The current tenant of the building, the Perry Volunteer Outreach, has been told about the city’s plan and is looking to relocate. Gilmour recommended the council approve the termination.

The mayor and council approved during the regular council meeting.

Earlier during the council meeting, Downtown Manager Alicia Hartley presented to the mayor and council an award the department received for their premier Wine Tasting event.

Hartley said they won the award under the promotions category, and they received the award from the Georgia Downtown Association. Hartley is excited to bring this award back to the city and the next wine tasting event will be held Oct. 20.

On the topic of events happening in the city, the holiday season is fast approaching, and the city of Perry is preparing for upcoming events.

During the council meeting, Hartley announced to the mayor and council about the Downtown Perry’s Sweet and Treats on Oct. 27, a community trick or treating event that invites citizens and visitors to attend. Downtown streets will be closed from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the event will start at 5 p.m.

Communications Manager Tabitha Clark also announced to the mayor and council about the Christmas on the Crossroads event taking place on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. The event will be hosted by the Perry Ministerial Association, and it will be a celebration of Christmas and the birth of Jesus.

After the remaining items of the agenda were discussed, the meeting was adjourned. Mayor Walker reminds everyone the next council meeting will be held Sept. 19

Mayor and council will meet again for their pre-council starting at 5 p.m. and regular council meeting at 6 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend these meetings and the agenda can found at https://perry-ga.gov/escribe-agendas-minutes.

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