Manchester Residents Ask Council About How City Allocates Funds

Guest speakers Danis and Otis Bullard, owners of Fit 4 Life Fitness Center in Manchester, opened the city council meeting on May 12^th with concerns. Mrs. Bullard stated that her and her husband love Manchester, but that there are so many buildings that are empty or being destroyed that they were unsure of how the city was allocating funds to help growth. They stated they were blessed to be in Manchester and that they have been able to help many seniors in the area get their lives back through their facility. Mr. Bullard mentioned that the wrongful lawsuit battle with the Manchester Development Authority has put a strain on them. He hopes that as the final payment is made, that he might receive his title in hand as well as explore the possibility of having his legal fees reimbursed.

Marie Melle spoke in support of Fit 4 Life, asking the city to assist them to grow. Her personal testimony spoke in favor of their facility and services. Mrs. Melle had a heart attack, and after cardiac therapy was told to look into somewhere to exercise. She noted a “huge difference” after going to Fit 4 Life, coming off of several medications completely, having better blood sugar, and overall feeling healthier at her age than before.

Meka Lowe, community advocate, tax payer, and business woman for over twenty years brought up the topic of how Manchester “brands” itself. She spoke on how a city government toes the line of conducting itself as a business or agency, how it must be professional, over services, and look at the best interests of those involved. She stated that branding is not merely a logo or the “M” we all know for our city, but it is the feeling we get from Manchester. In order to improve working relationships with others, Manchester should reflect on how it is represented. From the uncut parts of town to the communication hurdles, Lowe asked that the city consider “re-branding” themselves to move towards progress that so many seek for our hometown.

The moratorium for the downtown was extended by ninety days. This moratorium includes the number of office spaces, low level residence spaces, and vape shops.

The mayor and council were overjoyed to announce the candidates for the Community Development Block Grant writers and engineer. These grants, if awarded, will greatly assist in rebuilding and repairing Manchester. There was a total of sixteen grant writer applications and five engineers who showed interest. Due to their success and experience, Gregory S.T.C. was appointed for the grant writing regarding infrastructure and Gilbert & Associates was appointed grant writer for the housing portion of the C.D.B.G. Carter and Sloope was chosen for the engineer consultant as the city has already had positive work from them previously with the work on the Lift Station and Mountain Springs Project.

Manchester is actively seeking to gain the Rural Zone designation as it sunsets on its final year of availability. There are currently only ten spots for this left in the state. This program designates specific downtown areas to be eligible for state income tax credits such as job tax credits, investment credits, and rehabilitation credits. Manchester qualifies for this, and if they were to gain the designation it would assist in bringing jobs and businesses to our town. In order to do this, the city needs community input. May 28^th from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. you can voice your ideas at the Estate Gallery. The city encourages everyone to come let their voices be heard on what they want to see done to the downtown area.

Mayor Mark Trimble was enthusiastic as he announced that Meriwether County would be joining the Mayor’s Reading Club in collaboration with the non-profit organization Georgia Municipal Association. Manchester and the other cities of Meriwether County have spoke and agree that literacy has a long-lasting impact on people’s lives. Research shows that if I child is struggling to read by third grade, that this can lead to other disadvantages for the rest of their life. The mayors of the county agree that literacy is a fundamental building block and plan to bridge the gap by hosting pre-school and elementary school reading events as well as participating in the summer reading programs and pop-up libraries around the county. Meriwether County is the first county in the state that all mayors in their county have joined the club.

After many talks and browsing, the Manchester Fire Dept. and City Manager Mark Pullium brought forth a request to purchase a fire engine and mini pumper for the city. The original price they were estimated was $750k for the engine and $358k for the mini pumper, totaling over $1 million. However, they were given a savings opportunity for the same trucks which will be build in Millegeville and completed in 100-150 days. The new price given was approximately $610k for the fire engine and $358k for the mini pumper. These would be brand new vehicles, and it was noted the last time the city purchased brand new fire vehicles was back in the late 90’s. The mayor and council unanimously voted to purchase the trucks. S.P.L.O.S.T. funds will be used for the purchase, and the old vehicles will be put up for surplus sale after.

The city of Manchester was asked to sign an amicus brief by the City of Milton. This is in relation the the court case of the City of Milton -vs- Chang back in 2016 where Joshua Chang ran off the road and was killed upon striking a concrete planter located off the shoulder of the road. Normally, the city would have qualified for immunity under the circumstances, but the case held the city of Milton liable according to Fulton County. The case was appealed and taken to the Georgia Court of Appeals in 2024 who upheld the verdict. As of 2026, the case reached the Supreme Court which ruled that a city keeping roads safe does not extend to outside of the immediate lane of travel. This ruling nor signing directly affects the city of Manchester, but it shows the support of the ruling. It was approved in a 4-1 vote that Manchester would sign the amicus brief.

Michael “Gold” Rush was honored at Tues. night’s meeting. A native of Manchester, Mr. Rush will be inducted into the State of Florida Boxing Hall of Fame. With a sixteen-year career in boxing across the U.S. and Germany, Mr. Rush holds the record of 27 wins, 6 losses, and only one draw. Mr. Rush also told the mayor that he would consider giving boxing lessons in the area.

Following honoring Mr. Rush, Mayor Trimble noted that we don’t know who will be the next big name out of Manchester. He stated that with encouragement we might make a difference in the next star that the city sends out into the world.

Councilman Danny Wadsworth voiced his concerns about what the city could offer for mental health locally outside of the training given to the police department. Mayor Pro-Tem Quardez Warrior wished everyone a happy belated Mother’s Day. He agreed that with the turnout of the last few meetings that the city needs to look into a larger meeting location. Mr. Warrior wished to spotlight J. Harmony Porter, Tavaria Hill, and the upcoming graduates. He also congratulated Demauri Revell on winning the State Championship for 1AD2 High Jump. Council member Delisha Hodo commended the Manchester Fire Dept. for their Fishing with a Fireman event as well as their efforts to support those dealing with the wildfires in south Georgia. Ms. Hodo voiced her appreciation for the citizens for joining them and reminded everyone to stay accountable in between clean up days. Councilman Jason Smith had nothing but positive things to say regarding the M.D.A., D.D.A., and the city working together. He noted that there are businesses showing interest in Manchester, and he encourages everyone to come out May 28^th and let their voices be heard.

City Manager Pullium stated that it is time to update the city’s Strategic Plan, incorporating the M.D.A. and D.D.A. as they move forward. He has been in contact with Kristen Miller of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government regarding a proposal for the economic development plan. The Big Lazar Creek Coffer Dam repairs contract in being reviewed and work should begin within the next sixty days. The water and sewer project at the County Store, Winery, and Wine Tasting Room is nearing completion. After testing of the lines, this phase of the project will be complete. Crawford Grading is almost finished with their work on Collier-Davis Road.

Manchester Police Dept. has been pursuing the Excellence in Policing Certification which on average takes three years to complete. However, Manchester will be submitting their application of completion in less than that. The policies and trainings that they have covered to meet this criteria include human resources/ EEO Plan, property and evidence, vehicle operations and pursuit, search and seizure, use of force/response to aggression, arrest, off-duty and extra-duty employment, other equipment, mental health and diminished capacity, multi-jurisdicitional task force, body and car cameras for all officers, and public safety information officer. The Excellence in Policing Certification demonstrates a commitment to high professional standards and prioritizes equity and inclusion.