Arnoldsville water superintendent Adam Boswell said it was a “rough month” of infrastructure failures, as the city is navigating a water crisis that has left storage tanks low.
This is mainly due to multiple well issues, such as an $8,400 pump replacement at Farm Road and a suspected lightning strike that damaged the Kimberly Court well’s motor drive.
Repairing the well on Kimberly Court could cost an estimated $14,620, so officials said they could investigate potential insurance claims to offset the cost.
The city is experiencing a water shortage, according to an announcement on its website. There is a mandatory restriction on outdoor water usage, including car washes, filling of pools, watering plants and other activities.
A person at the meeting expressed frustration that many residents, particularly the elderly, were unaware of water restrictions because the city posted the announcement online and on social media.
The council said this was the fastest way to reach the community, as the situation was important and the mailing process can often hinder timely information.
The city council emphasized a need for a new well, with potential sites being explored near the Beaverdam Volunteer Fire Department and the Hargrove Lake area.
In other news, the Arnoldsville City Council:
Discussed the Arnoldsville Fire Department’s near completion, with painting scheduled to begin immediately and interior finishing to follow.
Scheduled the city’s annual barbecue for Oct. 24, moving up a week to avoid conflicting with Halloween.
- Reviewed a report from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission, noting ongoing goals for historic preservation and potential plans for a city park.
Lexington
Adam Boswell retired as Lexington’s water superintendent, effective July 1, and George Spearing III agreed to serve as interim water superintendent. Spearing, who is coming out of retirement, has the higher level-2 certification and managed Lexington’s water system for 38 years.
Spearing said all three water tanks are full, and he is working to get Wells No. 1 and No. 3 running and up to Environmental Protection Department requirements. Additionally, only wells Nos. 4, 5 and 6 are working.
Mayor Evelyn Reece said her primary focus is to work with city clerk Kim Bradford to move the GEFA Grant forward to install uranium filters at well No. 6, resulting in zero uranium.
The council expressed interest in discussing ideas to better communicate with the public, especially about issues with uranium.
In other news, the Lexington City Council:
Discussed potentially buying two air compressors which would cost about $1,000 and $1,600 from the Lexington Fire Department’s budget.
Discussed Reece meeting soon with craftsmen regarding the $16,500 restoration project for the Beth Salem Church windows, with $5,000 coming from the Georgia Trust Callahan Incentive Grant.
Discussed the need to purchase loads of gravel for Water Tower Lane and the Montgomery Well No. 3 access road, with help from the county to work on unpaved roads.
- Discussed Shaking Rock Park improvements, such as new benches, picnic tables and interpretive signs following a meeting with county administrator Jason Lewis and Jay Paul, chairman of the board of the commissioners, about the pending five-year SPLOST renewal and its new park maintenance equipment requirements.
Crawford
The Crawford City Council approved an auto brokerage license for Charles Watson’s business at 1175 Athens Road.
Under this agreement, Watson is prohibited from keeping vehicle inventory on the lot and may add a small sign with his name and email address to the property’s existing signage. He also must obtain his state license and provide a copy to the city clerk before he gets his city license.
In other news, the Crawford City Council:
Voted to adopt the resolution concerning the Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Discussed the 2026 millage rate and voted to leave the rate at 3.5 mills.
Accepted the resignation of Johnny Shedd from the city council and moved to appoint Josh Patterson for the remainder of the term.
- Reviewed two bids for cleaning services, but decided to table the decision until August, as it is waiting for proof of liability insurance from each bidder.
Maxeys
Maxeys didn’t have a city council meeting in July.