Arnoldsville water superintendent Adam Boswell reported that a recently drilled well was a “bust” after 650 feet. Boswell said the well yielded only 3 gallons per minute and cost around $38,000.
In response, the council addressed the GW Bray well, which has a high mineral content but a consistent flow. The council approved a motion of $40,000 to refresh quotes.
The council discussed transitioning the $1 monthly leak protection fee to an “opt-out” system.
The application will be changed, and new and existing customers will be automatically covered unless they provide a signed statement affirmatively opting out.
Furthermore, the council addressed water late fees and mail delays.
Some residents have expressed frustration over $3 late fees caused by slow mail delivery; however, the council decided it won’t waive fees.
Members pointed out that residents have multiple ways to pay on time, such as a city drop box, online payments and automatic payments.
In other news, the Arnoldsville City Council:
Approved the general fund report.
Approved/accepted the water fund report.
Introduced a new penalty structure for city code violations that sets fines at $100 for the first offense, $250 for the second and $500 afterwards.
Read a new ordinance which will regulate utility companies by requiring permits and city supervision for any encroachment on or within public right-of-ways within city limits.
Discussed the start of the new fire department building, where a pad and plumbing has been installed and fundraising will begin soon.
- Approved obtaining a $6,437 quote to fill potholes on Creekside Place and Creekside Drive.
Crawford
The Crawford City Council approved a motion to allow the volunteer fire department to maintain its own independent checking account.
The account will be funded by Oglethorpe County, with additional city funding to be determined at a later date. The council mandated that all financial records be audited annually, and the city will resume management of the funds if the department fails to maintain proper records.
The council discussed plans to repair or rebuild the Spray wellhouse and the chemical building at the wastewater plant. These plans will be reviewed at the June meeting once the council receives all quotes for the work.
Paula Wagnon requested that 303 Park Ave. be zoned as residential. Before moving forward, city clerk Amy Lance was instructed to consult with four other homeowners who would be affected.
Additionally, Laniece Appling reported that Jordan Air has been blocking the road, creating dangerous conditions for drivers and pedestrians. Appling requested the installation of a crosswalk on S Woodlawn Drive, and Mayor Alan Erwin said he would discuss the issues with Jordan Air.
In other news, the Crawford City Council:
Discussed the adoption of the county’s Abandoned Dog Ordinance, but no action will be taken until the county hires a code enforcement officer.
Set a first work session at 7 p.m. June 23 to work on various issues, such as code enforcer, city handbook and charter.
- Discussed appointing a new representative to the Oglethorpe County Board of Health, as Brenda Butler is no longer interested in serving.
Lexington
Mayor Evelyn Reece announced Level 1 drought watering restrictions are in effect until further notice.
The council addressed several concerns to Boswell, including the pending chlorine pump repair at the Montgomery Well and a recent “failure to test” as a result of a lack of sampling containers.
The council instructed Boswell to keep all five city wells in active rotation in order to ensure system reliability.
Furthermore, an independent assessment of the water system was completed over violations from a 2025 sanitation report. The assessment revealed all major issues have been corrected and only minor housekeeping issues for wellhouses remain.
A mayor and council work session specifically for the water system will be held at 7 p.m. June 4.
In other news, the Lexington City Council:
Discussed the FY 2026-27 budgets and potentially doubling business license fees to address rising fuel, energy and payroll costs.
Discussed using TSPLOST funds to develop a plan for Highway 78, including seasonal banners, flags and replenished planters for the semiquincentennial.
Discussed coordinating with GDOT to find solutions for through traffic on Dupree Street.
Discussed CMS consulting upcoming roadwork, and pothole repair costs on Dupree Street are trending higher than usual.
Issued a city-wide burn ban to match current county safety measures.
Authorized the city attorney to take legal action against a house at 425 W. Main St. to address long-standing maintenance issues.
- Discussed the successful roof replacement of 122 W. Main St. and that work is scheduled to begin on 114 W. Main St.
Maxeys
Maxeys received a letter of approval from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to begin work on the Firefly Trail continuation. This project will cover the final .9-mile to build out the trail in Maxeys.
The council received the first draft of the 2027-2032 Comprehensive Plan. This document will undergo further review and discussion at future meetings.
Additionally, the council held its first reading of the Oglethorpe County Noise and Animal Control Ordinances, with the intent to adopt them so the Sheriff’s Office can enforce the same codes within the city limits as the rest of the county.
In other news, the Maxeys city council:
Decided the fire department building will no longer be available for rental for the public
Discussed that the Oglethorpe Rotary Club and Maxeys Peace Garden have water service, and the garden is expected to be completed soon.
Discussed the purchase of 12 American flags along Highway 77 and the installation by Danny and Beverly Gorman.
Discussed letters sent to several properties requesting measures to secure and clean up.
- Discussed Windstream installing fiber optic cable in the city.