Lexington’s Downtown Development Authority can’t conduct business after a recent resignation left it with only three members, city attorney Charlie Barrow said at the city council meeting on Sept. 10.
The remaining members are Ronnie Boggs, Gina Holloway and Linda Parish. Recent past members include Tom Thon, Linda Moore and Glynn Segars.
Barrow said state law requires a majority of the DDA's seven directors for a quorum. Without a majority of four, the authority can’t handle the daily business of the DDA.
Boggs said Tuesday that another resident is applying to join the DDA, which would give it four members.
The board of directors is appointed by the mayor and city council.
Mayor Evelyn Reece also spoke about the city water department, saying costs have risen sharply because of an expensive well repair, an 84% increase in environmental testing fees, tree damage and higher insurance.
Water rates haven’t gone up since 2019.
Water Superintendent George Spearing reported all three water tanks are full, and four of five wells are operating.
The Comer Road Well No. 1, which recently returned to service after years of dormancy, needs repairs to its in-ground pipes. Oconee Well Drillers estimated the work at $4,685.
A large tree also fell on Well No. 5 on Union Point Road, and Reece has filed an insurance claim. The well house roof will need repairs.
In other news, the Lexington City Council:
- Voted unanimously to create a Tree Council, as required by the Georgia Forestry Commission, to oversee public trees under the city’s Tree City USA designation. This will be a volunteer council responsible for administering the Lexington Tree Ordinance.
- Heard that window repairs at Beth Salem have begun and initial paperwork for a federal grant is underway.
- Heard about upcoming events, including an author talk by Michael Thurmond on James Oglethorpe on Nov. 7, and Old-Fashioned Christmas on Dec. 22 at Beth Salem.
Maxeys
The Maxeys Cat-itude Adjustment Initiative yard sale raised $1,000 for a donation to the Greene County Humane Society. Twenty-seven cats were part of a second phase of catch-and-release, council member Carrie Hayes said at the Sept. 8 meeting. This is an ongoing effort by Hayes and fellow city council member Carrie Hyatt to help control the feral cat population in Maxeys.
In other news, the Maxeys City Council:
- Approved the comprehensive plan with the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for city projects through 2031.
- Said the Brightwell Park cleanup plan is moving forward with the mulching of wisteria and overgrowth completed.
- Approved a contractor for the paving of the rest of the Firefly Trail. Construction is expected to begin in 2-4 weeks.
- Heard that meetings have been held with an equipment representative to begin the assessment of a new playground and identification of funding sources to assist in the upgrade.
- Learned that assessments for painting the trim of the community center building and trees on city property were completed. Additionally, review of overgrowth of trees and shrubbery onto city streets is underway.
Arnoldsville
The Arnoldsville City Council learned it’s waiting on bids to repave Creekside Drive at its Sept. 8 meeting. The road has not been paved in 25 years.
The council is unable to award the contract until all bids have been submitted. The submission deadline was Sept. 18.
In other news, Arnoldsville City Council:
- Discussed looking for a small parcel of land at the end of Meyer Farm Road and Hargrove Lake Road or Yancey Road and Hargrove Lake Road to drill a well to add to its water facility. The city requests anyone who has land available to contact city hall at 706-742-5036.
Crawford
Donny Faust, lead operator at Crawford water department, said Crawford is making progress on its $8 million water renovation. The renovations began in July 2025 and are expected to be completed by October.
The renovations include upgrading the water plant and reservoir. The dam on the reservoir is leaking, causing concern of potential failure. Crawford is redoing the dam to solve the problem.
A temporary dam has been constructed while work is done to remove sediment and improve water quality for residents.
Raw water, high service and backwash pumps are also being installed during the renovation. One of two filters has been dug out and replaced. Restoration of deteriorated concrete is also in progress.