The Lexington City Council decided to end garbage can subsidies and is a step closer to putting a stop to engine braking in the city.
The council unanimously decided to no longer subsidize garbage pickup for the price of the can. This new fee will be $15 a can and start in July.
The city pays $27,353 annually in sanitation, while bringing in $13-$14,000 a year.
Council members also motioned and approved steps to create an ordinance against engine braking, which is slowing a vehicle by stepping off the gas pedal and downshifting gears instead of pressing the brake.
Cars, many with loud engines, can be heard doing this on Highway 77.
“Everybody that goes down 77 has big engines and no mufflers,” Mayor Craig Snow said. “I can have the TV volume turned to 50, and I can still hear it.”
The council will continue to work on the engine braking ordinance in its next meeting.
In other business:
- 2nd Chance BBQ’s occupational license was approved with a contingency that the owner brings a permit from the property owner and other required permits to city hall.
- Snow and the city council unanimously approved adding three new members to the Lexington Appeals Board: Rick Stovall, Jimmy Toto and Jeff Squier, with Brett Thurman as the alternate.
- Lexington residents Brittany Fields and Shawn Hill had a water leak that generated 88,900 gallons of water, leaving a bill of $554.40. The city council credited half the bill, which means Fields' bill will be $277.20.
- The Northeast Georgia Regional commission has scheduled a plan implementation meeting for the comprehensive plan, which includes Lexington, at 10 a.m. May 1.