Lexington wasn’t one of the seven cities selected for rural zone designation. The Northeast Georgia Regional Commission reviewed and submitted the application on the city’s behalf.
“It is a very competitive process and we were up against Georgia cities much larger than Lexington with just as great of a need for revitalization as us,” Mayor Ronnie Boggs said.
To qualify for the rural zone designation, a city’s population must be under 15,000. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a majority of the cities in Georgia meet that requirement, making the application process highly competitive.
“We were hoping that the rural zone designation tax incentives for purchase and revitalization of properties would open up interest for those who might see Lexington as a good commercial investment,” Boggs said.
Looking ahead, Boggs said Beth Eavenson, the Region 5 representative for the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, will work with Lexington on next year’s application and review the forms before they’re submitted.
In other business:
- Mayor-elect Evelyn Reece submitted the letter of intent to apply for a Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation grant for renovations to Beth-Salem Presbyterian Church. The HPC plans to use the grant for window repairs, which will cost between $13,000-$15,000. Reece said the project would be funded through a combination of the potential grant, funds from previous donations and new donations.
- The fire department was awarded the Rayle Grant, which is a $5,000 match that officials hope to use toward major equipment, including a refurbished Jaws of Life.
- Registration is open for the newly elected official training, which will take place in Athens in February. It is free.
- The community center is low on funds, prompting discussion on fundraising options.
- Georgia Tree Removal successfully cleared the streets of overgrown brush and limbs.
Maxeys
Maxeys residents will have the option to pay their water bills online, beginning next month. This isn’t mandatory, but could be an easier alternative. The city will receive a report of the payments that were made online free of cost.
In other business:
- Water system communication repairs, including replacement of outdated water meters and upgrades to the water tank and pump system, will begin next month.
- An electrical fire at the community center prompted repairs to the breakers and breaker box.
- Roof trusses have been installed at the outdoor pavilion at Brightwell Park, with roofing work expected to be completed next.
- The council will continue its discussion on water rates at the meeting on Jan. 13.
Crawford
Crawford Mayor Seavy O’Neal was presented with a plaque to honor his service as mayor and a council member. Alan Erwin will take over this role in January.
Erwin was also elected as Crawford’s representative for Oglethorpe County’s Comprehensive Plan, which is responsible for developing a 20-year guide to growth and development for all of the cities in the county.
County officials are seeking public input to ensure the plan reflects community needs. The first public hearing was held on Nov. 18, and a public open house will be held 6 p.m. Jan. 20 at the Crawford Depot.
Residents can take the community survey to share ideas, concerns and priorities.
Required elements of the Comprehensive Plan include a vision statement, community goals, needs and opportunities, land use broadband and a community work program.
In other business:
- The 2026 budget was approved. The city plans on bringing in $828,225, relying mostly on taxes and service fees, while spending $55,200 of that revenue on debt service for the sewer plan.
- The mill on North Street is under contract.