Crawford City Council member Sandra Sheridan, who has served on the city council for nearly 15 years, announced her resignation last month.
After moving forward with selling her house and moving out of the county, Sheridan said “it was time to resign.”
“It was fun,” Sheridan said. “(My job) kept me in touch with the town and things that were going on in the city that I wouldn’t have known otherwise.”
Councilmember Carol McGrath made a motion to appoint Willie Torres, an owner of Town and Country Kafe, to fill Sheridan’s seat through Dec. 31. The motion was seconded by Brenda Butler, and all members voted in favor.
The council also voted unanimously to authorize Mayor Seavy O’Neal to request assistance from the Northeast Georgia Regional Commission for the county’s upcoming comprehensive plan.
The plan will address broadband access, land use management, transportation and community goals for the cities within Oglethorpe County.
Lexington council addresses traffic
The Lexington council voted to block Dupree Street traffic from entering Highway 78, pending approval from the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT).
Motorists have frequently used the residential road as a shortcut to state Route 77.
“This is not a very wide street,” Lexington mayor Ronnie Boggs said, “and is a danger for the neighborhood when vehicles use it as a cut-through.”
Dupree Street will remain accessible to local traffic, just not from 78.
The council will also seek GDOT approval for the installation of a crosswalk at the Rowdy Rooster across 78, following community requests.
“It’s (the Department of Transportation’s) call of whether we can have that or not,” Boggs said. “They can say we don’t need it, and then it’s a dead subject. …That’s because it’s their highway — just happens to run through our town.”
The city previously installed a crosswalk between Local Color and Pinnacle Bank using GDOT’s equipment, and in 2012, the first lighted crosswalk was installed between Platt and Main streets for approximately $12,000.
If a new lighted crosswalk is pursued, the city would bear the cost at a much heavier expense than 13 years prior, Boggs noted.
Next month’s council meeting has been rescheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 8. A separate session on water rates will be held on Thursday, Oct. 23.
In other Lexington news:
The Lexington Downtown Master Plan was approved after a two-year discussion, setting a blueprint for historic revitalization.
A $25,000 certificate of deposit opened in 2009 has grown to $48,232.94. The city will keep the original amount and move $23,232.94 in interest earnings to its emergency budget, while exploring local banking options.
The Centerville well needs a $9,074.58 pump replacement.
The fire department will purchase a new adapter for an older ladder truck, funded from its budget.
Maxeys reviews budgets, water rates
The Maxeys city council is preparing the 2026 budgets for the water and general accounts, which began with a review of 2024-25 income and expenses at September’s meeting.
Discussion on the water system will continue, including specifics on tank cleaning, exercising valves and hydrants, as well as replacing electronic pumps. Additionally, a water rate review is underway.
Renovations on the community center are moving forward, where new decking and doorways are being installed. Refurbished picnic tables are in place, and construction of a new pavilion is under consideration.
Willow Street has been re-graveled, but the final bill isn’t known. However, TSPLOST funds will cover the costs.
The council approved the Maxeys Christmas Parade for Saturday, Dec. 6 and Sarah Whiting as Maxeys’ representative on the Oglethorpe County Library Board of Trustees.
Arnoldsville honors Love, talks paving
Danny Love, who has served as Arnoldsville’s city attorney for 25 years, was honored at the council’s September meeting.
Mayor Danny Morcom also said the council is moving forward with a contract to pave the city hall parking lot, though the final cost has not been disclosed.