By Taelor Rye
Concerning the proposed property tax mill rate increase to benefit the Dodge-Eastman Development Authority, at its July 11 meeting, the Eastman City Council moved to table a decision so that councilors can meet with the Dodge County Board of Commissioners.
Still, council member Buddy Pittman shared concerns from Eastmanites who have reached out to him about the possibility of the tax increase. Their concerns stem from having already received their tax notices, which already show an increase in taxes.
Commissioner Prince Dawson shared a similar sentiment, stating that citizens have spoken to him about the same thing. Specifically, senior citizens on a fixed income are at a particular disadvantage, he stated.
Therefore, Pitman asked about the possibility of using Special-Purpose Local-Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funds instead of increasing taxes. The SPLOST includes funding for economic development with no designated percentage, he added.
To discuss further decision-making factors, the council decided to hold a work session with the commissioners after the commissioners’ meeting on Monday, July 18, at 6:30 p.m. after the commissioners’ regular meeting that will be held at 6:00 p.m. at the courthouse annex.
Sharon Cobb Flanagan of the Dodge County Farmer’s Market shared results from the July 9 event, which moved an hour earlier – from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. – due to hot weather.
Although only about 250 patrons visited the 20 vendors at the farmer’s market on this date, Flanagan noted that multiple customers from out of town visited. However, she noted a lack of merchant brochures, encouraging local business owners to submit brochures for the farmer’s market to distribute.
Additionally, the farmer’s market exceeded its threshold for EBT cash on hand. “That was a good thing,” Flanagan stated, and she encouraged the councilors to continue promoting the availability of EBT purchases at the farmer’s market.
Concerning the possibility of moving from the current open-air market to a structure, Flanagan stated that such a move would add financial complications. For example, the current setup allows the farmer’s market to operate for free, but moving into a building would naturally cost money.
Flanagan also stated that the farmer’s market does not want to have to charge vendor fees to pay for a building because “they won’t come, and we won’t have vendors. If we don’t have vendors, we won’t have shoppers.” Still, she said that the Dodge County Farmer’s Market Development Authority plans to revisit all options next year.
Eastman council, commissioners to meet about proposed tax increase
Regarding the fire department’s local annual firework show on July 4th, city manager Jason Cobb stated that he has “heard a lot of good things from the community about the fireworks.”
Council member Ronnie Woodard echoed Cobb’s statement, noting that even people from out of town who came to see the fireworks were impressed with the production. Chairman Raymond Mullis also thanked the fire department for doing a good job.
The council approved the purchase of the vacant lot at 125 Main Street, a piece of property between the Magnolia Theater (which the city already owns) and Timeless Grace Beauty Mall.
The resolution to purchase the property states that “the City of Eastman desires to promote its downtown area” by encouraging citizens to participate in city-sponsored events in the area.
The property will be purchased from John T. Reddock and Laney B. Reddock for $16,000.00.
Eastman Fire Chief Carl Johnson noted that the fire department received 40 calls for the month of June – 22 from within the city and 18 from in the county. Of these calls, four were for brush fires, nine were for medical reasons, and 10 were for vehicle accidents. Other calls concerned gas leaks and structure fires.
Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield stated that, for the month of June, the police department patrolled 9,926 miles using 1,083 gallons of gas. It also responded to 996 calls and worked 30 traffic accidents.
Prince Dawson relayed questions from citizens about the possibility for a public pool sometime in the future to combat some of the high temperatures experienced in the summer.
Due to a transfer in ownership, La Michoacana Market’s application for beer and wine has been approved.
The city council’s next regularly meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 6:00 p.m.
Council member Ronnie Woodard echoed Cobb’s statement, noting that even people from out of town who came to see the fireworks were impressed with the production. Chairman Raymond Mullis also thanked the fire department for doing a good job.
The council approved the purchase of the vacant lot at 125 Main Street, a piece of property between the Magnolia Theater (which the city already owns) and Timeless Grace Beauty Mall.
The resolution to purchase the property states that “the City of Eastman desires to promote its downtown area” by encouraging citizens to participate in city-sponsored events in the area.
The property will be purchased from John T. Reddock and Laney B. Reddock for $16,000.00.
Eastman Fire Chief Carl Johnson noted that the fire department received 40 calls for the month of June – 22 from within the city and 18 from in the county. Of these calls, four were for brush fires, nine were for medical reasons, and 10 were for vehicle accidents. Other calls concerned gas leaks and structure fires.
Eastman Police Chief Becky Sheffield stated that, for the month of June, the police department patrolled 9,926 miles using 1,083 gallons of gas. It also responded to 996 calls and worked 30 traffic accidents.
Prince Dawson relayed questions from citizens about the possibility for a public pool sometime in the future to combat some of the high temperatures experienced in the summer.
Due to a transfer in ownership, La Michoacana Market’s application for beer and wine has been approved.
The city council’s next regularly meeting is scheduled for July 25 at 6:00 p.m.
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