[{"_1":2,"_121":-5,"_122":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,97,109],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6218771,"mediaKeyId","3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da","parentId",3625461,"title","Council reviews Justice1 municipal court software upgrade and discusses citation fee increases","audioSeconds",330,"startMs",3210000,"endMs",3540000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da&start=3210&end=3540","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da/thumbnail_3210000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6218771/Walnut-Grove/Walton-County/Georgia/Council-reviews-Justice1-municipal-court-software-upgrade-and-discusses-citation-fee-increases","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218771-e0431b348028d5a8d805e2e47532c4f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171108&Signature=oQx9bTsKfIO98glgjPma~smM4ihjBxYK0aDt1OC6eqITLO8nl8Y0R3aAmGP9~nLXSBGWBXKzP2YpJfZhXGgMoxNVjy2rAEvycMIgP4XJd8s3dyRSqGlcNirrZ1SMPD2jbtzQ-yJFpZxcPUBV~TSoLFIyUzGdW6bem0PoT~4GSNSwj0vm-57Xt~CiSzoFJzHa18vAdMaPX5JsvKw0vwa6ppEcA8bLrLaX-3nMucuU00rmTuGSovXFboU7tF6VZ7GKSv4Zq6MN4SnIx5jjKGtwLnbL9Xg9-lk-mQwGK1-9Y89nwTbyhLkpqHPXFItQTsBBiXUTMrApa3QpFjO7h~8N9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-06-03T12:26:10.663Z","article","Walnut Grove council members discussed a proposed migration to Justice1, a cloud‑based court management system, and the related proposed vendor billing changes. Staff described operational efficiencies from the migration and noted planned changes to local citation fees.

City staff explained the new Justice1 terms as $22 per violation or a $400 minimum monthly billing, whichever is greater, replacing the current $15 per‑violation charge. Staff said the cloud system would add functionality such as integrated credit‑card billing, consolidated services, and data migration of current records.

Council members raised concerns about the size of the fee increase and the town’s history of undercharging for citation processing. Staff said they plan to review court and citation fees to ensure they meet costs and that staff would test fees and migration outcomes before finalizing pricing to avoid a shortfall.

Several council members and staff described the proposed system as more user‑friendly and said other nearby municipalities had migrated to the same product with positive results. No formal contract award or vote was recorded at the meeting; staff will continue testing the system, finalize fee changes and return to council with recommendations.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","05/29/2025 City Council Work Session 6:00 PM","oneSentenceSummary","Council discussed moving to a cloud‑based municipal court system (Justice1) with a proposed new vendor rate of $22 per violation or a $400 minimum monthly billing, consolidation benefits and plans to review citation fees, but no final contract vote was recorded.","taxTitle","Walnut Grove, Walton County, Georgia","taxId",74351,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6218775,"Council reviews RFP for city hall exterior painting; staff to issue request for proposals",315,2719000,3034000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da&start=2719&end=3034","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da/thumbnail_2719000.jpg","/articles/6218775/Walnut-Grove/Walton-County/Georgia/Council-reviews-RFP-for-city-hall-exterior-painting-staff-to-issue-request-for-proposals","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218775-1671d739a62299ad616bf04a78f14250/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171108&Signature=To9K7U~ki9MWEw4lyf4T8X7zvkSkIGxpuQ8LaMD47kK7RzvZyUO-w~Af0063oubqDgVBVmgOocY5xePx-PMjuswxNOuFA1MhDIzlsh03GUUzsbJ1PKgpa3FgfdiCrizId2-k9rR8CC~TXBYrjPC3MB8NmmL1isEH4yFCxdwowqQAQ70TcZuj7LhjGC7qooGdZYAPAGkAPW5I4JAqTJ5WWqWZcJJHmKDM5DOdll46hBZbbi0lR6DJOEbfXwl2rhOYln3DGaWBPslOS2BjevK43jf6AOxazq8iW0-BpDIegU8uWteatnoc~olq52Q17ycopg0wPUUxWmwNBBQs97KDpA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Walnut Grove City Council reviewed a draft request for proposals to paint the exterior of City Hall and its outbuildings and authorized staff to publish the solicitation.

City Administrator Joe Horace explained the RFP is based on insurance funds set aside for repairs and was reviewed by the town attorney. The draft RFP specifies scope items including removal and replacement of damaged wood siding, cleaning and surface preparation, coverage of materials in contractor bids, and inclusion of outbuildings and the well house. The document sets a minimum two‑year warranty on workmanship and materials.

Council members asked for clarity that contractors include paint and materials in their bids and whether the RFP requires specific paint types or extended warranties. Horace said the RFP requires bidders to include materials in their pricing and that staff can specify paint products in the RFP if council wishes. He confirmed the scope allows replacement of rotten or damaged lumber and requires bidders to state the long‑term materials they will use.

No formal roll‑call vote was recorded; council members gave staff direction to post the RFP, solicit bids from companies that previously submitted estimates and accept other respondents through the published solicitation. Staff said the final contract award and colors will come back to council for approval when bids are evaluated.","Council reviewed a draft request for proposals to paint the exterior of City Hall and associated outbuildings, including scope details on wood replacement, materials, and a minimum two‑year warranty; staff will post the RFP for bids.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":78,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6218780,"Council discusses paving priorities; Forest Glen, Churchway identified as near‑term needs",386,2333000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da&start=2333&end=2719","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da/thumbnail_2333000.jpg","/articles/6218780/Walnut-Grove/Walton-County/Georgia/Council-discusses-paving-priorities-Forest-Glen-Churchway-identified-as-nearterm-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218780-b55013532b44bc148405bb1c693977fa/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171108&Signature=YdW0gfBorT0Hk75EcCvy-OL-oeDmEv2JCKYFhdGRLFIb4Bm4S2YP~GDHtdiy7ZfznzSAFEVFpAN7GfzKPinnA14J9dQVHdjHCDJt4rH~1wgiDyTMn0csn04AK2Iq9FZSjy369Rms1SWfooMdNls9azYlCH2GzSwJmy~bY--JMLKaZcgntrM2VAuWmYOiSVxNYfC2KaF8paw5FGrbpXD9loQegAdYfZ2-XDp9UO9wc6BnsT0siTE4dXUGU~0vJsevephOjqwbWVr8nhCozj7WLttmsGpOgDnrcRVXNFx2wU~MjUaVgLZpIxROfwSX3UuaOjHPf6trmOaoFDjtyy7DKA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Walnut Grove council members reviewed neighborhood paving needs and possible sequencing for repairs, with several members recommending prioritizing Forest Glen and Churchway areas.

A council member said large tracts and aging neighborhoods led staff to suggest focusing on areas where paving adjacent sections would create cost efficiencies. The council member identified Forest Glen, Valley Drive, Woodland Circle and Walnut Court among neighborhoods that need attention and recommended addressing Forest Glen and Churchway first. One council member said Forest Glen had not been paved in about 25 years.

Council members discussed temporary fixes such as crack sealing and coordinating with the county on roads that the county maintains. A question was raised about whether an industrial park should be grouped with nearby Forest Glen projects to realize efficiencies. Council members also noted stormwater drainage issues in some areas (for example on the parkway) that should be evaluated before paving.

Council members asked staff to draft a paving schedule and to seek county input on grant or loan programs to support road work. No formal vote was taken; members described the item as direction to staff to develop a schedule and examine county assistance options.","Council members discussed road maintenance and a potential paving schedule, identifying Forest Glen and Churchway areas as early priorities and noting coordination possibilities with the county and existing loan programs for road work.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6218785,"City administrator previews proposed FY26 budget, includes wastewater plant line items",111,1999000,2110000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da&start=1999&end=2110","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da/thumbnail_1999000.jpg","/articles/6218785/Walnut-Grove/Walton-County/Georgia/City-administrator-previews-proposed-FY26-budget-includes-wastewater-plant-line-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218785-8011349e504771480d8985be73199c25/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171108&Signature=njKINkSZAoe74s5KlrA9kN6Bzbs6-fM0W0lzJ6hxWVLeG0Xx335K5aXbUp8CSnV19FhhtsP0pxlthDYuRThexnxsmebGe-b1wskFQRdU-gvUbWkllbyOeq7GtLd6YLqAAG3QHWUyp6ChgPXTF7ZRxFyZMUITbf~nAbAOYiZM2PKvn90K-4B9lboq0es4waxijUdvc1e2NnhKQdYQvmK0aYngVZe~~dre0Et23T0QCTuBSUD9sPeGaDkx62vQodoMoTR2IV0FXtliIaAJoMALwlSpj8IG-hQf4LOwyPrtCgaARfZpRQAcz4EnaRYBra3x6kXdFrua5~41cb2mseB0jQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City Administrator Joe Horace told the Walnut Grove City Council that the town now has a general fund draft and a first itemized wastewater‑treatment budget for fiscal year 2026 and that staff will continue to refine figures before a public hearing.

Horace said fiscal year 2025 actuals are included through the most recent close and that the proposed FY26 budget pages show the wastewater plant budget attached to the general packet. He told council members staff will continue refining line items and invited members to ask questions before the next meeting.

Horace said the city intends to post a revised draft so council members can review it. He said the town will hold a public hearing at which citizens can ask questions or comment about the budget. He also thanked Nancy (identified in discussion as the city clerk) for her help reconciling accounts and noted the administration is bringing in a staff member named Kyle to help set up accounting panels and clean up unused accounts.

Council members did not vote on the budget at the meeting; Horace asked that members review the packet and raise any glaring concerns before the next meeting. Staff flagged that some engineering and accounting distributions had been reallocated among line items as part of the clean‑up and that a fuller review will continue over the coming week.","City Administrator Joe Horace presented a draft FY26 budget preview to the council, noting for the first time an itemized wastewater treatment budget tied to the town's wastewater plant and saying a final proposed budget and public hearing will follow.",{"_33":110,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":111,"_41":112,"_43":113,"_45":114,"_47":115,"_49":116,"_51":117,"_53":118,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":119,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":120,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6218790,"Consultant outlines 'Envision Walnut Grove' plan to guide town growth",1863,67000,1930000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da&start=67&end=1930","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3625461-bc0c89ac65dab75eb15a72fe2498f1da/thumbnail_67000.jpg","/articles/6218790/Walnut-Grove/Walton-County/Georgia/Consultant-outlines-Envision-Walnut-Grove-plan-to-guide-town-growth","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6218790-4e2fa9a486772fadf853765ee1e28e74/orig.mp4?Expires=1771171108&Signature=JPeWshaSB2wClcxnNOGIUsNSxIPD~YHOvx2cxlQilEAS3DlGFDSK-xILHe7iGiYKtZb-59DIhPGwqRDazq4etBnQYRc3bUH8Em-FE5W8k6YDQyo1bfzhC6gffOR9t4Jg29ONekaRLNGBFPk~22JpBNNfcdV2r9GraF2zyDFwW3ixqG9HaHWdzzC4i45K-hcb~NBgmuVrCzkkbNnHiXPMmo4BQHzODP2zUL3I8-lEOJj7EhXitlC9XWXT6B8XnJEjPw9MmOuz1CPz70QokAUQdAqBbuIOEiIYk0iNdkeS-O1OApup-hv3vcQKziwC-1WGab381w0P8VWqlzL7CJwlTA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Walnut Grove City Council meeting, consultant Marilyn Veil of Nolan Consulting summarized the Envision Walnut Grove outreach and the draft vision and goals intended to guide future growth and development in the town.

Veil said the Envision Walnut Grove effort was launched in response to expected rapid growth in the area and described the process as “a collaborative visioning process with a primary commitment to public engagement.” She told the council the work combined input from a kickoff workshop, a visual-preference survey, a land-use mapping exercise and a SWOT analysis to produce a vision statement, a set of goals and example strategies.

The consultant said the engagement produced five consistent takeaways: residents want to preserve small‑town character; new development should serve local residents and families visiting the future county park; walkability and connectivity are priorities; support for local businesses is important; and coordination with the county is an opportunity. Veil noted the engagement included in‑person workshops and an online/paper survey with under 26 respondents.

Draft goals in the presentation include centering growth around a vibrant downtown, maintaining a safe, family‑friendly community, connecting neighborhoods with sidewalks and trails, and protecting agricultural/open‑space character in designated planning areas. Veil recommended using planning areas (sometimes called character areas) and suggested strategies such as design guidelines for a downtown overlay, conservation tools for agricultural areas, mixed‑use zoning downtown, and a sidewalk/trail master plan to implement “complete streets.”

Veil described the preferred downtown pattern as ground‑floor commercial with residences above, diagonal on‑street parking, small plazas and benches, and family‑oriented retail near the new county park. She also said residents favored pocket parks, shaded walkways, and high‑quality building materials such as brick and stone over very modern façades.

Council members asked about next steps and the final report. Veil said a written final report will include the slides, composite maps from the mapping exercise, notes from workshops and recommended strategies; she told the council she would deliver the final report by June. City Administrator Joe Horace introduced Veil and framed the presentation as part of a longer process toward a comprehensive plan.

The presentation was discussion only; council members did not adopt the plan at the meeting. Council members and staff indicated they will continue review and discuss implementation details at future meetings.","Nolan Consulting presented the Envision Walnut Grove visioning process to the Walnut Grove City Council, summarizing public engagement, recommended planning areas, and draft goals intended to guide future land-use, streetscape, and downtown development.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council reviews Justice1 municipal court software upgrade and discusses citation fee increases

Council reviews RFP for city hall exterior painting; staff to issue request for proposals

Council discusses paving priorities; Forest Glen, Churchway identified as near‑term needs

City administrator previews proposed FY26 budget, includes wastewater plant line items

Consultant outlines 'Envision Walnut Grove' plan to guide town growth