Columbus City Council approves 3-lane option for South Lumpkin Road project

The Columbus, Georgia City Council convened on July 8, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including service agreements, grant approvals, and infrastructure updates. The meeting began with the approval of a service agreement with Public Consulting Group LLC, aimed at facilitating a managed care reimbursement program for the fire department. This agreement, which entails no upfront costs unless reimbursements are secured, was unanimously approved by the council.

Next, the council discussed the Georgia Medicaid fee-for-service program, which had generated approximately $200,000 in net revenue during the previous fiscal year. This item also received unanimous approval. Following this, the council approved a grant from the Flint Energy Foundation for $410,465.35 to purchase a public safety robot named Spot, initiated by the fire department, with no matching funds required.

The meeting then transitioned to a series of purchases, including fuel purchases for the fiscal year 2026 and various mandated fees. All proposed purchases were approved without any objections.

The council received updates on three significant projects. The first was an overview of the Safe Streets for All grant, a $1 million initiative aimed at reducing fatalities and severe injuries on roadways. The project emphasizes a comprehensive safety action plan that includes community engagement, data analysis, and infrastructure improvements. The council was informed that the project is currently in the discovery phase, with plans to develop actionable strategies in the coming months.

The second update focused on the South Lumpkin Road improvements, where the council discussed two alternatives for the streetscape project: a three-lane and a five-lane option. After public input, the council opted to proceed with the three-lane design, which aims to enhance pedestrian and bicycle accessibility while maintaining traffic flow. This decision was made with the understanding that it would minimize impacts on local businesses during construction.

Lastly, the council reviewed the Cooper Creek flood study, which aims to update outdated flood zone maps that have not been revised since 1979. The study revealed that while 67 properties would be removed from the flood zone, three additional properties would be added. The council discussed the implications of these changes and the need to communicate with affected property owners.

In conclusion, the meeting addressed critical service agreements, funding approvals, and infrastructure projects, with a focus on enhancing public safety and community engagement. The council plans to continue monitoring these initiatives and will provide updates as they progress.