Valdosta approves On‑Demand transit safety plan; resident urges action on long‑running stormwater complaints

The council voted to approve the Valdosta On Demand safety plan, a yearly update required by the Federal Transit Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation so the city may continue to receive transit funding. Public Works Director Larry Ogden said the plan sets job responsibilities and compliance steps and that the safety‑plan vote preserves eligibility for roughly $53,007 in funding. Ogden said service is limited to city limits except for a few preapproved pockets outside the city (Wiregrass/Walmart marketplace), and reported staff must document miles traveled outside city limits when they occur. He said the Metropolitan Planning Organization is discussing potential service coordination that could expand county coverage in the future.

During the Citizens to Be Heard segment, resident Bobby McKenzie of 5148 North Wind Boulevard delivered an extended complaint about stormwater and trash reporting via SeeClickFix. McKenzie said reports about flooding, trash and blocked ditches have "largely followed on deaf ears" for several years, described multiple closed work orders and cited a $200,000 contractor he said failed to keep canals and ditches clean. He asked the council to hold staff and contractors accountable; staff responded that they would follow up with him.

Council approved the safety plan by motion and show of hands. Staff noted continued discussions with MPO regarding potential service expansion and emphasized reporting requirements for out‑of‑city trips.