Warner Robins council approves FLOST referendum call, $1.3 million water‑plant transfer and classification plan update

Warner Robins, Ga. — The Warner Robins City Council on Tuesday approved a package of administrative and budget actions, including a resolution to authorize an intergovernmental agreement that would allow a Floating Homestead Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum, a $1,306,520 budget transfer in the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund to replace a rotary drum thickener at the Sandy Run Creek Water Pollution Control Plant, and an update to the city’s classification plan that relocates several finance positions to the City Clerk’s Office.

The meeting, presided over by Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick, opened at 4:44 p.m. and included proclamations and employee service awards. Council members then moved through agenda items and approved the consent agenda, which included a contract authorization for Pyro Shows East Coast, Inc., and routine purchasing items for the Fire Department ($17,602.42), Public Works ($32,500.00) and Recreation ($10,325.00).

The council voted to approve a resolution authorizing Mayor LaRhonda W. Patrick to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement among Houston County, the City of Warner Robins, the City of Perry and the City of Centerville that, if executed by the parties, satisfies the conditions for calling a referendum to impose a FLOST within the special taxing district. Councilman Charlie Bibb moved the FLOST resolution; Councilman Derek Mack seconded. The minutes record that Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis voted for approval.

On a separate ordinance, the council approved Ordinance #02‑26 to transfer $1,306,520 from unallocated fund balance of the Water and Sewer Enterprise Fund into the Machinery and Other Equipment account to fund replacement of a rotary drum thickener at the Sandy Run Creek Water Pollution Control Plant. Councilman Clifford Holmes moved the ordinance and Councilman Kevin Lashley seconded; the council voted to approve and to waive the second reading.

The body also adopted Ordinance #03‑26 to amend the city classification plan. Under the ordinance, the positions of Tax Manager (Job Class #169), Tax Supervisor (Job Class #155), Business License Specialist (Job #144), Tax Specialist (Job #156), Tax Assistant (Job #140) and Cashier (Tax) (Job #128) and the employees in those positions are moved from the Finance Department to the City Clerk’s Office; the Finance Department is authorized to transfer funds between departments and line items in FY 2026 as needed to facilitate the changes. Councilman Larry Curtis moved the ordinance; Councilman Clifford Holmes seconded and the council voted for approval and waived the second reading.

The consent agenda was approved on a motion by Councilman Derek Mack, seconded by Councilman Charlie Bibb. It included approval of Jan. 5 meeting minutes and the Pyro Shows East Coast, Inc. contract to provide pyrotechnics for the city’s 43rd Annual Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration, among other purchasing items.

The minutes record that formal public comment pertaining to current agenda items was listed but do not transcribe individual remarks. The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.; the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2026.

Votes at a glance - Adoption of the agenda (with removal of Executive Session — Personnel): motion by Councilman Keith Lauritsen; second by Councilman Derek Mack; recorded vote in favor by Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis. - Consent agenda: motion by Councilman Derek Mack; second by Councilman Charlie Bibb; recorded vote in favor by Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis. - Resolution — FLOST intergovernmental agreement (authorize mayor to execute): motion by Councilman Charlie Bibb; second by Councilman Derek Mack; recorded vote in favor by Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis. - Ordinance #02‑26 (Water and Sewer budget transfer $1,306,520): motion by Councilman Clifford Holmes; second by Councilman Kevin Lashley; recorded vote in favor by Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis. - Ordinance #03‑26 (Classification plan update): motion by Councilman Larry Curtis; second by Councilman Clifford Holmes; recorded vote in favor by Councilmen Mack, Bibb, Lauritsen, Lashley, Holmes and Curtis.

Clarifying details: the budget transfer specifies Fund Balance Reserve Account #5332081 and operating expenditure account 53.000.054330.000.000.54121; the rotary drum thickener replacement is the stated purpose; procurement amounts on the consent agenda are Lexipol $17,602.42 (Fire Department), McLeod Auto Company LLC $32,500.00 (Public Works), Trax & Trailers (The Trailer Shop, LLC) $10,325.00 (Recreation, Parks and Cultural Services). The minutes list Nichols, Cauley and Associates as the presenter of the Annual Financial Report for the year ended June 30, 2025 but provide no further detail in the transcript.

Sources: Warner Robins City Council meeting minutes, Jan. 20, 2026 (official minutes).