Williamson council approves paving option, keeps water rates, and authorizes homeowner waiver for service-line replacements

At its May 7 regular meeting the Williamson City Council approved multiple items related to infrastructure, personnel, and community facilities.

Paving and property: The council reviewed four paving options for Old Fayetteville Road from Whitley Engineering, with cost estimates ranging from $136,000 (no widening) to $195,700 (widen and add traffic controls). After discussion the council directed the city attorney to conduct a title search on a vacant lot at Drewry and Old Fayetteville (motion passed CB/SL, recorded 3-1 with Bob Harrison opposed). Council then approved the engineering option that widens Drewry (referred to as option three, recorded as SL/CB) and the motion carried with a 3-0 recorded vote and Bob Harrison abstaining due to a disclosed financial interest in property on Old Fayetteville. Funding sources mentioned include LMIG and SPLOST; the listed prices are estimates that may change when final specifications are prepared for bidding.

Water service lines and liability waiver: The city clerk reported HWR has replaced all city-side-only GRR service lines and asked the council to authorize the city attorney to draft a homeowner liability waiver allowing HWR to replace customer-side lines under the city's existing contract at no additional cost to customers or the city. The council approved creation of the waiver (CB/JS, 4-0). The clerk requested the attorney draft the waiver language for homeowner signature.

Rates and appointments: The council voted unanimously to continue the FY25 water-rate schedule for FY26 (JS/SL, 4-0). The council also appointed Kevin Hurt, a Georgia Bar member, to fill the Board of Ethics vacancy (SL/JS, 4-0); the attorney noted required training if Mr. Hurt were to serve additionally as a municipal court judge for code violations.

Community projects and events: The amphitheater contractor McLeRoy reported steady progress and the council discussed aiming for completion by July 4; council favored concrete stairs and the mayor will discuss ramping and height with the contractor. The Wisteria Festival report showed mixed vendor experiences but overall a positive result according to the mayor. The library reported 150 patrons during 22 open days and donated support for the story book trail.

Administrative items and executive session: The council moved public comment before the executive session and later entered an executive session on personnel at 9:01 p.m., returning to open session at 9:33 p.m. No actions resulted from the executive session. The meeting adjourned at 9:38 p.m.

Votes at a glance: • Amend agenda to add executive session and move alcohol license review: passed (CB/JS; recorded 4-0). • Approve minutes (April 2): passed (SL/CB; recorded 4-0). • Approve minutes (April 23): passed (CB/SL; recorded 4-0). • Allow applicant to amend alcohol application: passed (CB/JS; recorded 3-1; BH opposed). • Approve amended alcohol application: passed (CB/JS; recorded 3-1; BH opposed). • Close city operations July 3: passed (CB/JS; recorded 4-0). • Authorize homeowner liability clause for HWR service-line replacements: passed (CB/JS; recorded 4-0). • Pressure-wash park pavilion: passed (JS/SL; recorded 4-0). • Install cameras with sound at city hall: passed (CB/SL; recorded 4-0). • Title search for Drewry/Old Fayetteville property: passed (CB/SL; recorded 3-1; BH opposed). • Approve paving option three (widen Drewry): passed (SL/CB; recorded 3-0; BH abstained). • Appoint Kevin Hurt to Board of Ethics: passed (SL/JS; recorded 4-0). • Continue FY25 water rates for FY26: passed (JS/SL; recorded 4-0). • Enter executive session on personnel: passed (CB/JS; recorded 4-0). • Adjourn meeting: passed (SL/BH; recorded 4-0).

Next steps: the city attorney will conduct the requested title search, draft the homeowner waiver for HWR work, and staff will prepare final paving specifications for bidding.