Byron council approves GEFA loan modification, personnel policy changes and LMIG streets list; lifts hiring freeze

The City of Byron Mayor and Council on Sept. 13 approved a series of administrative and financing actions, including a modification to a Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loan that increases the principal by $475,000 and votes to adopt revised personnel policies and local street funding for FY2022.

The council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute a third modification to Promissory Note and Loan Agreement CW2016048 with GEFA, a change described in the meeting materials as increasing the loan amount by $475,000. The resolution states the modification and related documents are in the city’s best interest and delegates execution authority to named officials. The motion was made by Council Member Alan Dorsey and seconded by Michael Chumbley.

Why it matters: the meeting record notes Byron previously borrowed $2,500,000 under the original loan agreement; the approved modification raises that principal by $475,000. The minutes also note the WaterFirst designation presentation from GEFA, which the city said may improve terms on future water‑related loans.

In personnel matters, the council adopted revised Personnel Policy No. 6.1 (Annual Leave) and Personnel Policy No. 6.3 (Sick Leave), both effective Sept. 14, 2021, and to be incorporated into the City of Byron Personnel Manual. Both resolutions passed unanimously (motions by Michael Chumbley; respective seconds by Alan Dorsey and Rusty Adams).

Votes at a glance: • GEFA loan modification (CW2016048): motion to authorize execution of the loan modification; motion by Alan Dorsey, second Michael Chumbley; outcome: approved unanimously. • LMIG FY2022 streets list and 30% local match: motion by Chris Hodges, second Michael Chumbley; those voting in favor were Michael Chumbley, Chris Hodges, James Richardson and Alan Dorsey; Rusty Adams abstained; motion passed. • OPB grant authorization (Benjamin Hawkins water tower, Option C): motion by Michael Chumbley, second Chris Hodges; approved unanimously. • Personnel Policy No. 6.1 (Annual Leave): motion by Michael Chumbley, second Alan Dorsey; approved unanimously; effective Sept. 14, 2021. • Personnel Policy No. 6.3 (Sick Leave): motion by Michael Chumbley, second Rusty Adams; approved unanimously; effective Sept. 14, 2021. • Planning & Zoning appointments (Jeff Owens reappointed; David Sams appointed): motion by James Richardson, second Michael Chumbley; approved unanimously. • Municipal complex roof repairs RFP: motion by Rusty Adams, second Chris Hodges to hire Edifice Consulting (Jody Usry) to prepare an RFP; approved unanimously. • Lift hiring freeze (employee staffing): motion by Michael Chumbley, second Rusty Adams; approved unanimously.

Council-recorded details and clarifications in the minutes note that the LMIG action authorizes the mayor to approve the FY2022 streets list and assents to providing a 30% local match for the grant; the exact project list and dollar values were not detailed in the minutes and are recorded as “not specified.” The GEFA loan modification references Loan Number CW2016048 and states the borrower originally borrowed $2,500,000 under the loan agreement with GEFA; the minutes explicitly say the borrower desires to increase the loan amount by $475,000.

The council tabled an amended COVID‑19 pandemic policy until October and otherwise conducted routine business including approval of minutes, elections returns for uncontested seats and board appointments. The meeting adjourned at 6:22 p.m.

Next steps: the minutes record actions that authorize the mayor or staff to execute documents, prepare RFPs and implement the personnel policy changes; follow‑up items (final LMIG project list, executed loan modification documents and RFP release) are procedural and not included in the minutes.