Fort Oglethorpe council unanimously directs eminent domain filing, adopts budget amendment and zoning changes

The Fort Oglethorpe Mayor and Council voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to file an in rem action in Catoosa County seeking a court declaration that parcel number 0003-002307 on Barn Art Circle is blighted and, on a subsequent court finding, to initiate condemnation proceedings.

City staff presented Resolution 2026-02, invoking O.C.G.A. Section 36-61-9 and related code sections to declare the parcel blighted. The resolution states the property has been appraised, remains vacant, is alleged to be uninhabitable and unsafe, lacks adequate sanitation, has been subject to repeated criminal activity and that there is uncertainty regarding title. The resolution says the city attempted certified mail and personal service to known parties, posted a notice in the right of way at least 15 days before the meeting and published notice in the county legal organ. Council voted to direct the city attorney to file the in rem action; the motion passed unanimously.

On the consent of the council the body also completed several ordinance readings. On third and final reading the council adopted Ordinance 2026-22, described as a second ordinance to amend the city’s 2025 fiscal year budget. The council approved Ordinance 2026-23 on second and final reading to grant a certificate of appropriateness for Sadler Signs Incorporated to replace a wall sign and panels on a freestanding multi-tenant sign at tax parcel 0003F044 (20 Line 11 Lafayette Road) within the Fort Oglethorpe Historic District. The council likewise approved Ordinance 2026-24 on second and final reading to amend zoning for 29 properties identified in the ordinance’s exhibit A to align zoning with existing uses and to amend the official zoning map. All motions were adopted by unanimous voice votes.

City Manager Ms. Hixson reported that "Early voting began today for the general primary on May 19th. Early voting is today, April 27th through May 15th," and named two county early-voting locations: the Freedom Center in Ringgold at 5238 Evitt Street and the Westside Precinct in Fort Oglethorpe at 3319 Lakeview Drive. Ms. Hixson also recognized City Clerk Carol Murray for 40 years of service.

Council members took turns expressing appreciation for Murray’s service. Council member Ms. Gannett reported on the April 11 Clean Catoosa event at Honor Park, saying about 20 volunteers participated. She described a medical emergency at the event and thanked Fort Oglethorpe officers Sergeant Robert Brown and Patrol Officer Will Martinez, Catoosa County fire personnel Henegar and Edwards, and Chris Lorance of Puckett’s for responding.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 2026-02 (eminent domain filing re: parcel 0003-002307, Barn Art Circle): moved, seconded, outcome approved unanimously (Earl Gray: yes; Paula Stinnett: yes; Jim Chisholm: yes; Craig Crawford: yes; Rhonda James: yes; Derek Rogers: yes).

- Ordinance 2026-22 (2025 fiscal year budget amendment — third and final reading): approved unanimously (same vote tally).

- Ordinance 2026-23 (certificate of appropriateness, Sadler Signs, tax parcel 0003F044 — second and final reading): approved unanimously (same vote tally).

- Ordinance 2026-24 (zoning amendments for 29 parcels — second and final reading): approved unanimously (same vote tally).

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn that carried by voice vote. The council did not take other public testimony on the eminent domain resolution at the meeting; the resolution states the city will proceed with court filing and further legal steps if the property is declared blighted.