Baxley City Council recognized Roy Herrington for his tenure on the DOT Board during the regular council meeting April 27 at 8:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall. City Manager Jeff Baxley thanked Roy Herrington for his contributions and dedication during his tenure on the DOT Board. The manager also read aloud a resolution. The highlights of the resolution included owner and operator of a business for over 50 years, a dedicated community leader and his election in April 2005 to the State Transportation Board. During Herrington’s tenure on the DOT board, transportation contracts totaling $1.2 billion have been let in his district, including over $43 million in Baxley and Appling County plus an additional $1.75 million in local road funding and he also secured over $1.5 million for Baxley Municipal Airport improvements and $250,000 for TEA beautification projects in the city and paving for the City Hall renovations. The citizens and taxpayers of Baxley and Appling County have greatly benefited from Roy Herrington’s service on the State Transportation Board from which he has recently retired after completing his term. Mayor Steve Rigdon commended Roy Herrington and stated whenever they called on him he was always willing to go to bat for the city. After the resolution was presented to Herrington he thanked the city council members for their dedication and great job that they do for the city. With much humility and appreciation Herrington spoke about how it was a collaborative effort and he did not do anything alone. Herrington also told about a couple he talked to in a local restaurant. The couple told Herrington how much they loved our town and that it looks good and how clean it is when many other towns are just going down hill. He then thanked the city council for helping to make the city what it is today.

A citizen representing Traditions came before the council with concerns in reference to the city ordinance for entertainment type businesses. He was not on the agenda for this meeting, but will be put on the agenda and will be at the next regular meeting to voice his concerns.

Old business

Council members discussed funding options for well replacement.

New business

A closed session was held at the end of the meeting after no further business to discuss potential real estate purchase. The council came out of the closed session and action was taken. The council unanimously voted to adopt a resolution to purchase land with a cash match from a land development fund.

City manager report

City Manager Jeff Baxley announced that notices for delinquent taxes have gone out and the tax sale process will begin.

He announced that City Government week at the middle school will begin.

The manager announced he will be meeting today with representatives on group health insurance and there are several options to look at. The insurance renews June 1.