The City of Gray had a short meeting of city committees as scheduled, despite most everything else in the city being shut down because of a city water issue.
The Sept. 21 meeting was preceded by a required public hearing due to an increase in Gray’s property taxes. The city intends to increase the rate by .609 mills, resulting in a millage rate of 8.436. The increase in property taxes is expected to be 7.78 percent.
No members of the public attended the hearing, and it was closed to start the committee meetings.
Mayor Pro Tem James Collins opened the committee meeting and called on Finance Committee Chairman Councilman Terrell Fulford for the water committee report.
Fulford said the city has collected 99.77 percent of the 2025 property taxes, which total $1,372,428. The remaining debt to be collected is $3,222.
He noted that the scheduled department heads meeting was postponed.
Mayor Ed Barbee mentioned that he had been in contact with the Georgia Municipal Association counsel and found that Gray can collect franchise fees from fiber optic companies.
City Clerk Cindy Yancey said Gray already collects from Kinetic.
The consensus of the council members was to look into other companies to add to the city’s income.
City Attorney John Newberry said the city has an agreement with Tri County EMC that may need to be renewed.
Collins led a discussion about the water situation.
He said reduced water pressure became an issue Sunday. He said the water pressure started to gain over night but started losing again about 2 a.m.
He talked about calling Georgia Rural Water and shutting down water values to identify the location of the pressure issue.
“I commend everyone who assisted,” he said.
The mayor pro tem said the employees are working shifts around the clock, and the situation is headed in the right direction.
Collins said there will be a debriefing session when the issue is resolved and suggested joint meetings with the county.
Gray Police Chief Adam Lowe said the Gray Fire Department provided water to the Jones County Jail and Autumn Lane Nursing Home. He said water pressure would continue to be monitored throughout the night.
Gray Fire Chief Keith Eisele thanked all the volunteer firefighters who were making sure the jail and local nursing home had water since Sunday morning.
Councilman Terry Favors said the city has good news about the new water wells. He said one is producing 194 gallons per minute and the other 175 per minute.
Favors said the city has all the pipes laid to connect the wells to the water system.
“We are expecting two high-producing wells within 90 days. This should help save the city money,” he said.
Collins announced that Gray Police Officer Jackie Tserpelis is Gray’s Employee of the Month. He said the city has received good comments about the officer from local businesses.
The mayor pro tem also thanked everyone who worked together and worked hard to help resolve the water issue.
Councilman David Tufts thanked the public works department for helping smooth out the driveways in the Sawmill Quarters.
