The March business meeting of Gray City Council members was brief but included a visit from the new superintendent of the Jones County School System.
The March 2 meeting was called to order by Mayor Ed Barbee. Instead of his mayor’s report, Barbee introduced JCSS Superintendent Dr. Jessica Graves. The superintendent’s first day on the job was Dec. 2, and she talked about plans for her first 100 days that includes mobile office hours and a focus on transparency and vulnerability.
Graves said she hopes to work together with the city. At the conclusion of her remarks, she stated that she and her family want to become a part of the community, and she is glad to speak with any local organization.
The agenda had no old business items. The first new business item was acceptance of the quote from Bland Roofing Company to replace the roof at City Hall and repairs to the fire department roof. The quote for the roof and repairs totaled $13,325. The quote was approved unanimously.
The second item was a resolution authorizing the mayor to execute an agreement with the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce regarding 2026 hotel/motel tax funds. The resolution was the same as previous years.
The funds are divided between the City of Gray and the chamber. The funds are to be used to promote tourism for the city, and a budget for the funds will be presented to the city by March 31.
The resolution was approved unanimously.
Main Street Gray Director Ashley Roberson said the recent accreditation presentation went well, and Main Street Gray was granted accreditation. She said she received great feedback following the presentation.
Councilman David Tufts also serves on the Main Street Gray board and attended the presentation.
“Ashley was very professional and received a lot of accolades. We are lucky to have her,” Tufts said.
The meeting was adjourned to enter closed session for personnel. The next meeting of the council is the All Committees meeting March 16.
