The city’s September committee meeting started with a public hearing for the city of Gray’s 2026 budget.
With no questions about the budget, the public hearing was adjourned. Approval of the city’s 2026 budget and millage rate will be on the Oct. 6 meeting agenda.
Mayor Pro Tem James Collins called the Sept. 15 meeting of All Committees to order at 6:05 p.m. Collins asked Councilman David Tufts to lead an opening prayer and called for a moment of silence to consider all who had been hurt from the recent unneeded violence.
Councilman Terrell Fulford, chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the finance report. He said $1,312,779 of 2024 property taxes, or 99.36 percent, had been collected.
The remaining unpaid balance is $8,469.99.
Fulford introduced Melissa Tanner from Cadence Bank, who spoke to council members about a benefit for city workers. By opening the Work Program account, by the end of the month they would be eligible for complimentary checks and a bonus $150 deposit into the account.
Tanner said an account can be opened with a deposit of $50.
Reports
City Superintendent Cheyenne Morgan reported for the Water and Sewer account. He said he was contacted by the company working on a potential well for the city. He said if all checks out, they could be drilling by October.
Main Street Director Ashley Roberson shared a copy of what is anticipated to be the final version of Jones County’s branding logo. She said if it is approved, work would begin on a version of the logo for the city.
Roberson said the city’s Fall Festival would take place Oct.
17 from 5-9 p.m., including live music.
She said Christmas Market signups are underway, and decorative banners have been ordered for downtown streetlights.
Collins reported as chairman of the Plan Committee. He led a discussion about temporary business licenses versus event permits. He said the council needs to come up with a structure for the approval of the licenses or permits.
Collins suggested a food inspection and approval from the property owner where the temporary business or food truck was located were items needed for food trucks.
City Attorney John Newberry said food trucks participating in city events would not be subject to the temporary license or permit.
Roberson said they needed something so the food trucks or temporary business would not be setting up every week.
Councilman Terry Favors said council should have control over who sets up in the city.
Newberry said something like a fireworks stand should have to come to council.
“Anything more than a day should require approval,” he said.
Collins said all the ideas need to be considered, including the fee and how often they could set up.
Newberry said he felt he had some direction to start work on a temporary permit or licensing process.
Mayor Ed Barbee suggested the city consider a December retreat for any new council members. He said the Middle Georgia Regional Commission has held them before, and it was very helpful.
Roberson announced the city’s candidate forum will take place Sept. 30 at 6:30 p.m. She said advance questions are welcome.
“The media class from Jones County High School will live stream the event,” the director said.
The forum is sponsored by the Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Gray, the Jones County Republican Party and The Jones County News.
Tufts, chairman of the Streets Committee, asked Morgan to open the bids for resurfacing of the eastbound lanes of West Clinton Street from Washburn Street to Stewart Avenue. Morgan said there were four bids, and after opening them, he said they would be tabulated and sent to councilmembers.
The bid award will take place at the Oct. 6 meeting.
Employee of the month
Collins announced that Gray’s Municipal Deputy Court Clerk Denise Pennamon is the September employee of the month. He said she would receive her certificate Tuesday.
Collins said Pennamon has been in the position since February of 2024 and is married to Gray Police Officer Thaxton Pennamon.
