MINUTES = CALLED MEETING CITY OF CAMILLA, GEORGIA JANUARY 30, 2025 A Called Meeting of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Camilla was called to order at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 30, 2025 by Mayor Owens. Present at roll call: Councilmember Vereen, Councilman Burley, Councilman Morgan, Councilman Maples, and Councilman Palmer. Absent: Councilman Collins. Clerk Ford and City Attorney LaTonya Nix Wiley (via Zoom) were also present. OPENING PRAYER AND PLEDGE Mayor Owens commented he had an opportunity to participate and be part of the local Dr. King birthday celebration at St. Peter's Church. During the guest speaker speech, the speaker mentioned in order for them to get where they need to be, not only as a society but especially as a community, it is important that they start to include the church and specifically as a partnership for what they are doing legislatively and the partnership is strengthened with the religious leaders locally. It is his intent going forward for every council meeting to have a local pastor lead them in prayer. Hopefully it will help establish a more solid foundation and partnership and how they move the city forward. Pastor Dr. Joe Thomas gave the invocation and the Mayor and Council led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. CITIZENS AND GUESTS Sign-in Sheet Attached. APPROVAL OF AGENDA A motion was made by Councilman Burley and seconded by Councilman Maples to approve the agenda as presented. The motion passed by a 5-0 vote. PUBLIC HEARING #2 HOUSE BILL 581 - INTENTTO OPT OUT OF HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION Mayor Owens commented this is the second public hearing for HB581 - Intent to Opt Out of Homestead Exemption. After providing information regarding the bill and discussion among the members of Council, the public hearing was opened for citizen comments. Mayor Owens commented they would have the third and final public hearing on February 6th. There being no citizen comments the public hearing was closed. ADJOURNMENT On motion by Councilman Morgan the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m. BY: ATTEST: Cuosort KELVIN M. OWENS, MAYOR CHERYL FORDJCLERK Page 1 ofl