MINUTES OF THE WASHINGTON CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 10, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. EDWARD B. POPE CONFERENCE CENTER 48B Lexington Avenue, Washington, GA 30673 The mayor and City Council of the City of Washington, Georgia, held the regular monthly meeting on Monday, February 10, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at the Edward B. Pope Conference Center. Councilmembers present were Anderson, Fisher, Gunter, Hill, Mahoney, and Cullars by phone. 1. City Council Meeting Procedures and Decorum Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance The meeting began with an invocation led by [Councilman Hillj, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Approval of January 13, 2025, Meeting Minutes The January 13th meeting minutes were tabled on a motion made by Councilman Hill and seconded by Councilman Mahoney. The motion was to table the minutes until corrections were made regarding the recording of motions and votes. The motion was approved unanimously. Approval of Meeting Minutes The agenda for the meeting was discussed, with a request to add House Bill 581 under Administration topics. The motion was made by Mahoney and seconded by Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. Citizens' Comments: Limit to 3 minutes The meeting opened the floor for citizens' comments, with rules of decorum reiterated for public participation. A URA presentation was made, thanking the council for funding and updating on compliance with stipulations. Reverend Doug Parsons, a citizen and pastor, was introduced to the council. Committee/Board/Authority Reports Items: City Attorney Discussion Items: Meag oad/CleanspaINECG = moved to Executive Session The city attorney discussed ongoing negotiations related to electricity allocation and potential litigation involving MEAG and CleanSpark. City Administrator Discussion/Action Items 0 Carter & Sloope proposal to be accepted and approved for a Clark Hill Raw Water Generator. Cost $119,620.00. Motioned was made to accept the proposal from Carter & Sloope for the Raw Water Generator seconded by Hill. The motion was approved unanimously. Approval of updating the current phone system to the IPitomy Phone System by Capital Data for $19068.59. A proposal from Capital Data was presented to retrofit the phone system, which would lower monthly costs and provide much-needed phone service. Councilman Mahoney made the motion, and Councilman Gunter seconded it. House Bill 581 = Save Your Home Act Georgia House Bill 581 is a property tax reform bill that went into effect on January 1, 2025. The bill aims to provide tax relief for homeowners by: (1) Creating a statewide homestead exemption that caps how much property values can increase for tax purposes. (2) Improving property tax assessment and appeals processes by including procedural changes to make the process more transparent and fairer. (3) Creating a new local option sales tax that can be used to help offset property taxes. The city agrees to participate in House Bill 581. Mayor Discussion Items/Action Items: Housing Authority Appohntment-Counciman Fisher made a motion to appoint John Waldorf to the housing authority board to replace Angela Booker for a 5 term, seconded by Gunter. The motion passed unanimously. Discussion to propose 9-1-1 Board Committee to meet at least every quarter to address issues with 9-1-1 services and ensure transparency with the city and residents. Executive Session A motion was made to go into executive session by Councilman Mahoney, seconded by Councilman Fisher. The motion passed unanimously. Return to the Regular Session and proceed to make any votes that may be needed. Attorney Nelson: 1 litigation. No action was taken. Adjournment Councilman Fisher moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Hill. The motion passed unanimously. Uook by Grabas Bruce A Bailey,Mayor Yoshe T. Jenkins, City Clerk CITY % - G G AFFIDAVIT STATE OF GEORGIA CITY OF WASHINGTON EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES February 10, 2025 Washington, Georgia's mayor, and City Council went into executive session on February 10, 2025. The following members were present: Mayor Bruce Bailey, Newton Gunter, David Fisher, Jr., Larry Hill, Maceo Mahoney, Andy Anderson, and Nathaniel Cullars, Sr. by phone. Attorney Adam Nelson was also present. A quorum was present, and Mayor Bruce Bailey called the meeting to order and presided over it. 1. Executive Session Summary During the executive session, the council discussed one litigation matter. No final action was taken. The open session was reconvened. 46 hA - Goske 2 gerks Bruce A/Bailey, Mayor Yoshe T. Jenkins, Clerk 6 : G E