Lyons City Council Sets Millage Rate
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The 2022 tax year millage rate was set for the citizens of Lyons during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 4.
This new rate provides a 1.73% decrease in taxes from the previous year. Advertisement was not necessary for the establishment of this millage rate, as the mayor and City Council agreed upon a rate of 3.89, which is not higher than last year’s millage rate or the current rollback rate. The rate was unanimously approved by Council members.
Ordinances
Council members agreed to amend the ordinance that addresses streets, sidewalks, and other public places to require businesses and other developments within the city to construct a sidewalk if there is not already one in front of their locations. This sidewalk construction must meet city-regulated guidelines and must have a proposal submitted to the building inspector to receive a building permit.
An ordinance was also approved which sets forth the requirements and regulations regarding delinquent taxes.
Purchase
The City Council approved a purchase of property to be initiated between the City of Lyons and Terry D. Meeks, Co. on a split 3-2 vote. This property is a small tract of land adjacent to a current city-owned property, which has been slated for recreational use. City Council Members Ivy Toole and Cathy Benton opposed the purchase, saying they needed to know more about what would be done with a few houses which are between the property tracts.
Tabled Item
The request for special use on a tract of land owned by Terry Meeks, Twin Oaks Farm Inc. was tabled because of the Council’s desire to speak with Meeks about specifics of his plan to add 12-24 more storage units to the self storage rental space on his property. These units would be nearing the road, leaving Council members very concerned with the construction.
Reports Main Street Lyons Main Street Association Director Daphne Walker informed Council members that 31 professional and 10 backyard barbecue teams would be competing at the Real Squeal BBQ & Music Festival. Walker said Friday night hosted 50 vendors in the downtown area, and that the Real Squeal Pageant had 46 participants this year. She spoke of many events regarding the festival, including the visit of a popular vlogging (video blogging) family, who would be in the area to film their experience in Lyons and at the festival.
City Manager
City Manager Jason Hall informed council members of the dates of the next work session, Tuesday, October 25, at 6 p.m., and the next City Council meeting, Tuesday, November 1, at 6 p.m.
Public Comments
Toombs County Commissioner and Red Cross Volunteer Darriel Nobles informed the Council that the recent blood drive surpassed its goal of 82 units by 5 units of blood. “Over half of the donors are not from Lyons, but are from Vidalia and other surrounding places. This makes the blood drive not only a great way to help others, but also to bring people in to see our area,” he explained.
