Trion Proposes $14.7 Million Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027

The Town of Trion has released its proposed budget for the 2026-2027 fiscal year and is inviting residents to review the spending plan before its adoption later this month.

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Summerville Council Will Vote To Adopt Fiscal Year Budget This Evening

The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting this evening at 5 p.m. at Summerville City Hall.

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Summerville Council to Hold Special Called Meeting Monday

The Summerville City Council will hold a special called meeting on Monday, June 15, at 5 p.m. at City Hall.

According to the meeting agenda, council members will consider several items of business, including authorizing Mayor Rickey Hughes to sign a UCBI financing resolution and approving Change Order No. 1 related to the city’s 2024 Community Development Block Grant project.

The primary item on the agenda is the second reading and adoption of the City of Summerville’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget ordinance. The budget consideration will include a public hearing, followed by discussion and possible action by the council.

The meeting will also include the mayor’s comments, approval of the agenda, public comments and adjournment.

Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the public hearing regarding the proposed budget.

Summerville Awards Contract for New Splash Pad at Dowdy Park

The City of Summerville has taken another step toward adding a new family-friendly attraction by approving a contract for a splash pad at J.R. “Dick” Dowdy Park.

During a recent meeting, the Summerville City Council approved awarding the project to Gametime at a cost of approximately $399,948.80. City officials said the splash pad is expected to enhance recreational opportunities for local residents and visitors.

Summerville City Manager Jason Winters discussed the project with council members prior to the vote, noting that the splash pad represents a significant investment in community recreation. The facility is expected to provide a safe and enjoyable place for children and families to cool off during the summer months.

The addition of the splash pad is part of the city’s ongoing efforts to improve parks and recreational amenities. Once completed, the new attraction will become a centerpiece of Dowdy Park and is expected to serve residents for years to come.

City leaders expressed optimism about the project and its potential to enhance quality of life while providing another destination for families in the community.

Summerville Recognizes Municipal Court Clerks Week

The City of Summerville is recognizing Georgia Municipal Court Clerks Week and honoring the court professionals who help keep the city’s municipal court operating efficiently.

City officials extended appreciation to Chief Municipal Court Clerk Paula Womack and Deputy Court Clerk Stephanie Lathem for their service, professionalism and commitment to the community.

The city said their work includes assisting citizens, coordinating court proceedings, maintaining records and supporting daily court operations.

Officials said Womack and Lathem play an important role in helping ensure the fairness and effectiveness of City Court.

Rome Shrine Club Members Raise Concerns After Downtown Concert Incident

Members of the Rome Shrine Club attended Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting after an incident during Saturday’s First Friday concert in Downtown Rome, where a Shriner was asked by police to stop collecting donations.

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Rainwater Recognized for 50 Years of Service to Chattooga County

Chattooga County Coroner Jeremy A. McElhaney and the staff of the Chattooga County Coroner’s Office are recognizing Senior Deputy Coroner William Earle Rainwater for 50 years of dedicated service to the citizens of Chattooga County.

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Survey Work Begins for Proposed $62 Million Bioenergy Plant in Trion

Survey crews have begun geotechnical work for a proposed $62 million bioenergy plant planned for Trion’s industrial park, marking the first visible activity associated with the project.

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Audit Reveals Financial Control Issues, Documentation Problems in Chattooga County Operations

A recently released audit of Chattooga County’s 2024 financial records identified deficiencies involving accounting procedures, procurement practices, internal controls, budgeting, and documentation. Major findings included more than $333,000 in ARPA-funded broadband project expenses that lacked sufficient supporting documentation, payments on road projects that exceeded approved bid amounts, missing procurement records, untimely bank reconciliations, and several departments exceeding approved budgets. Auditors also cited inadequate segregation of duties and training deficiencies. Chattooga County Sole Commissioner Andy Allen said “We walked into this mess” when he took office and agreed with the audit findings and said corrective steps have already been implemented, including added accounting staff, stronger oversight, improved documentation requirements, better procurement procedures, regular budget reviews, and additional employee training. (See full story below).

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Summerville City Council Meets Tonight With Budget Hearing and Project Bids on Agenda

The Summerville City Council will meet tonight with a full agenda that includes a public hearing on the proposed city budget, consideration of several project bids, appointments to the Housing Authority Board, and discussions involving city-owned property.

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