The Waycross City Commission took steps to amend the City Charter and approved three contracts last week during its bi-monthly meeting in City Hall.
The actions on the charter were in two of the four ordinances commissioners approved on first reading at the Tuesday, June 16 session. The other two dealt with closing a portion of an unopened alley and renaming a park after a deceased resident of the neighborhood.
A second reading for each at the commission’s first business meeting in July must be approved before being enacted. Each of the contracts were in resolutions with one for City Attorney Cheslyn Green and the others for vendor services of oil and lubrication service, and pest control service for the coming fiscal year.
In other business, commissioners returned Eunice Dixon as city representative to the Waycross-Ware County Planning Commission. They also presented the Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award to two groups and an individual for their commitment to community service.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James led the final meeting of June with all five commissioners present. There was no executive session.
Ordinances
The first ordinance deleted some outdated sections of the charter and revised others to make them current.
For example, there no longer is a city health department, city physician or animal control board. Likewise, the charter says the Mayor can issue arrest warrants, and control of liquor and authority over any city quarantine is governed by state or federal statutes.
City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said earlier this year, outdated and obsolete portions of the charter had been identified and would be updated or deleted in bulk when possible, like this ordinance.
Changes on other cases will require their own ordinances, such as the second of the four.
That ordinance changed the section governing who can address the city commission, now limiting it to Waycross residents and business owners in the city only.
They will be able to speak on agenda items at scheduled or called meetings or any city issue at planning and information sessions.
The third item abandoned and closed a portion of an unopened alley running from Columbus Street to Garlington Avenue.
Adoption of the ordinance will approve abandonment and closure of Geary Street while retaining appropriate easements with quit claim deeds to the abutting property owners.
Finally, Newtown Community Park will be renamed J.B. Merritt Newtown Community Park, effective October 5, 2026, in honor of the longtime resident of the neighborhood.
Merritt was central to nearly all neighborhood activities until his death in March, 2023 at age 69.
Resolutions
Commissioners approved a contract for Green at a salary of $105,000 per year on a three-year term.
The city native was hired last June to replace Rick Currie, who resigned in April, 2025.
Boswell Oil was awarded the oil and lubrication contract for vehicles and heavy equipment as the best of four bids received.
Finance Director Greg Smith said the city’s total outlay for the pact is dependent on oil market fluctuations.
Sunbelt Termite & Pest Control of Alma was the best of seven bids for the final contract. It’s cost is $2,370 per year.
The service contracts are line items in the general fund.
Awards
The commissioners recognized Rebuilding Together and Hood City Ministries for their work in the community, particularly for senior citizens.
The groups perform a variety of services, home repairs and property cleanup among them.
The third certificate and railroad spike was presented to Hildrick Garrison, Ware County Academy Coordinator.
Garrison was recognized for his work establishing a mentoring program and for engaging students in community service projects that encourage leadership, responsibility, and civic involvement.
Rayford spoke at Monday’s commission planning and information session on the value of community service volunteers. He plans to initiate a K.I.N.G. program (knowledge, investment, nurture and growth) in the city that brings together volunteers for a stronger community.
Rayford said he hopes to attract a group of around 100 to be committed to the initiative.
The Waycross City Commission presented the Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award to representatives of Rebuilding Together and Hood City Ministries, along with Ware County Academy Coordinator and coach Hildrick Garrison. The award honors individuals and groups who demonstrate exceptional commitment to serving others and making a positive impact within the community. Photo by RICK NOLTE
