Blackshear City Council discussed and/or voted on the following during their monthly work session on October 7 and regular meeting held on October 14.
Downtown Development Authority created: Different from the Main Street program and Better Hometown organizations of which Blackshear is already taking part, during its regular September meeting, the city council unanimously voted to approve the creation of a Downtown Development Authority (DDA). The Blackshear DDA will exist as a corporate entity with the power to buy, hold, lease and sell property for the purposes of revitalizing and maintaining a central business district within the city limits. The DDA will also have the power to issue bonds and enter into contracts in order to carry out its mission. The city council also approved the appointment of seven individuals to comprise the DDA’s board, each serving until such time as “a successor is duly appointed and qualified.” (See related article in this edition of The Times) Public Hearing: Prior to the council’s work session, a brief public hearing covering two topics took place. The proposed increase in the city’s millage rate received no public comment nor did the proposed rezoning of land parcel #B05-022A on Grady Street between Johnson Street and 251 Grady Street. The parcel was proposed to be rezoned from single family residential to multi-family residential.
Millage rate for FY 2025-2026 approved: After holding the legally required public hearings Oct. 7, prior to adoption the 2025-2026 city budget and millage rate, the city council approved the new millage rate at the Oct. 15 regular meeting. The millage rate will be 8.664 mills, which is less than the roll back rate and shall be levied on all property within the city limits.
