(The Patterson City Council discussed and/or voted on the following items during their monthly meeting Thursday, January 8. ) Douberly swearing in: Ray Douberly was sworn in as the new council member for seat 2. He will take the post previously held by Jim Echols.
Speed bumps: Cierra Williams was on the agenda, but was not present. Mayor Dedi Thomas said Williams has expressed concern that the speed bumps on Thomas Street near the Red Pepper Grill have been removed. She said she has young children and would like for them to be restored to help slow traffic in her neighborhood. Speed bumps have been a regular request to help alleviate speeding in Patterson in recent months. The council took the request under advisement, but took no official action.
Bank signatory update: Jim Echols was removed from the city’s bank accounts since his term on the city council has ended.
Department reports: Police Chief Nick Strickland gave the police report. Strickland reported the department responded to 20 calls and one accident in November for a total of 21 calls for service. Public Works Superintendent Tyler Stokes reported the tennis court and pickleball court renovations have been completed. Councilmen Chris Mock and Brian Herrin said both have been very popular venues in the city in recent months. Stokes also reported the new lift station for Hyers Street and Industrial Boulevard is supposed to be delivered in February. The lift station was ordered last August. He also reported on major water leak on Tyre Bridge Road and several minor water leaks had been repaired. As fire chief, Stokes said the fire department responded to three fire calls and two medical calls and one traffic accident and had completed four hours of training during the month. Training is almost complete and once certified, the city should have five new firefighters. City Clerk Laura Kate Dixon had nothing to report. Mayor Thomas announced the city has begun using the old Georgia Forestry Commission site for its public works and public safety facility.
Next meeting: The next regular monthly meeting will be at 5 p.m. Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Eagle Station.
