Athens City Council - October 5, 2026

Athens City Council’s regular session on October 5, 2026, addressed several infrastructure and purchasing matters. Council adopted Ordinance 90-26 after suspending the rules, authorizing an appropriation amendment for Water Project No. 393, Phase 1, so the city can proceed with bidding for repairs to recurring-failure water lines; the amount was unclear in the transcript. Ordinance 92-26 was amended to include a $100,000 transfer for the community center, alongside appropriations including $40,000 for duct and HVAC cleaning and $5,478.08 for a replacement Zodiac inflatable rescue boat. Council also approved a $22,000 payment to Proost Rentals for Stimson Avenue sewer repair work already completed during the street renovation, with the rules suspended for the vote. The mayor said the city is purchasing flood-barrier systems for use by residents affected by flooding. A proposed sale of the former fire department headquarters was postponed pending title and survey work, and a sewer-fee ordinance was postponed until October 19 while council considers a multi-year rate plan.

The mayor reported that the city will discontinue its Flock system agreement following public concerns, and that the agreement will not be included in the upcoming budget. SOPC’s presentation covered regional electricity aggregation, available carbon-fee funds, grants and savings, and plans for an EV charging hub at a remediated brownfield site. No final sewer-rate change or property sale was approved at this meeting.