A proposed apartment complex near downtown Waycross took another step toward reality last week in action by the Waycross City Commission.
Commissioners approved two readings of an ordinance to rezone the property to accommodate the project of a developer from Cairo, Ga. A parcel on Brunel Street at Howe Street and Haines Avenue was rezoned from commercial to residential for the multi-structure project to provide workforce housing.
In addition to the ordinance, commissioners also approved two resolutions, one accepting the city’s annual financial audit of Fiscal Year 2023-24. They also honored Engineer Coordinator Dawn Strickland as City Employee of the Month for February.
Mayor Michael-Angelo James conducted the Tuesday, February 4 meeting in City Hall with all four commissioners present. The bimonthly session was the first since the January 29 death of District 4 Commissioner Diane Hopkins.
The commission discussed holding a special election to fill the District 4 seat during the Monday planning and information session.
Ordinance
Ethan Jackson Investments, LLC, owns the rezoned land and plans to divide the parcel into six lots, each containing a structure composed of 1012 single bedroom units. The apartments are targeted for singles and couples just starting their careers, a company spokesperson said at a December public hearing.
Representatives from Ethan Jackson and True North Way, LLC appeared at a Town Hall meeting Monday hosted by District 3 Commissioner Katrena Felder to detail the development and field questions. The company has similar developments in Americus, Bainbridge, Cairo, Dublin, and Dothan Ala., with additional ones planned in Adele and Thomaston.
In addition to the Ethan Jackson development, Vantage Development of Fyffe, Ala., has proposed a 100 multifamily-unit complex on a 11.75 acre parcel off Brunswick Highway in Ware County. The commission has approved providing water-sewer lines to the property at the company’s expense, and annexation into the city limits with approval by the Georgia Legislature during its current session.
Waycross City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford said Monday there are a number of others interested in properties around the city for housing and other development.
Resolutions
Trey Scott of Mauldin & Jenkins CPA presented his firm’s audit of city finances prior to commissioners accepting the findings by passing the resolution. Scott said the audit resulted in a “clean, unmodified opinion” of the city’s books during the period that ended June 30, 2023.
The audit met the Georgia Department of Treasury deadline for the first time in several years, Scott said. He added the city has 2.9 months of capital to pay expenditures (3-6 months is recommended) and a ratio of 4-1 in liquidity to assets.
He also said figures show continued growth in the city reinvesting in itself.
The other resolution approved a service agreement with the Waycross Area Shelter for Abused Persons doing business as Magnolia House. The city provides a full-time officer at the Family Justice Center.
Police Chief Tommy Cox told commissioners Monday he invoices the center monthly for the officer and Magnolia House follows up with the funds from a grant. He said the city has been paid $39,071 since July, 2024.
A third resolution to change the voting precinct for residents of District 1 in all municipal elections was pulled from the agenda at the request of Commissioner Shawn Roberts. The district’s new representative said he would like more time to discuss the issue with constituents, many of whom are senior citizens.
Employee of Month Rayford introduced Strickland saying she was a “walking computer” of City Hall knowledge.
“She has been a lifesaver in many situations,” said the city manager, who’ll begin his third year with the city next month.
Strickland joined the city’s finance department in 1993 handling utility billing. A year later she became purchasing clerk before moving to engineering in 1997.
“I’m not sure what I’m going to do without her when she retires,” Rayford said. “I hope she writes a book for us and leaves it on my desk for us to follow. Dawn is a great reflection of all the employees in our workforce.”
