The Waycross City Commission meets in City Hall Friday and Saturday this week for the first of two planned operational retreats in 2025.
Friday’s session begins at 5 p.m. with Saturday’s opening at 8:30 a.m. The public may attend, but there is no forum for participation.
A variety of topics are on tap for the meetings as City Manager Ulysses “Duke” Rayford and department heads start finalizing the budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26 in the coming weeks. Finances and revenue are a key issue at the opening session, according to a proposed agenda.
After a brief update of the city’s comprehensive plan, Rayford will review the year to open the meeting. That will be followed by discussions on fundings specifically water rate studies, possible extension of the city’s water service to outside entities, it’s annual cost of living adjustment and the schedule for funds from the 2023 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.
Rayford has advocated for an increase in water-sewer rates in order for the city to simply maintain its aging infrastructure. Additional revenue would enable the city to seek companion grants to cover the cost of upgrades to the system.
In recent meetings, Rayford has presented an increase for residential and commercial customers of at least three percent. The city also may update its service meters, which also would generate additional revenue based on their more accurate readings for water usage.
Changes to the City Charter also will be discussed related to the procedures of voting and filling vacancies on the commission, including that of the Mayor. Carlos Nelson, Supervisor of Elections for the Ware County Board of Elections and Registration, will offer insight on those topics.
Jason Rubenbauer, President of the Waycross- Ware County Development Authority will speak on business practices and procedures to close Friday’s session.
Rayford will discuss internal strengths and weaknesses to open Saturday’s forum followed by looking ahead to the commission’s goals for 2026.
Rayford also will update the 10-year plan for the city as well as its infrastructure.
Considering short- and long-term goals will be a key item of the session’s afternoon before adjournment.
Rayford said commissioners could have items decided at the retreat to act on as early as their next bi-monthly meeting Tuesday, April 15.
A second retreat is tentatively set for October.
