Something is happening with the most valuable piece of property in the county

The possibility of a retail business moving to the property upon which the old high school and the board of education central office sits took one step closer to becoming a reality Monday night when the city commission approved a recommendation from the planning commission to rezone the property from Residential Professional to Commercial General.

The tract is nearly 26 acres and is considered to be one of the most valuable pieces of property in the county. The property is being marketed for retail and there is not a specific business ready to purchase the tract. City attorney Jerome Adams handled the first reading of the ordinance Monday night. At the Oct. 10 meeting, he will read the ordinance for the second time and the commission will then hold a public hearing before calling for the final vote on the issue.

The commission also approved repairs and upgrades to the propane/air facility. Aether DBS of Tulsa will perform work at a cost of $39,899.44; the purchase of a 2016 Dodge pickup for the electric department from Don Jackson Dodge of Union City for $32,557; and an amended and restated gas supply contract and resolution with the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia.

Commissioners also need to fill three three-year terms on the airport commission. The terms of Jim Rimes, Tom Smith, and Joey Hand will expire on Sept. 30.