Thomaston public meetings in 2025

City Council

The Thomaston City Council will conduct the second reading and vote on the 2026 municipal budget. The meeting also includes opening remarks, any other business, and adjournment.

• Second read and vote of 2026 budget
• Opening of meeting and call to order
• Other business

City Council

The Mayor and City Council will meet for a work session to discuss the FY2026 City Budget. No other specific actions or votes are listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of FY2026 City Budget

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings on two rezoning requests and discuss the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. The body will also consider approvals for a service agreement amendment, a road dedication resolution, and a utility easement plat.

• Public hearing: Rezoning 17.38 acres on Cottage Court from M-R Multi-Family Residential to PD Planned Development
• Public hearing: Rezoning 618 E Lee Street from R-1 Low Density Residential to C-1 Neighborhood Commercial
• Discussion of Fiscal Year 2026 Budget
• Potential approval of ESG Operations Service Agreement Amendment
• Potential approval of Community Development Budget Proposal

The council unanimously approved several actions, including appointing Johnnie Caldwell as city attorney and adopting amendments to the ESG Operations Service Agreement, utility easement, and road dedication. It also approved the City Manager’s contract with a 9% salary increase and authorized legal action to seek a blight declaration for the 325 Martha Mills site. A motion to adopt the FY2026 Budget Ordinance failed to pass due to a split vote. All other items were approved unanimously.

• Appointed Johnnie Caldwell as City Attorney (effective Jan 1 2026) – unanimous
• Approved amendment to ESG Operations Service Agreement – unanimous
• Approved utility easement plat and related road/infrastructure dedication – unanimous
• Approved Community Development Budget proposal from Thomaston Housing Authority – unanimous
• Appointed Glen McCary to Downtown Development Authority and five members to Historic Preservation Commission – unanimous
• Authorized outside legal counsel to file blight petition for 325 Martha Mills site – unanimous
• Approved City Manager’s contract with 9% salary increase – unanimous
• FY2026 Budget Ordinance failed to pass (vote split 3‑2) – not adopted

Zoning Commission

The Thomaston Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss rezoning a 17.38-acre site on Cottage Court from Multi-Family Residential to Planned Development. The body will also consider a separate request to rezone 618 E Lee Street from Low Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial.

• Public hearing for 17.38-acre Cottage Court rezoning (M-R to PD)
• Public hearing for 618 E Lee Street rezoning (R-1 to C-1)
• Approval of November 17, 2025, meeting minutes
• Discussion and potential recommendations for two rezoning requests
• Approval of the amended agenda

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will consider facade grant requests for three properties and a reimbursement for one. The body will also hold executive board elections and adopt the 2026 calendar.

• Facade grant reimbursement for 327 W. Main Street (CSA Psychiatric Healing Center)
• Facade grant request for 106/108 W. Main Street (H.J. Wings & Things)
• Facade grant request for 532 N. Center Street (Milltown Bath & Candle)
• DDA Executive Board Elections
• UGA CED Site-Visit scheduled for 1/30-2/1

The Downtown Development Authority approved three $5,000 facade grant reimbursements for projects at 327 W. Main Street, 106/10 W. Main Street, and 532 N. Center Street. The board unanimously reappointed Chairwoman Catherine Baity, Vice‑Chair Darren Day, and appointed Nancy Lowry as Treasurer/Secretary for 2026. The 2026 meeting calendar was adopted with meetings set for 8:30 a.m. on the third Thursday of each month. The board also unanimously nominated Mrs. Luanne Helms as Grand Marshal of the upcoming Christmas Parade.

• Approved $5,000 facade grant reimbursement for CSA Psychiatric Healing Center (327 W. Main St) – unanimous
• Approved $5,000 facade grant for 106/10 W. Main St improvement – unanimous
• Approved $5,000 facade grant for Milltown Bath & Candle (532 N. Center St) – unanimous
• Reappointed Chairwoman Catherine Baity for 2026 – unanimous
• Reappointed Vice‑Chair Darren Day for 2026 – unanimous
• Appointed Nancy Lowry as Treasurer/Secretary for 2026 – unanimous
• Adopted 2026 DDA meeting calendar with 8:30 a.m. meeting time – unanimous
• Nominated Mrs. Luanne Helms as Grand Marshal of the Christmas Parade – unanimous

City Council

The Thomaston City Council will approve the minutes from the November 18 meeting and adopt the agenda. A public hearing will be held for the 2026 fiscal year budget. Council members will conduct a second read and vote on a special use permit for a scrap metal recycling facility at 904 N. Hightower Street. They will also discuss a potential award of a bid for Avenue N stormwater road repairs and consider appointments to boards and sub‑committees.

• Approval of minutes for the November 18, 2025 City Council meeting
• Public hearing for the 2026 fiscal year budget
• Second read and vote on special use permit for 904 N. Hightower St. scrap metal recycling facility
• Discussion of potential award of bid for Avenue N stormwater road repairs
• Discussion of potential appointments to boards and sub‑committees

The council unanimously approved the minutes from the November 18 meeting and amended the agenda to add a Tax‑Allocation District discussion. It approved a special‑use permit for a scrap‑metal recycling facility at 904 N. Hightower Street and awarded a $219,039 contract to Coggins Construction for Avenue N stormwater road repairs. Several board appointments were confirmed, the council entered and exited executive session, and the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m.

• Approved November 18 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda with addition of item G5 (unanimous)
• Approved special‑use permit for 904 N. Hightower St. scrap‑metal facility (unanimous)
• Awarded $219,039 stormwater road repairs contract to Coggins Construction (unanimous)
• Reappointed Zoning Commission members Steve Short, Priscilla McCoy, Sandy Kersey (unanimous)
• Appointed Sydney Sharpe to the Industrial Development Authority (unanimous)
• Appointed Troy Chaney to the Downtown Development Authority (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 7:33 p.m. (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider three Certificate of Appropriateness requests for 532 N. Center Street, 106/108 W. Main Street, and 202 W. Main Street. The commission will also review applications for new board members and adopt the 2026 HPC calendar. Additional topics include a discussion of the Scout Hall, local district tax‑credit incentives, and a planned UGA CED site visit.

• COA #1: 532 N. Center Street (Milltown Bath & Candle)
• COA #2: 106/108 W. Main Street (H.J. Wings & Things)
• COA #3: 202 W. Main Street (Hayley's Bath & Body)
• HPC board member applications (Ivy Bridges, Penny Cliff)
• Adoption of the 2026 HPC calendar

City Council

The City Council will hold public hearings regarding a special use permit for a scrap metal recycling facility and a rezoning request for multiple parcels. Members will also discuss the FY2026 budget and potential authorizations for an incentive package and electric department equipment.

• Public hearing for scrap metal recycling facility at 904 N. Hightower Street
• Public hearing for rezoning multiple parcels on Cottage Court to PD Planned Development
• Discussion of FY2026 Budget
• Potential authorization of Halls of East Thomaston Incentive Package
• Second read and potential approval of Variance Moratorium

The City Council unanimously approved a fee waiver of $231,387.10 to incentivize rehabilitation of the historic East Thomaston School buildings. It also authorized $82,398.80 for purchase of 400 AMI electric meters and adopted a six‑month moratorium on variance requests. Councilmembers directed staff to draft an ordinance to reduce the minimum distance between storage units.

• Approved $231,387.10 fee waiver for Halls of East Thomaston project (unanimous)
• Authorized $82,398.80 expenditure for 400 AMI electric meters (unanimous)
• Approved 6‑month variance moratorium (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to discuss storage‑unit distance text changes (unanimous)
• Directed staff to draft ordinance to decrease storage‑unit distance requirements (unanimous)
• Entered public hearing for 904 N. Hightower St. special‑use permit (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for 904 N. Hightower St. special‑use permit (unanimous)
• Moved FY2026 budget discussion to end of agenda (unanimous)

Zoning Commission

The Thomaston Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to discuss a Special Use Permit for a scrap metal recycling facility at 904 N. Hightower Street and a rezoning request for multiple parcels on Cottage Court to Planned Development.

• Public hearing for Special Use Permit at 904 N. Hightower Street (Parcel No. T30 076)
• Discussion on rezoning Cottage Court parcels (T11 139, T21 181, T21 185, T21 188, T21 190, T21 192, and T11 140) to Planned Development
• Approval of August 18, 2025, and June 16, 2025, meeting minutes

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will approve the minutes from the October 23, 2025 meeting and adopt the agenda. It will receive updates on the facade grant program and consider reimbursement requests for 315 N. Church Street (Big Bird's Treasures) and 110 E. Main Street (Thomaston Center, LLC). The board will also discuss repairs to the old fire station and note a 2026 strategic planning meeting scheduled for December 2.

• Approval of DDA meeting minutes from 10/23/2025
• Facade grant program updates
• Reimbursement request for 315 N. Church Street (Big Bird's Treasures)
• Reimbursement request for 110 E. Main Street (Thomaston Center, LLC)
• Discussion of repairs to the old fire station

The Downtown Development Authority approved the October 23 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda. It approved reimbursement of $3,278.53 to Big Bird's Treasurers and $5,000 to 110 E. Main LLC for facade grants. The board also authorized Mr. Smith to negotiate a roof replacement for the old fire station up to $40,000 and approved using the City Manager’s conference room for the December annual meeting.

• Approved October 23, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved $3,278.53 facade grant reimbursement to Big Bird's Treasurers (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 facade grant reimbursement to 110 E. Main LLC (unanimous)
• Authorized negotiation of roof replacement up to $40,000 (unanimous)
• Approved City Manager's conference room for the Dec 2 annual meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a budget work session to discuss the FY2025 City Budget. The meeting will take place at the Thomaston-Upson Government Complex.

• Discussion of FY2025 City Budget
• Executive Session
• City-County Meeting Room (Main Floor)

The council voted to enter executive session at 10:22 am, with a unanimous vote. They later voted to exit executive session at 11:11 am, also unanimously. The meeting was then adjourned at 11:11 am by a unanimous motion. No formal decisions on the FY2025 budget were made during the session.

• Enter executive session (unanimous)
• Exit executive session (unanimous)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for MLKJ Holdings, LLC. Members will also discuss expenditures for the Electric Department and a Historic Tax Credit Resolution.

• Public hearing and potential approval of variance request for 321 North Center Street (Parcel T21 060)
• Potential approval of Electric Department equipment expenditure
• Potential approval of Historic Tax Credit Resolution
• Second read and potential approval of Cemetery Ordinance regarding permits
• Potential authorization of a variance moratorium

The council unanimously approved the purchase of electric department equipment for $153,910.58 using unallocated sales tax funds. It also approved a $109,000 water‑tank painting contract, authorized a historic tax credit resolution, and adopted a revised cemetery ordinance and permit. The variance request for 321 North Center Street was denied and the related discussion was tabled.

• Approved purchase of electric department equipment for $153,910.58 (unanimous)
• Approved water‑tank painting proposal from Utilivision LLC for $109,000, including $7,500 contingency (unanimous)
• Authorized execution of historic tax credit resolution (unanimous)
• Authorized cemetery ordinance regarding permits (unanimous)
• Approved cemetery permit draft as presented (unanimous)
• Denied variance request for 321 North Center Street and tabled distance‑requirement discussion (unanimous)
• Entered public hearing on variance request at 7:03 pm (unanimous)
• Entered and exited executive session (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will meet to review a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for a property on E. Main Street. The commission will also discuss Scout Hall and upcoming project dates.

• COA #1: 106 E. Main Street (Hometown Nutrition)
• Scout Hall discussion
• Halls of East Thomaston Groundbreaking on 11/14
• Design Guidelines Final Presentation on 11/14
• UGA CED Site Visit scheduled for 1/30-2/1

The commission unanimously approved the October 6, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the amended agenda. It also unanimously approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for new signage at 106 E. Main Street for Hometown Nutrition. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously. No other formal actions were taken.

• Approved October 6, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted amended agenda (unanimous)
• Approved COA for signage at 106 E. Main St. for Hometown Nutrition (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will review a facade grant application and a variance request. The body will also discuss financial updates and 2026 strategic planning.

• Facade grant application for 327 W. Main Street (CSA Psychiatric Healing Center)
• Variance request for 321 N. Center Street (MKLJ Holdings, LLC)
• DDA Financials and Facade Grant updates
• 2026 Strategic Planning Meeting

The Downtown Development Authority approved the September 18, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It approved a facade grant of up to $5,000 for the CSA Psychiatric Healing Center at 327 W. Main Street. The board unanimously recommended approval of a variance for an interior storage facility at 321 N. Center Street. Additional items such as extending the December meeting by one hour, scheduling a design‑guidelines presentation, and entering/exiting an executive session were also approved unanimously.

• Approved September 18, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimously)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimously)
• Approved facade grant up to $5,000 for CSA Psychiatric Healing Center (unanimously)
• Recommended approval of variance for interior storage at 321 N. Center St (unanimously)
• Added one hour to December Annual Meeting for 2026 strategic planning (unanimously)
• Scheduled design‑guidelines presentation by Ethos Preservation on Nov 14 (unanimously)
• Entered executive session at 11:00 am (unanimously)
• Exited executive session at 11:30 am (unanimously)

City Council

The Thomaston City Council will discuss and potentially approve a sign variance request for 402 North Church Street. It will also review a cemetery ordinance and permit draft, and consider awarding the Lee Street Parking Lot Project and the 2025 paving project. Additional items include updates to historic preservation guidelines and public works expenditures.

• Sign variance request for Parcel T21 066 (402 North Church Street) by Kemberly Ford d/b/a Southern Tire
• Second read and potential approval of Cemetery Ordinance regarding permits
• Potential award of Lee Street Parking Lot Project
• Potential award of 2025 Paving Project
• Potential authorization of Public Works Vehicle Expenditure

The council denied a sign‑variance request for 402 North Church Street. It tabled two cemetery‑related items (the ordinance permit and the permit draft). It approved several contracts and expenditures, including awarding the Lee Street Parking Lot project to McLeRoy Inc. for $616,357.77 and the 2025 paving project to McLeRoy Inc. for $1,101,727.75, as well as purchases of public‑works vehicles and additional electric‑department funding. All motions passed unanimously.

• Denied sign‑variance request for 402 North Church Street (unanimous)
• Tabled cemetery ordinance permit item (unanimous)
• Tabled cemetery permit draft (unanimous)
• Awarded Lee Street Parking Lot project to McLeRoy Inc. for $616,357.77 (unanimous)
• Awarded 2025 paving project to McLeRoy Inc. for $1,101,727.75 (unanimous)
• Approved updated Historic Preservation Commission design guidelines (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two Public Works vehicles, $71,945.00 and $78,995.00 each (unanimous)
• Approved additional $70,000.00 appropriation for Electric Department right‑of‑way cutting (unanimous)

City Council

The Thomaston City Council meeting will consider several agenda items. Council members will discuss and potentially approve a MEAG Participant Authorization Agreement, joint projects expenditures, a leaf amnesty program, and changes to the cemetery ordinance and permits. The meeting also includes routine reports and approval of prior minutes.

• Discussion and potential approval of MEAG Participant Authorization Agreement
• Discussion and potential approval of Joint Projects Expenditures
• Discussion regarding Leaf Amnesty
• Discussion regarding Cemetery Ordinance and Permit Changes

The Thomaston City Council approved a $24,443.25 appropriation for the Development District Authority’s façade grant program. It also authorized a $9,377.36 year‑end settlement refund and a sale of excess MEAG capacity to deficit participants. Additional actions included approving the city’s match on joint project expenditures (excluding a concession stand and batting cages) and changing leaf‑amnesty rules. All motions passed unanimously.

• Approved $24,443.25 DDA façade grant appropriation (unanimous)
• Authorized $9,377.36 ECG year‑end settlement refund (unanimous)
• Authorized sale of excess MEAG capacity to deficit participants (unanimous)
• Approved city match on joint project expenditures, pending cost analysis (unanimous)
• Changed leaf‑amnesty policy: leaves need not be bagged or called in (unanimous)
• Discussed animal control regarding fowl within city limits (no formal decision)
• Entered executive session at 7:43 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:39 pm (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will consider three Certificates of Appropriateness for properties at 105 S. Center Street (Wholesome Bowls), 327 W. Main Street (CSA Healing Center), and 100 N. Church Street (Time of Essence). The commission will also conduct a final review of the design guidelines. Additional discussion will cover the Scout Hall.

• COA #1: 105 S. Center Street (Wholesome Bowls)
• COA #2: 327 W. Main Street (CSA Healing Center)
• COA #3: 100 N. Church Street (Time of Essence)
• Design Guidelines Final Review
• Scout Hall Discussion

The commission unanimously approved the September 8, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda. It granted Certificates of Appropriateness for Wholesome Bowls, CSA Healing Center, and selected signage for Time of Essence. The updated Downtown Thomaston Design Guidelines were also approved.

• Approved September 8, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved COA for Wholesome Bowls restaurant, 105 S. Center St. (unanimous)
• Approved COA for CSA Healing Center, 327 W. Main St. (unanimous)
• Approved additional sign, door signage, black plate and lettering change for Time of Essence, 100 N. Church St. (unanimous)
• Approved updated Downtown Thomaston Design Guidelines (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority will review its financials, including updates on the facade grant program. It will consider reimbursement requests for 203 E. Main Street (Jensine Wilson) and 331 W. Main Street (Wynn Trice). The board will also discuss a new facade grant application for 315 N. Church Street (Brad Kerr). Additional items include upcoming regional meetups, a Mobilize Main Street event, training requirements, and planning for 2026.

• Facade Grant Reimbursement – 203 E. Main Street – Jensine Wilson
• Facade Grant Reimbursement – 331 W. Main Street – Wynn Trice
• Facade Grant Application – 315 N. Church Street – Brad Kerr
• Facade Grant Updates (financial report)
• Other Business: GDA Regional Meetups, Mobilize Main Street, DDA Training, 2026 Strategic Planning

The Downtown Development Authority approved the minutes from the August 21, 2025 meeting and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It then approved three facade grant reimbursements/requests—$4,917.22 for Jesine Wilson, $4,723.25 for Wynn Trice, and $5,000 for Brad Kerr—each carried unanimously. The board also entered and exited an executive session and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Approved August 21, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant Reimbursement for Jesine Wilson $4,917.22 (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant Reimbursement for Wynn Trice $4,723.25 (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant request for Brad Kerr $5,000 (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 2:24 pm (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 2:55 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:55 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The Thomaston City Council will review two cemetery ordinances—one on cremation section lots and headstones, and another on cemetery permits. The council will also discuss a youth council resolution, a proposal to use golf carts for Glenwood Cemetery tours, and the potential approval of two surplus public works vehicles. A finance director confirmation may also be considered.

• Second read and potential approval of Cemetery Ordinance regarding cremation section lots and headstones
• First read and potential approval of Cemetery Ordinance regarding permits
• Discussion and consideration of Thomaston Youth Council resolution and by‑laws
• Discussion of golf cart usage for Glenwood Cemetery tours event
• Discussion and potential approval of two surplus public works vehicles

The City Council unanimously confirmed Ms. Reshann Adams as Finance Director. It also adopted a cemetery ordinance on cremation sections, approved the Youth Council bylaws, and authorized golf‑cart use for a cemetery tour. Additional actions included approving the auction of surplus public works vehicles and a supplemental lease resolution.

• Confirmed Finance Director Reshann Adams (unanimous)
• Adopted cemetery ordinance on cremation section lots and headstones (unanimous)
• Approved Thomaston Youth Council resolution and bylaws (unanimous)
• Authorized golf‑cart usage for Glenwood Cemetery tours (unanimous)
• Approved auction of two surplus public works vehicles (unanimous)
• Approved resolution for a supplemental lease (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 7:13 pm (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 7:48 pm (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission will review Certificates of Appropriateness for five properties and finalize design guidelines. The meeting will also include a discussion regarding Scout Hall.

• COA #1: 302 S. Bethel Street (Thomaston-Upson Senior Center)
• COA #2: 205 S. Center Street (Pool Room Cafe)
• COA #3: 106 E. Main Street (Evin's Law Firm)
• COA #4: 105 S. Center Street (Wholesome Bowls)
• COA #5: 315 N. Church Street (Big Bird's Treasures)

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the August 4th meeting and adopted the agenda. It approved Certificate of Appropriateness requests for signage at the Thomaston‑Upson Senior Center, Pool Room Cafe, Evin's Law Firm, and Big Bird's Treasurers (with one dissent). Applications for a new restaurant, Wholesome Bowls, and the Big Bird's Treasurers project were tabled until the October meeting. The meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved August 4th, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved COA for Senior Center sign at 302 S. Bethel St (unanimous)
• Approved COA for Pool Room Cafe signage at 205 S. Center St (unanimous)
• Approved COA for Evin's Law Firm signage at 106 E. Main St (unanimous)
• Tabled COA for Wholesome Bowls restaurant at 105 S. Center St (unanimous)
• Approved COA for Big Bird's Treasurers at 315 N. Church St (all but Chair Burdette voted in favor)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council adopted an ordinance that levies a 3.608‑mill tax for ordinary city expenses and a 2.997‑mill tax for joint‑project expenses on all taxable property for calendar year 2025. The taxes exclude 100% of the value of personal property defined in OCGA §48-5-48.2. The ordinance was approved by the council and transmitted to the mayor for final approval.

• Adopted Ordinance levying 3.608‑mill tax for ordinary expenses (approved)
• Adopted Ordinance levying 2.997‑mill tax for joint‑project expenses (approved)

City Council

The council reviewed a presentation on the current Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) split between county and city, highlighting imbalances and proposing a more equitable allocation model. The analysis included cost figures, revenue flows, and potential impacts on taxpayers. No formal actions, approvals, or votes were recorded.

City Council

The council unanimously approved the rezoning of 1699 Barnesville Highway to the M‑2 Heavy Industrial district. It also approved a seven‑year lease financing option for a new fire truck and approved a copier services contract. The agenda was amended to table the Cottages at Silvertown plat, and the minutes from the August 19 meetings were approved with one abstention.

• Approved rezoning of 1699 Barnesville Highway to M‑2 Heavy Industrial (unanimous)
• Approved seven‑year fire‑truck lease financing through Georgia Municipal Association (unanimous)
• Approved copier services contract as presented (unanimous)
• Amended agenda to table item F3 – Discussion and Potential Plat Approval for The Cottages at Silvertown (unanimous)
• Approved minutes for August 19, 2025 meetings (unanimous, one abstention)
• Tabled discussion of The Cottages at Silvertown plat (no vote recorded)
• First read of updated Cemetery Ordinance (no decision)
• Entered and exited executive session (unanimous motions)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority approved the June 26th meeting minutes and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It then approved a $3,524.21 reimbursement for Michael & Tyane Presley’s facade project at 519 N. Center Street Suite D, and a $5,000 reimbursement for Brent Daniel’s facade project at 114 E. Main Street. The board entered and later exited an executive session, and adjourned the meeting.

• Approved June 26th, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved $3,524.21 facade grant reimbursement for 519 N. Center St. (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000.00 facade grant reimbursement for 114 E. Main St. (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 2:16 pm (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 2:48 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:49 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council and Board of Commissioners are meeting to discuss joint projects and intergovernmental agreements. The session includes a financial update on the joint projects budget and potential support for civic center improvements.

• Financial update of Joint Projects Budget
• Potential authorization of City support for Civic Center improvements
• Potential amendment to Joint Projects Agreement to include Animal Control
• Discussion regarding FLOST Negotiations and IGA

The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and included updates on the joint projects budget, discussion of a $1.2 million civic center addition, animal‑control consolidation, and FLOST revenue negotiations. No formal approvals or denials were recorded. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 6:58 p.m.

• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The minutes contain the full text of an ordinance proposing changes to cemetery burial rules, including allowing up to four urns per lot in Section F and limiting other lots to one in‑ground burial and two cremated remains. No vote tally, adoption date, or decision outcome is recorded in the minutes. Therefore, no substantive decision was documented.

Zoning Commission

The Thomaston Zoning Commission will meet to discuss a rezoning request for a specific property. The commission may provide a recommendation regarding the request to change the property's designation.

• Rezoning request for 1699 Barnesville Highway (Parcel No. 057 015) to M-2 Heavy Industrial District

City Council

The Thomaston City Council unanimously approved a $100,000 purchase of electric vehicle charging stations funded by SPLOST. It also adopted a resolution appointing six department officials as open records officers. The council declined to join a Georgia Public Broadcasting program and entered, then exited, an executive session before adjourning.

• Approved July 17, 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Approved resolution appointing open records officers (unanimous)
• Approved $100,000 EV charging station purchase from SPLOST (unanimous)
• Declined participation in Viewpoint Television program (unanimous)
• Entered executive session at 7:39 pm (unanimous)
• Exited executive session at 8:01 pm (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 8:08 pm (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The commission approved the July 7, 2025 minutes, adopted its agenda, and unanimously approved Certificate of Appropriateness requests for signage at 114 E. Main St., 100 N. Church St., awning repair at 210 S. Center St., and the Thomaston‑Upson Bicentennial Mural at 107 N. Church St. Training sessions for August 20 and the upcoming historic preservation conference were announced, and the meeting was adjourned unanimously.

• Approved July 7 2025 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 114 E. Main St. blade and window signage (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 100 N. Church St. raised lettering and vinyl signage (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 210 S. Center St. awning repair (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 107 N. Church St. bicentennial mural (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The Building Official reviewed a special use permit request for a vape, tobacco, and cigar retail store at 703 N Bethel Street. The official recommended denial because the proposed use conflicts with the future land‑use plan and parking requirements are insufficient. The minutes contain no council vote, approval, denial, or other action on the request.

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The commission unanimously approved the June 2, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda as presented. No substantive actions on the mural project or design guidelines were decided. The meeting was adjourned unanimously at 2:22 pm.

• Approved June 2, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority approved the May 14, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted a revised agenda that removed a pending facade grant item. The board approved a facade grant reimbursement request for Jim Franklin, limited to $5,000. It also approved a Letter of Support for the City’s Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant application. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved May 14, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted revised agenda, removing Item F-2 (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant reimbursement for Jim Franklin, not to exceed $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Letter of Support for Rural Workforce Housing Initiative grant (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved a $298,560 city‑fund matching contribution for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. It also approved an IT PC replacement purchase of $31,681.39, a $22,500 intergovernmental agreement for retail strategies, and a historic marker at the African American Museum. The special‑use permit hearing for 703 N. Bethel St. was held with no comments, and the road‑dedication item was tabled.

• Approved $298,560 city‑fund match for Rural Workforce Housing Initiative (unanimous)
• Approved $31,681.39 IT PC replacement expenditure (unanimous)
• Approved $22,500 intergovernmental agreement for retail strategies (unanimous)
• Authorized historic marker and easement at Thomaston‑Upson African American Museum (unanimous)
• Held public hearing on special‑use permit for 703 N. Bethel St.; no comments received (unanimous)
• Road dedication discussion was tabled (no vote)
• Approved minutes for June 3 meeting (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda with added items G1 and G6 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council unanimously approved a rezoning of 213 Park Lane to a Planned Development with design conditions. It also awarded the $1.786 million alternative bid to ICB Construction Group for the downtown multi‑use facility. Additional unanimous approvals included a $60,000 housing needs assessment, IT equipment purchase, pickleball lighting project, bucket‑truck acquisition, and a wastewater‑plant bar‑screen expense, while meeting dates were rescheduled.

• Approved rezoning of 213 Park Lane to Planned Development (unanimous)
• Awarded $1.786 M bid to ICB Construction Group for downtown multi‑use facility (unanimous)
• Approved $60,000 housing needs assessment from SPLOST funds (unanimous)
• Approved $16,808.80 IT equipment expenditure (unanimous)
• Awarded $82,002.50 bid to PSG Energy Services for pickleball lighting (unanimous)
• Approved $310,138.07 bucket‑truck purchase for electric department (unanimous)
• Approved expenditure for bar screen at wastewater plant (unanimous)
• Rescheduled June 17 meeting to June 26 and July 15 meeting to July 17 (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission approved the May 5th, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It also approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 103 E. Gordon Street with unanimous support. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved May 5th, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Certificate of Appropriateness for 103 E. Gordon Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

City Council

The council approved the rezoning of 104 Avenue L (Parcel T31 191) from a 0.5‑acre R‑2 residential lot to a 0.24‑acre R‑2 residential lot and a 0.23‑acre C‑2 commercial lot, and also approved the associated plat. A $26k‑$31k bicentennial mural at 104 W. Lee Street was authorized, and staff were directed to develop a proposal for a parking area and historic commemoration after the Boy Scout Hut demolition. All actions were approved unanimously.

• Approved rezoning of 104 Avenue L (Parcel T31 191) (unanimous)
• Approved plat for 104 Avenue L (unanimous)
• Authorized $26k-$31k mural at 104 W. Lee Street (unanimous)
• Authorized staff to create proposal for Boy Scout Hut demolition (unanimous)
• Opened public hearing for rezoning 213 Park Lane (unanimous)
• Closed public hearing for rezoning 213 Park Lane (unanimous)
• Entered executive session (unanimous)
• Exited executive session (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The board unanimously approved the April 24, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda. It approved a facade grant of up to $5,000 for Brent Daniel’s renovation at 114 E Main Street, and approved a $4,720 grant for Jensine Wilson’s project at 203 E Main Street. No other motions were taken.

• Approved April 24, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant for 114 E Main St up to $5,000 (unanimous)
• Approved Facade Grant for 203 E Main St $4,720 (unanimous)

City Council

The council appointed Troy Chaney as Mayor Pro Tem with a 3‑1 vote. It also approved the budget amendments, an $81,444 police equipment purchase, and a Lakeside Park fencing contract up to $30,000, all unanimously. Additional actions included a 4‑1 approval to amend the cemetery ordinance, a unanimous denial of the convenience‑store ordinance, and unanimous appointments to the Tree Board and Library Board. The Boy Scout Hut item was tabled unanimously.

• Appointed Troy Chaney as Mayor Pro Tem (3-1 yes, 1 no)
• Approved budget amendments (unanimous)
• Approved $81,444 unbudgeted police equipment expenditure (unanimous)
• Authorized Lakeside Park fencing purchase up to $30,000 (unanimous)
• Approved golf‑cart usage resolution for Emancipation Celebration (unanimous)
• Amended cemetery ordinance to allow upright monuments (4-1 yes)
• Denied any action on the convenience‑store ordinance (unanimous)
• Appointed Grady Kilgore to Tree Board and reappointed Rick Thurman to Library Board (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The commission approved the minutes from the April 7 meeting and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It granted Certificates of Appropriateness for 114 E. Main Street, 203 E. Main Street (contingent on approved brick staining), and 705 Barnesville Street, each with unanimous support. The meeting was then adjourned unanimously.

• Approved April 7 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 114 E. Main St. – removal of metal cladding, brick restoration, repainting (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 203 E. Main St. – repaint and signage, pending approved brick stain test (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 705 Barnesville St. – brick repointing, window/door restoration, awnings, lighting (unanimous)
• Motion to adjourn the meeting carried unanimously

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority unanimously approved a rezoning request to split the 0.5‑acre C‑2 lot at 104 Avenue L into a 0.24‑acre R‑2 residential parcel and a 0.23‑acre C‑2 commercial parcel. The board also approved a $4,567.50 facade grant reimbursement for 503 W. Gordon Street and a $5,000 facade grant for 403 W. Gordon Street, rescinded a previous grant for 219 Thomas Street, and changed the May 15 meeting to May 14. All actions were adopted by unanimous vote.

• Approved rezoning split of 104 Avenue L (unanimous)
• Approved $4,567.50 facade grant reimbursement for 503 W. Gordon St (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 facade grant for 403 W. Gordon St (unanimous)
• Rescinded facade grant for 219 Thomas St at grantee's request (unanimous)
• Approved March 20, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Changed May 15 meeting to May 14 at 2 pm (unanimous)
• Entered and exited executive session (unanimous)

City Council

The council voted unanimously to approve the budgeted purchase of three police vehicles for $134,565. It also approved the transfer of property to the Thomaston Urban Redevelopment Agency, approved a cemetery variance, and denied a claim against the city. All motions were adopted with unanimous votes.

• Approved purchase of three police vehicles for $134,565 (unanimous)
• Approved transfer of property to Thomaston Urban Redevelopment Agency (unanimous)
• Approved cemetery ordinance variance for Southview Cemetery (unanimous)
• Approved rebid of the farmer's market project after bids exceeded budget (unanimous)
• Approved plat for 1059 Highway 19 North (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to the PTV ordinance to correct an error and clarify “Daylight” (unanimous)
• Denied the claim against the city (unanimous)
• Adopted the meeting agenda as presented (unanimous)

Historic Preservation Commission (HPC)

The Historic Preservation Commission approved the March 3, 2025 meeting minutes and adopted the agenda, both unanimously. It then approved the Certificate of Appropriateness for 403 W. Gordon Street and for 106 N. Hightower Street, each with unanimous support. The meeting was adjourned at 2:49 pm.

• Approved March 3, 2025 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 403 W. Gordon Street (unanimous)
• Approved COA for 106 N. Hightower Street (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 2:49 pm (unanimous)

City Council

The council unanimously approved several rezoning requests, including 615 W. Main Street and a 33.5‑acre planned‑development parcel, each with specific conditions. A separate rezoning of a 12.5‑acre tract on Yatesville Highway was rejected after a 2‑yes, 3‑no vote. The body also adopted multiple ordinances—speed‑limit reduction, golf‑cart use, and a zoning amendment eliminating owner‑notice requirements—and approved budget items such as water‑department equipment and surplus police vehicles.

• Approved rezoning of 615 W. Main Street (P‑I to M‑R) with footprint condition (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 33.5 acres to Planned Development with detailed conditions (unanimous)
• Rejected rezoning of 12.5‑acre Yatesville Highway tract (2‑Yes, 3‑No)
• Approved zoning ordinance amendment eliminating written notice to adjacent owners (unanimous)
• Approved speed‑limit reduction ordinance and speed detection resolution (unanimous)
• Approved golf‑cart ordinance (3‑Yes, 1‑No)
• Approved surplus of three police vehicles (unanimous)
• Approved water department equipment expenditures $35,791.95 and $94,902.00 (unanimous)

Downtown Development Authority (DDA)

The Downtown Development Authority approved the February 20 minutes and adopted its agenda unanimously. It updated bank account signatories, approved a $5,000 facade grant reimbursement to Mr. Wynn Trice and a $4,567.50 reimbursement to Dr. and Mrs. Boyce. The board recommended that the City Council approve rezoning 615 W. Main Street from PI to MR and also recommended rezoning a 32‑acre site on N. Church Street from M‑1 to PD with specific conditions. The meeting was adjourned at 4:16 pm.

• Approved February 20 minutes (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Removed Lane Coggins and Doug Head as bank signatories (unanimous)
• Appointed Catherine Baity, Gary Wise, and Darren Day as bank signatories (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 facade grant reimbursement to Wynn Trice (unanimous)
• Approved $4,567.50 facade grant reimbursement to Dr. and Mrs. Boyce (unanimous)
• Recommended rezoning 615 W. Main St. from PI to MR to City Council (unanimous)
• Recommended rezoning 32‑acre N. Church St. site from M‑1 to PD with conditions to City Council (unanimous)