Eatonton City Council met on March 4 and heard a presentation from Middle Georgia Regional Commission Director of Planning and Public Administration Greg Boike on applying for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
“The CDBG program, in general, can provide funding for communities with a high need and a high variety of flexibility,” Boike told the council. “These projects could include topics such as housing or infrastructure, water, sewer, drainage, street improvements, or public buildings. But projects must primarily benefit a population of low- and moderate-income individuals.”
The deadline to apply for a CDBG this year is April 4. The city must provide 20% of the funds awarded to support the CDBG, which in this case would be $200,000 from Eatonton for a $1 million CDBG.
If secured, the grant will fund underground stormwater drainage, curbs, and road repairs to South Jefferson Avenue in Eatonton, primarily south of where it meets the curve on Hwy. 44 near Maxway. It would also include drainage improvements uphill and upstream of the main road along Holly Drive, Sunnyland Drive, Pinecrest Drive, and Rock Lane. The project is expected to take more than a year to complete.
“We had a CDBG a couple of years ago, and it’s a very competitive process, but I think we have a very good chance of getting it again this year,” Eatonton City Administrator Gary Sanders said. “It won’t be awarded until this fall, so we expect to start work as soon as possible in 2026.”
The council unanimously approved the 20% matching of funds and Mayor John Reid's signing and submission of an official CDBG application.
In other business, the council unanimously approved a parade permit to close a portion of South Madison Street beside the courthouse on April 12 to accommodate the annual Magnolia Market and Chalk Walk. Several chalk artists will create unique pieces directly on the asphalt.
Unanimous approval also came on a motion to follow up on last month’s adoption of medical, dental, and life insurance renewals with the adoption of optional vision insurance through Principal Life and the VSP Choice PPO network at a cost of $7.23 per month for interested city employees.
Next, the council approved a $47,000 construction right-of-way agreement for road and drainage improvements planned for East Marion Street and North Maple Avenue alongside the Norfolk Southern Railroad’s tracks. Sanders explained that the railroad requires contractor Peach State Construction to adhere to specific right-of-way safety requirements, such as providing flaggers and cones once work begins.
Signage for the soon-to-be-opened city dog park beside Butterflies & Blooms was discussed, as was an application by the Eatonton Fire Department for a grant up to $25,000 funded by a state tax on fireworks.
Sanders told the council that if awarded, the grant would require a 10-percent match from the city, and it was unanimously approved.