Eatonton City Council

Twelve members of the 2024 Eatonton Youth Leadership Class from Gatewood and Putnam High Schools line up behind Eatonton City Council members during a Feb. 19 council meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

Twelve members of the 2024 Eatonton Youth Leadership Class from Gatewood and Putnam High Schools line up behind Eatonton City Council members during a Feb. 19 council meeting. IAN TOCHER/Staff

City council considers beautification, buildings and booze

Eatonton City Council met Monday night and opened with the introduction of the 2024 Eatonton Youth Leadership Class by Councilmember Janie Reid.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

De-annexation study coming in 2024

Eatonton City Council last week resolved an immediate hitch in dealing with the state’s new “de-annexation” law, but the shadow of the law’s long-term implications may have gotten a little longer.
Mike Smith/File Photo

Mike Smith/File Photo

Smith eager for Eatonton city council challenge

Of four positions contested for both city and county councils last week, only Michael Smith broke through to defeat an incumbent as he collected 158 more votes than long-term Wards 2 and 3 representatives Alvin Butts on Eatonton City Council.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

One challenger wins in local elections

Challengers made a strong showing in Eatonton’s city elections on Nov. 7, but only one managed to break through as voters stuck with familiar leaders, both in Eatonton and in the four-way race for the vacant District 3 seat on the county commission.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Putnam County 2023 Election Results

Challengers made a strong showing in Eatonton’s city elections Tuesday, but except for one breakthrough, voters stuck with familiar leaders both in Eatonton and in the four-way race for the vacant District 3 seat on the county commission.
Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Messenger/File Photo

Eatonton Council saves some money

Eatonton City Council members were pleased-unto-gushing last week with City Administrator Gary Sanders’ report to the council, stating the city had saved $162,000 off its 50-percent share of a Community Development Block Grant for five street maintenance projects.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Examining the upcoming Eatonton city budget

An overall spending of $10.2 million for the coming fiscal year – and a slightly lower millage rate for property taxes – are expected to be approved by the Eatonton mayor and council at its mid-month meeting this coming Monday evening.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Qualifying coming soon for city elections

Eatonton city elections for mayor and three council seats will be held this fall, with candidate qualifying dates coming up Aug. 21-23. Mayor John Reid is ending his fourth four-year term as mayor and is expected to qualify for another term.
Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

Eatonton Messenger/Graphic

STRs, de-annexation again dominate BOC meeting

On Tuesday last week, the Putnam County Board of Commissioners (BOC) postponed to September the schedule for a new short-term rentals ordinance, and with little comment approved forwarding to Eatonton City Council a new batch of de-annexation requests.
Variances sought for old Eatonton Hotel building

Variances sought for old Eatonton Hotel building

Variances sought for old Eatonton Hotel building

Two significant development projects affecting downtown Eatonton and the Lake Oconee area appear to be near – but not yet at – the boiling point. Both involve zoning decisions, but only one will likely come to some resolution in the next week or so.