thesy lvaniatimes. com
The Sylvania Times
Wednesday, March 13, 2024 - Page 5
Screven County Board of
Elections Meeting
-Sarah Saxon.Reporter
The Screven County Board of Elections convened on Thursday, March 7, in the
Board of Commissioners room, drawing attention to significant developments and
a poignant resignation.
Chaired by Burton Kemp, the meeting was attended by Mary Felton, Ben Counts,
Veronica Bing, and Rosalyn Evans.
Among the agenda items was the approval of the meeting's agenda itself, as well
as the minutes from the previous meeting held on Febmary 1st, both of which were
passed without issue.
One notable discussion centered around potential enhancements to the board's
website, spearheaded by Mary Felton. Felton presented ideas aimed at improving
accessibility and information dissemination, particularly regarding voting dates and
procedures. However, further deliberation on these proposals was postponed to the
next meeting for more comprehensive discussion.
Another significant proposal put forward during the meeting involved amending
the board's by-laws, specifically concerning the conduct of board members in their
official capacity. The amendment suggested that members refrain from endorsing
political candidates while serving on the board but retain the right to do so as private
citizens. This proposal aimed to clarify the expected conduct of board members but
required further clarification before being adopted.
As the Screven County Board of Elections continues its work, the community
awaits further developments and hopes for a resolution to the challenges faced
during this tumultuous period.
It’s not only our right, but our obligation to let
our voices be heard. Democracy at its best is
seen on election day! House Representative
John Lewis said, “The vote is precious. It is the
most powerful non-violent tool we have in a
democratic society, and we must use it.”
Get out and vote!
Early Voting has Begun
voter
information
Who, what, whan, where, and hew
It’s your VOTE!
December 25, 2023 First Day to Apply for an Absentee Ballot by Mail
January 23, 2024 First Day Registrars Shall Mail an Absentee Ballot by Mail to
Eligible UOCAVA Voter February 12, 2024 First Day Registrars Shall Mail a Regular
Absentee Ballot by Mail
Febmary 12, 2024 Last Day to Register to Vote and Change Name and/or Address on
Voter Registration Febmary 19, 2024 First Day for Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00
a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Febmary 24, 2024 Mandatory Saturday Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m.- 5:00
p.m.
March 1, 2024 Last Day Registrars Shall Accept an Application for Absentee Ballot by
Mail
March 2, 2024 Mandatory Saturday Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
March 8, 2024 Last Day of Advanced In-Person Voting 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.
March 12, 2024 Last Day Registrars Shall Accept an Absentee Ballot By Mail by
7:00 p.m. All Advanced In-Person Voting will take place Monday through Friday
(except for mandatory Saturday voting) from 9:00 am -5:00 pm., at the Screven
County Courthouse; 216 Mims Road, Room 114, Sylvania, GA 30467. To request an
application for an Absentee Ballot by Mail, contact Voter Registration office at 912-
564-2153 or by visiting mvp.sos.ga.gov
SCREVEN COUNTY POLLING PLACES
Precinct/District#!: Hiltonia Town Hall
2386 Waynesboro Hwy. Hiltonia
Precinct/District#2: Senior Citizens Center
209 East Ogeechee Street, Sylvania
Precinct/District #3: Fire Station #10
916 Robbins Branch Road, Sylvania
Precinct/District #4: Newington, Planter’s Annex
100 Ogeechee St. Newington
Precinct/District#5: Jenk Hill Fire Station#2
1170 Jenk Hill Road, Sylvania
Precinct/District #6: Bay Branch Fire Station #9
149 Millerville Road, Rocky Ford
Precinct/District #7: Cail Community Center
304 Mims Road, Sylvania
Precinct #8 Screven Co. Courthouse
Advance in-person voting/Voter’s Registrar’s Office
USD A awards $1 million
for Rural Development
-Special to Sylvania Times
Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project, Inc. (SERCAP), a nonprofit that provides
programs and services for underserved mral communities throughout the Southeastern
United States (VA, DE, MD, NC, SC, FL, and GA), was awarded $1M from USDA Rural
Development to improve economic and community development conditions and create
jobs. SERCAP is one of 1,1000 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
in the United States, which enables SERCAP to play a leading role in important economic
development initiatives so small rural communities can succeed and thrive.
“The rural communities we serve do not have the resources, experience, or expertise to
research or write federal grants like their urban counterparts,” said Hope F. Cupit, President
& CEO. “This 1% interest loan from USDA, which funnels through SERCAP’s Community
Development Loan program, ensures mral communities have a fair chance to receive federal
funds so they can improve the lives of their citizens.”
Examples of projects might include funding for annual audits, a must-have for mral
communities when applying for federal funds, energy efficiency projects, building
acquisitions, affordable housing, and/or renovations, constmction, and land purchases, with
a focus on building community and economic development capacities.
“SERCAP’s Community Development Loan program has extensive experience helping
mral communities with economic and community development efforts,” says Beth Pusha,
Director of SERCAP’s Loan Fund. “During COVID, the Town of Hiltonia, GA, had
people waiting in their cars because the town hall housed several agencies under one roof.
SERCAP’s Community Development Loan program, which provides loans from $10,000
to $250,000, was able to help the Town of Hiltonia build a new town hall to better serve its
citizens.”
Hiltonia's Town Hall's governmental functions and operations were held in an old two-room
railroad depot. When COVID hit and stricter safety guidelines were put in place, Hiltonia's
little Town Hall and Police Department were almost considered in-operational. “The Mayor
and Council had entertained the idea of building a bigger facility but funding from local
banks was very limited,” shared Shannon Phillips, Town Clerk for Hiltonia. “Thanks to
SERCAP, we received a $250,000 loan which made it possible to build a municipal complex
that included a courtroom, conference room, ADA restroom. Mayor's and Chiefs offices,
clerk's office, and a kitchen. The new Town Hall has greatly improved the ways we unite and
engage our community in the issues that matter to them.”
Sylvania City Council
Addresses Public Safety
and Infrastructure
-Sarah Saxon. Reporter
The City of Sylvania convened its council meeting on Tuesday, March 5, with a full roster
of city officials present, including Mayor Preston Dees, Mayor Pro-Tern Cynthia Scott,
City Manager Stacy Mathis, City Clerk Blair Causey, council members John Bolton, James
Kirkland, Laura Mills, Eddie Lovett, Tripp Sheppard, and City Attorney Hugh Hunter.
A public hearing was held to discuss proposed amendments to the zoning ordinance
concerning event venues in C-l & C-2 Zones. The council noted unanimous agreement on
the matter, reflecting a harmonious understanding within the community.
Police and Fire Chief Shane Burke addressed the council regarding the pressing need for
a new fire truck. The existing apparatus, now 20 years old, has been deemed obsolete and
slated for surplus. A replacement, a 1998 model with a 300-gallon ladder tank located near
the North and South Carolina line, was proposed for acquisition.
In financial matters, the council approved the attorney's invoice for January, totaling
$3,040, ensuring legal obligations are met.
City Manager Stacy Mathis initiated discussions about withdrawing from the
intergovernmental agreement with the City of Fitzgerald. The agreement, which involved
providing additional megawatts to Block Stream, became obsolete following the closure of
the company.
Further deliberations centered around the Minder, LLC first amendment and restated
contract for electric power. With current power usage ranging from 27 to 29 megawatts
daily and the potential for expansion up to 50 megawatts, the council reviewed options
to accommodate increased demand, including accessing additional power from MEIG and
Georgia Power.
Amendments to the electric policy were approved, enabling the city to adjust rates and
deposits for locations utilizing over 5 megawatts, ensuring fiscal prudence and sustainability.
A resolution was passed authorizing the city manager to execute loan documents through
Georgia Municipal Associations for the procurement of a utility tmck valued at $48,844.08,
with a 5.54% interest rate over 36 months.
Additionally, Georgia Lawn Care Services was awarded a bid to maintain cemeteries at
Friendship and Memorial for $18,900, enhancing community upkeep.
Lastly, discussions ensued regarding the potential abandonment of a lane behind Peachtree
Circle, previously utilized for trash collection, indicating the council's proactive approach to
optimizing city infrastructure.
The City of Sylvania's council meeting demonstrated a proactive commitment to public
safety, fiscal responsibility, and community development, reflecting a concerted effort to
address key issues facing the municipality.
Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
Meeting of The Friends of Screven County Library
A meeting of the Friends of the Screven County Library will be held on
March 14th at 5:00PM in the meeting room at the library.
Our library is a vital part of our community in many ways. It provides
free reading material, of course (books, magazines, newspapers, etc.).
Beyond that, there is so much more! The library gives our community
free internet, a place to meet with friends, activities for young children,
older children, teens and adults in which to participate.
The library needs our support to enhance the projects and resources that it
already gives to our county. With our help each of these can be broadened
and more Screven Countians can be involved.
Please come to the library on Thursday, March 14th and bring some
friends with you and we can begin to find out what we can do to support
and help our library.
As Sharon Blank says at the end of each of her Sylvania Times library
news columns -
“See you at the library!”
Mary E. Cotton
Sylvania, Georgia
