City of Soperton Council Talks Benefits, Code Enforcement, and Road Projects

The City of Soperton held a workshop on Monday, July 7, 2025, to discuss several key topics, including employee health insurance options, new code enforcement plans, and upcoming infrastructure projects.

William Hall with Taylor Insurance presented the council with potential health insurance plans for the city’s full-time employees. Hall explained that Soperton’s membership in the Greater Toombs Montgomery Chamber allows the city to access competitive rates. The plan under consideration is a Level Premium Self-Funded plan, which combines the benefits of self-insured coverage with financial feasibility for the city. Hall also recommended adding a gap plan to help reduce employees’ out-of-pocket exposure.

Mayor John Koon voiced his support for the proposal, describing it as a valuable recruitment and retention tool. “We’ve squeezed to cut out any overspending, and even halfway through the budget year we are in a great position,” Koon said. “This puts us in a situation to offer benefits and be able to recruit. I think it’s a good idea. The City of Soperton hasn’t had health insurance plans for employees in over twenty years.”

The city currently employs twenty full-time workers. A final decision on whether to offer health insurance will be made at the regular council meeting on July 21.

Newly appointed Fire Chief John Johnson also addressed the council, expressing his pride in returning home to serve his community. “It’s a tremendous pleasure to be able to come home and share my knowledge,” Johnson said. “My mission is to make the City of Soperton a better place. I’m passionate about safety and want the public and council to know I’m here for you—as a servant leader with heart and passion for people.”

In other business, the council approved a contract for Chad Phillips to become the city’s new part-time code enforcement officer. Mayor Koon said the main goal is to help clean up the City of Soperton by fairly and consistently enforcing ordinances already in place. The code enforcement officer will be responsible for enforcing nuisance ordinances, regulating junked and abandoned vehicles, enforcing the disorderly house ordinance, and managing building permits.

City Attorney Paul Calhoun explained that violations will be handled through quarterly City Court sessions. He also stressed that ordinances were put in place to protect city residents. “After Hurricane Helene, work was done without licenses and homeowners were taken advantage of,” Calhoun said. Any residents with questions about ordinances or who would like to obtain a copy may do so at City Hall.

Mayor Koon added, “Council and I made a commitment after I got elected, and we have done as much as we can. Now it is time for homes, businesses, and everyone to be a part of it.”

Mayor Koon also shared updates on infrastructure improvements funded through the Local Road Activity program and the Georgia Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant. The Second Street Project, funded by both programs, was awarded to SAB of Vidalia for $160,875, with an additional $17,000 planned for French drains. Koon said he recommends completing the project properly and will ask the council to approve the additional cost at the July 21 meeting.

Transportation Investment Act (TIA) projects are grouped into three phases. Band One includes Evans Street at a cost of $400,000 for sewer and water line work, which was awarded to Sikes Brothers and will begin in the coming weeks. Band Two covers resurfacing for Cerebella Avenue ($60,000), Glenn Street ($125,000), and Manning Street ($31,500), with work set to start in January 2027. Band Three will prepare and pave Winecrest Drive ($500,000) and Abrams Drive ($200,000), with construction scheduled for 2030.

Additional resurfacing projects funded by the Local Road Activity program and the Georgia Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant will target Forest Avenue, Cardinal Drive, Canady Drive, and Outlaw Drive.

The City of Soperton’s leadership says it will continue to update residents as these projects and improvements move forward, keeping the focus on progress and community well-being.