Soperton City Council Holds Somber But Productive Meeting
Mayor John Koon, before going into the meeting’s agenda, spoke about the tragic shooting that occurred in town the day before on Sunday, October 5, taking the life of a child and seriously injuring another. He updated everyone on the case based on the press release he had received from Soperton Chief of Police. Koon asked that everyone please continue to pray for the victim that is still in hospital and to keep the families of these two children in their prayers as well as others who are affected by this tragedy. He also spoke of his appreciation of the tireless work of the many law enforcement agencies and officers involved in the case and its ongoing development.
The first agenda item was for council to adopt a resolution to accept a bid from East Georgia Tree Service in the amount of $465,650.00 for the Tiger Creek Rehabilitation Project. Part of this amount would be covered by grant monies from NRCF and possibly GCBD. The resolution was adopted.
The council also approved a bid of $154,125.00 for East Coast Asphalt out of Douglas for work to be done on Canady Avenue, Forest Avenue, and West Alabama Avenue. The work may possibly include Hyman Avenue and a part of Bell Avenue. The mayor reported work on Evans Street is underway and that the work done on Second Street looks really good.
A discussion regarding the Fire Department’s Safer Grant expiring and the department previous request for the city to help with funding to keep current employees in place. The council agreed to provide salary funding in the amount of $9,000 through the end of the year and then revisit at first of year. The salary funding changes are to go into effect immediately.
The topic of the coming 2026 Fiscal Year City Taxes and whether or not the millage rate will need to be raised was addressed. Mayor Koon felt raising the rate, and therefore taxes, would have to be in order to move the city forward. “The city’s mileage rate of .0038 has been the same for more than 20 years. I know it may not be a popular thing to do even among council, but we have to do what is best for the city.” After much input from several council members, it was determined the millage rate would be reevaluated after the budget for the FY 2026 was determined. The mayor stated, “Bottom line, either you raise the millage rate and therefore city taxes or you cut services. One or the other.”
Public safety concerns about happenings on MLK Jr. Drive specifically in the downtown area locally referred to as “the Bottom” were addressed as well as the recent law enforcements effort to address these concerns. On Friday night, October 2, there was a combined effort between the Soperton City Police, Treutlen County Sheriff Department, Georgia State Patrol and the GBI to address these concerns. As a result of this, there were several arrests made. Also, the “Corner Pocket,” which is licensed to Don Austin, was closed down. The Corner Pocket was licensed only for a pool hall operation. However, it was observed by law enforcement that the business was serving food and beverages, alcoholic and otherwise. Also card playing gambling was being allowed. The mayor called for a roll call vote on the business license suspension. All council members voted for suspension. The next step, according to the mayor, is for Chief of Police Scott to serve Austin with a written business license suspension notice. Austin can, if he so chooses, attend a hearing to present his case.
An Executive Session was then called. After the session convened, the mayor gave two reminders. The public forum meeting regarding the new city truck routes will be held October 16 at City Hall beginning at 7 p.m. The city’s Trick or Treat night will be Thursday night, October 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled city council meeting is Monday, October 20, 2025 at 6 p.m. at City Hall.
