Staff Writer

Upson County Commissioners and Thomaston City Council members met Tuesday night, making them in compliance with Georgia law; something they haven't been for about three years.

Thomaston Mayor Hays Arnold and Upson County Commission Chairman Glenn Collins presided over the meeting.

Perhaps the only sparks from the meeting came when Commissioner Sandra Trice said she didn't think Commissioner Frank Spraggins should serve on a committee.

A proposed committee to discuss joint projects was on the table when Trice made the comment. City Council members Wallace Rhodes and Ed Bell volunteered to serve for the city and Chairman Collins for the county. Spraggins volunteered to serve as well.

“I don't have a problem with Mr. Spraggins serving on that committee, but he also works for the city, and I don't think it would give us enough representation on the board,” Trice said. “I would like to recommend Mr. [Steve] Hudson to serve.”

Spraggins withdrew his offer to serve, and Hudson was appointed to serve.

The joint projects committee was recommended by McIntosh RDC representative Lanier Boatwright in connection with the comprehensive plan.

The committee was approved unanimously.

In discussion for the next committee, which will discuss water agreements between the city and county, Spraggins said he would abstain from serving.

“I would serve but I think it might be a conflict,” Spraggins said. “But I will say that everyone of these commissioners have people that live in the city. I may abstain this time, but I won't do it again.”

City council members Bell and Rhodes will serve along with Commissioner Hudson.

In other business the joint agreement for the Gilmore Center and Thomaston-Upson Arts Council was approved.

Also, both the commission and council will review a fee system for inspection on rental properties.

Hudson said the building and zoning department are spending a lot of time on city apartments and rental homes for inspections and that owners should be charged a fee.

Both government bodies appeared to agree on the issue and voted to look into a fee system.