The Hogansville city council took an extended period of time to discuss a proposed hike in sanitation rates and an update on dilapidated properties in the city during a work session Thursday night.  

A proposed fee for trash cans of $16.50, a $1 increase over the current rate, is to be voted on during the next Hogansville City Council meeting. Additionally, an increase in cost for the one-time-payment when opening a new account for sanitation will also be considered. 

As City Manager David Milliron, brought the council up to date on the city’s utility finances, he said they are ahead of last year. 

“The financial condition is improving, but you still have the offsets of the fact that you will have to start paying the USDA debt next year,” Milliron said. 

Councilman Reginald Jackson requested an update on the multiple dilapidated properties within the community. One in particular on Elm Street is causing the most trouble for the council. 

“There is no clear sanction of who the property owners are, and [there are] some discrepancies in the change of hands for the title,” Milliron said. 

“In order to clear title and take adverse possession of the title, we have to go through the lawsuit process.” 

The lawsuit will cost approximately $10,000 to acquire the title and then an additional cost of another $10,000 for the nuisance abatement process, which will condemn it. The council can choose to do both, one or the other or let the property continue to stand in ruins.  

Along with an update on the Elm Street project, other properties were looked at as well that are currently being renovated or demolished. 

Other items discussed at the work session were: 

4A letter pertaining the new names of parks discussed at the previous council meeting on Monday was mailed and delivered to the county recreation board informing them of the vote. 

4A draft of the plaque that will go in front of Lake Jimmy Jackson was presented to the council. 

4Forms for an annual review of the city manager were dispersed among the council and are due by Friday, June 28.

The city council will meet next on Monday, July 1 at 7 p.m.