Grovetown, Georgia Development News
GatherGov Agents listens to meetings 24/7 delivering the latest real estate development updates, legislation, and news.
Development News from the latest meeting
7/13/2026 City Council Meeting Part 1
Published: Jul 13, 2026
City Proposes Fee Agreement for New Water Utility Maintenance Office
The city is seeking approval to enter into a scope addition/fee agreement with Johnson LeChauber and Associates for architectural and engineering services for a new water utility maintenance office and storage building. The estimated cost for these services is $89,500. This fee represents approximately 11-12% of the total project cost, which is considered high due to anticipated challenges in the site's location near the wastewater treatment plant, including a force main, headworks, and drainage issues. The total estimated cost for the building is between $700,000 and $800,000. Johnson LeChauber and Associates has previously worked with the city on projects such as the renovation of Liberty Park Community Center and the expansion of Liberty Park.
City Council Reviews 2025-2026 Amended Annual Budget
The City Council is reviewing the first reading of ordinance 2025-05-01 Bravo to adopt the 2025-2026 amended annual balance budget. The budget amendments include significant adjustments such as a $2.8 million increase in capital purchases for the Harlem Grove Town Road Paving Project and the depot project completion using prior year funds and ARP funding. A land acquisition for Fire Station One, partially funded by SPLOST and reserves, is also noted. A $1.8 million transfer from ARP funds to the Newman Town Road waterline upsizing project is recorded as an expense in the general fund. Other adjustments include a $300,000 increase for contingency, increases in health and life insurance, property/vehicle/liability insurance due to the depot coming online, and a phone refresh expense moved from SPLOST to the general fund as it was not considered capital in nature by city policy (requiring items to exceed $5,000 individually). Revenue offsets include FEMA reimbursements and higher-than-budgeted revenues from recreation due to the depot rentals. The budget is balanced by $2,701,000 from the prior year fund balance. The overall budget increased by $5.5 million, with over half being anticipated expenses from prior years requiring adjustment for audit purposes.
City Proposes Monthly Bulk Waste Pickups and Updated Enforcement Procedures
The city is proposing updated bulk waste guidelines and dates, moving from bi-weekly pickups to monthly pickups. This change is scheduled to begin October 1, 2026. Enforcement procedures are also being updated: a first violation results in a written warning, a second violation in a written notice of violation (which could potentially be taken to court), and a third violation leads to termination of bulk waste services for at least one year. Further violations after termination could result in an illegal dumping citation from the police department, with fines. The city will use SAGES software to provide evidence in court. Key changes to what will not be picked up include adding box springs (previously only mattresses were specified) and no longer accepting carpet and padding. The updated guidelines will be mailed, advertised, and posted online.
City Seeks Approval for Design Services for New Fire Station One
The city is recommending approval of a fee agreement with Johnson LeChauber and Associates for design, development, construction documents, bidding assistance, and construction administration services for a new Fire Station Number One. The agreement includes $25,000 for the design phase and $315,000 plus or minus for construction administration services. The estimated building cost is $4.2 million, funded by SPLOST. The city purchased the land for the station approximately six months ago. A preliminary design meeting has already occurred. The council is aware that additional funding sources are being explored, including potentially reallocating $1 million from tier three of the current SPLOST, which would require council approval. The goal is to build an adequate fire station, even if it means compromising on certain 'bells and whistles' if additional funding is not secured.
City Council Considers 2026 Millage Rate, Explains Tax Increase Dynamics
The City Council is considering the adoption of the 2026 millage rate of 6.948 mils. This rate represents a 2.22% effective tax increase, which is a result of increased home assessments, not an increase in the millage rate itself. The city has completed all required public hearings and legal advertisements. The tax bill is calculated based on 40% of the appraised value (assessed value) multiplied by the millage rate. Even if the millage rate remains constant, an increase in home value will lead to higher property taxes. The city has no control over home appraisals, which are determined by the Columbia County Tax Assessor's office. The advertisement regarding the tax increase uses legally required wording from the state of Georgia, explaining that increased assessments can lead to higher taxes even with a maintained millage rate.
Get Weekly Development News of Grovetown
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news.
From $25/year
The Grovetown News archive
7/16/2026 Planning Commssion Meeting
7/16/2026 Planning Commssion Meeting
7/13/2026 10AM Millage Rate Public Hearing
7/13/2026 City Council Meeting Part 2
7/13/2026 10AM Millage Rate Public Hearing
7/13/2026 City Council Meeting Part 1
Get it now for $25/year. Stay ahead of market moving news. Get your edge today.
GatherGov Market Intelligence
For Owners & Developers
See entitlement risk and deploy capital where there is the highest probability of return
For AEC
Win more projects by discovering opportunities before your competitors do.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grovetown ,Georgia Real Estate Development
Get Weekly Development News of Grovetown, Georgia | From $25/year