Manchester Council, Citizens Discuss Audit

Photo By Mary Byers
ASKING CONSIDERATION – Rowan Carter appeared before Manchester’s mayor and council for consideration to be appointed to the library board of directors.

By MARY BYERS
Manchester opened their monthly city council meeting by addressing the audit report for the fiscal year 2025. Council member Delisha Hodo wished to correct her prior inquiry, noting that the request was from herself and not the entire city council. She also stated that her intentions for the inquiry were not to come off “heavy-handed.” The report stated that the main two findings from the F.Y. 2025 Audit were in regards to bookkeeping not being maintained as well as it should be and that the same individuals recording funds were doing so without oversight by another person. These issues have been present and remain unresolved for the last two fiscal year findings. One solution would be to hire a financial consultant, which the city has not had since Oct. 2019, but that would cost the city anywhere from $75-100k plus benefits. Another possibility to make improvements is that the city could expand their coverage through Abbott Jordan & Koon to include year end findings. It was emphasized that the money and numbers are accurate, nothing is unaccounted for, but that there is a risk factor to how it is being conducted.
Following Hodo’s overview, the city’s independent auditor Justin Elliott from Mauldin & Jenkins, C.P.A. and Advisors L.L.C. addressed the findings. He reiterated that there was no findings of misappropriation of assets and that the findings are fairly common for small towns such as Manchester. Part of what goes into what is reported is when they find minor areas that need correcting that add up above the threshold. The city was given an unmodified opinion which is overall good. As always, there is room for improvement. Mr. Elliott stated that he recommends bringing in a third-party for close outs at the end of the year, which A.J.K. seem willing to do. As far as separation of tasks, this can be accomplished many ways including dual signatures or reviewing.
“The city has come a long way in the last four years,” stated Mr. Elliott of Mauldin and Jenkins. “There just needs to be certain significant adjustments made. The city is moving in the right direction.”
The next matter of business was the decision to rezone 709 Warm Springs Hwy from C1 to R3. After the public hearing and discussion, it was decided that the front property lot along the highway would be rezoned to R1 while the back lot towards Ted Anderson would be rezoned to R3 with survey and stipulation. The properties surround these lots will not be affected. Mayor and council approved the rezoning.
Brenda Pierson came before the council to speak on community matters. She was partnered with Meka Lowe and Delisha Hodo to help with utility assistance in the area. They were able to help approximately forty senior citizens in the matter, but this brought on the realization that our community needs drastic help with these matters in general. Transportation, comprehension, and technology all provide hurdles. Cathy is willing to open an office in town, but they are requesting help from the city to find a location. Ms. Pierson proposed the Senior Center be an option to consider and hopes for the city to collaborate and help the citizens.
“If Manchester wants to grow, it needs to meet the needs of those already here,” Brenda Pierson encouraged the council.
Rowan Carter appeared before the council for consideration for the Library Board. She is a Pre-K paraprofessional with a degree in English Literature and Composition. She grew up in the library and understands that they provide essential resources for all.
Vic Dowis also appeared before the council Tues. evening to be considered for the Parks and Recreation Board. Mr. Dowis has a well-known reputation with the Manchester Recreation Dept. and after a few years of retirement feels ready for a chance to help out and get involved once more.
The Manchester Development Authority also has seats to fill and had several appearances for consideration. First, Ashley Caudill appeared before the council. Originally from Kentucky, her and her husband landed in Manchester and she fell in love with the area. She served on the Thomaston D.D.A. during the brief time they had moved, and she has an understanding of what it takes to see growth. She believes in questioning what may be the norm in pursuit of what is best for the community. She has training, experience, and believes in taking care of what you have to create opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Teresa Collins also spoke for consideration to the M.D.A. Board. Born and raised right here, Mrs. Collins remembers a time when Manchester flourished. She has seen industry and revenue leave our town while surrounding towns grow. She worked for the state for over thirty years and is very active in the community through Operation Good Neighbor and the Empty Stocking Program.
Voting for the appointments to both the Parks and Recreation Board as well as the M.D.A. Board have been postponed to give equal opportunity and consideration for all parties involved.
City Manager Mark Pullium brought before the mayor and council storm drain repair recommendations Tues. evening. The proposals received included approximately $84k to fix Nebula Rd. and close to $48k to repair Mayes Way, totaling close to $132k in repairs for the storm drains. These two storm drains are compromised and it was emphasized that the repairs are urgent. Funds to cover the costs will come from the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant funds and T.S.P.L.O.S.T. The mayor and council approved the decision to start repairs immediately.
A proposal was made to extend the moratorium regarding the number of liquor stores, vape shops, and offices spaces in the downtown business district. The extension would be for 90 days following the initial time frame which ends in May. It was agreed to consider the matter at a later date with amendments to be made.
Mayor Mark Trimble reminded citizens that the State of the City Address was coming up on April 21st to discuss the city of Manchester’s accomplishments. He also reminded everyone that July 2nd will the the city’s 250th birthday celebration for the United States of America. There are limited vendor spaces left, but Mayor Trimble encouraged everyone to volunteer. There will be food trucks, vendors, games, fireworks, and The Emerald Empire Band.
Following the mayor, Kevin McCarthy of Rare Earths Americas, Inc. spoke regarding the new business that has made Manchester their home. Located in the old Southern Drawl building, their business is to find rare earth elements that have been discovered here in Georgia. Manchester is central to this operation and will possibly allow the country to rely less on other countries such as China for earth metals to produce super magnets. With Manchester’s help, Georgia will be a supply pull away from China moving forward. They are an earth science company with focus in various areas of the United States and Brazil. As of April 14, 2026, they have even listed stock on the New York Stock Exchange.
All council members extended their thanks to the citizens and their involvement that they have shown in city affairs and attending meetings. Delisha Hodo noted that at this rate, the city would need to look into a larger venue for meetings. Mayor Pro-Tem Quardez Warrior reminded everyone that the Keep Meriwether Beautiful Clean Up Day is fast approaching. The date for it is April 25th, and there will be dumpsters located around the county. Councilman Danny Wadsworth commended the Downtown Development Authority for the trees planted along Main St.