KEVEN GILBERT
AMERICUS — An extension of the coverage area for Americus Transit was consented to the agenda for the Mayor and City Council’s regular meeting to be held Thursday. The extension will be made to include specified areas outside of the City limits.
The City’s attorney, Jimmy Skipper interjected in the discussion at Monday’s agenda setting meeting, saying that the extension in coverage is contingent on a intergovernmental agreement with the County, since City services will be extended to areas outside of the City limits. The intergovernmental agreement to be written by Skipper will provide for an extension which will include rides to and from Breezeway Day Services on U.S. Highway 280 East. The Breezeway building will serve as a pick-up spot for some county residents. The agreement for City transit services provided outside of the City limits will also include rides to and from South Georgia Technical College, an accommodation which the City already provides. The fare for County residents is $5 one way and $3 one way for City residents. Both fees were increased by the Mayor and City Council last month.
The City has a deal in the works to provide transit services for Middle Flint Behavioral HealthCare clients. The Council consented Monday to approve a memorandum of understanding between the City and Middle Flint for a trial period for transportation services. The memorandum and the transportation service, which will extend outside the City limits, is also contingent on an intergovernmental agreement with Sumter County.
Community and Economic Development director, Mandy Young told the Mayor and Council that the revenue impact would be significant with Middle Flint paying the way for their clients through a voucher system or similar ticketing system. Young said the deal will “increase monthly rides by close to 1,000.”
In an economic development update, Young provided a representation of a full color digital sign to be placed at the end of the Forsyth and Lamar street bridge. The sign concept was approved by the council last month and will be voted on by the Tourism Council later this week.
A series of television commercials highlighting Americus are in the works. The economic development committee is waiting on proposals from WALB in Albany before moving forward with the project. Young told the Council the slogan for the ads will be “Shop, Dine, Stroll, Live, Work, Play.”
Young told the Council that she has met four time with the owner of Locos Restaurant in Albany and the owner of the deli and pub franchise is currently negotiating a price on a building in downtown Americus.
