Canton officials approve public safety measures, major facility upgrades in June sessions

By Courtney Warren

The Canton Mayor and Board of Aldermen advanced several infrastructure upgrades, facility renovations and public safety measures during their regular bi-weekly meetings this June. Led by Mayor Tim C. Taylor, City officials approved an array of municipal investments, heavily utilizing both American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations and state Modernization Funds to update City infrastructure and public properties.

At the June 2 meeting, the Board prioritized substantial facility and infrastructure maintenance. Officials authorized $46,923.53 in ARPA funds to paint the interior sections of the Multipurpose Complex and an additional $10,649.68 for exterior painting. The Canton Community Center received approvals for $14,810 in electrical and lighting upgrades, alongside $3,720 for critical roof repairs. Major infrastructure developments included ratifying a contract and approving a $173,800 payment to Southeastern Pipeline for the Crisco Ditch project, as well as authorizing Canton Municipal Utilities to perform up to $43,711 in water and gas utility work for the Adeline and Johnson Street Project.

The Board also utilized Modernization Funds during their first June session to heavily upgrade the City’s operational fleet. Purchases included a 16-foot dump trailer for $11,999, a lawn trailer for $6,691.40, two Cushman haulers for $13,467.95 each, a bush cutter for $6,895, and a Kubota tractor equipped with a loader and bucket for $46,503.64. Additionally, Drew’s Design & Construction was awarded a $21,565 contract to renovate Court Services, and the City entered a partnership with Revive to offer health benefits services to municipal employees.
During the June 16 meeting, City leaders shifted their focus toward local policy updates and community safety. The Board enacted an Emergency Proclamation ratifying a City ordinance for a juvenile curfew and approved an amended ordinance targeting nuisance properties and inspections. To increase accessibility for residents, the Board also passed a resolution establishing a policy to reduce facility and equipment rental fees for both the Canton Multipurpose Complex and the Canton Community Center.

Renovations continued mid-month as officials approved a $99,342 ARPA expenditure for GCE Glass Company to install new doors and windows at the Community Center, plus $52,634 for new tables and chairs to be shared between the center and the Multipurpose Complex. Ahead of local holiday celebrations, the Board approved an inclement weather plan for the Juneteenth usage agreement, allowing for the temporary closure of a portion of Center Street if event grounds become too wet. Final operational updates included appointing Tedmond Whitehead to the Architecture Review Board, while the Canton Historical Society was tapped to provide architectural and engineering services for the Train Depot.