The Ludowici City Council approved a proposed rezoning of parcel at Monday night's meeting on August 24, 2026.

The proposed rezoning will take place at N. McDonald Street, and it will change from residential to commercial. However, there were some concerns about allowing the homes on that street to remain homes and limiting the amount of commercialization.

The representative from Jedi Paint & Restoration was there on behalf of Juan Diaz, who requested the rezoning.

"It will not be a large scale, and we plan to keep it small and operate in the surrounding area," Evans said.

Evans' remarks also pertained to the level of parking, which was also a point of contention.

The Council talked about the consideration of a proposed sidewalk project for South Macon Street.

The Council has a proposal to proceed with the project via Hofstadter and Associates. There has already been a cost analysis in the amount of $894,000.

The City Council is already applying for a grant, and this past Friday was the deadline to apply. The Council confirmed they have applied for the grant.

However, Mayor Jim Fuller spoke about the possibility of the project coming to fruition and how much aggravation it might cost the City of Ludowici.

Mayor Fuller made references to citizens worrying about elements, such as which side of the road the project will be on as well as the right-of-way.

"If we are awarded, we need to prepare," Mayor Fuller said. "It will be real inconvenient before it becomes convenient again."

Mayor Fuller insists that this will be a point of conflict until all parties involved can come to a civil and realistic solution. However, Mayor Fuller also stated that he is confident the City will receive the grant to go forward.

The Council approved a motion for consideration of the AirMedCare contract proposal.

The agreement is for $7,357 a year. AirMedCare will provide air medical transport to the citizens of Ludowici when medically necessary. Other benefits will include a $55 standard use and a $45 charge for seniors 60 years or older.

The Council discussed the establishment of rezoning application fees.

This will pertain to anyone who will pay fees for rezoning. Those individuals who apply will have to go before the Planning and Zoning Board and make recommendations.

The Council approved the 2025 CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) bid award to KDUG Corporation. The bid from KDUG was $837,000. Their services will only impact lower income areas.

One area KDUG will be focusing on will be Bratcher Street, where a pipe replacement will take place, and outside door infiltration in the ponds as well as a generator on the lift station.

The Council reappointed Julia Smiley to the Long County Library Trustee Board. Smiley's term began July 1, 2026, and will run through June 30, 2029.

The General Fund Bank Balance currently sits at $861,608 with zero bills.

The Water/Sewer Bank Balance currently sits at $64,651 with zero bills.

The General Fund Savings is at $935,565. SPLOST is at $785,976.

The next Ludowici City Council meeting will be on Monday, September 14, at 6 p.m., at Ludowici City Hall.