City of Bainbridge -

As we watch for updates regarding possible severe weather later this week, prepare now by downloading Decatur County EMA's app to stay weather aware.

City Council will hold their regularly scheduled monthly meeting this evening at 6:30 PM at City Hall. You can find the agenda for that meeting online here: https://www.bainbridgecity.com/documents/your-government/agendas-%26-minutes/2024/09%2F17%2F24-city-council-meeting/704512

A little rain couldn't put a damper on Saturday's Downtown of the Year celebration! Kids enjoyed a scavenger hunt and face painting before live music from the Kason Sellers Band kicked off in the gazebo. Such a fun day to celebrate with our community and applaud those that have had their hand in making our downtown what it is today!

Yesterday, we celebrated the retirement of Steve Winburn with a drop in reception. We will miss his enthusiasm, personality, work ethic but mostly his hugs! Originally from Gainesville, Florida, George “Steve” Winburn has been employed with the City of Bainbridge as Assistant City Engineer for 13 years. Prior to his time with the city, he worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation. His hobbies include hunting and growing turmeric. When he’s not working, hunting or planting turmeric, he spends most of his time drinking sweet tea. We wish Steve all of the best in retirement and trust that he knows the impact he made on our residents, his coworkers and our community!

On Friday, September 6th, after school released, a verbal threat was made against Bainbridge High School. Decatur County School Police investigated throughout the weekend and arrested a juvenile who was taken into custody PRIOR to school on Monday, September 9th. Despite rumors, there were no firearms found at Bainbridge High School or any schools associated with this threat. On Thursday, September 12th, threats were made on social media in reference to Homecoming events being held on Saturday, September 14th in Bainbridge, Georgia. A juvenile has been arrested and is in custody. On Thursday, September 12th, a separate threat was made against Bainbridge Middle School. A different juvenile has been arrested for this incident and is also in custody. Decatur County School Police, Bainbridge Public Safety, Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Bureau of Investigations, Department of Juvenile Justice along with many other local and state agencies have assisted in making these arrest. Investigations continue on previous threats made to Decatur County Schools on Monday, September 9th and Spring Creek Charter Academy on Thursday, September 12th. Our county, along with surrounding counties, have ongoing investigations to determine the source(s) of these social media posts.

Thanks to those who came to our first Bainbridge Connect: Fiber Chat that we held at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center last night. Residents who attended were able to hear from Interim City Manager Roy Oliver on the Fiber to the Home Project, meet our fiber staff, ask questions and see first-hand our fiber service in action. Stay tuned for the date and location of our next Fiber Chat!

We had a great turnout at the Bainbridge Animal Services Center ribbon cutting this morning! Because of the rainy conditions, we moved it into the multi-purpose room at the center and we were welcomed by Mayor Pro Tem Kregg Close who spoke to the collaborative spirit of the Humane Socety and both the city and county that allowed the much-needed facility to become a reality. Councilman Don Whaley then gave the invocation. Humane Society Board Chairman Dennie Nichols then spoke to the group and recognized the many people who have been involved in this effort including the shelter staff, the many volunteers, the Humane Society Board of Directors, the Decatur County Board of Commissioners and the Bainbridge City Council. Long standing board member Jenny Herring then addressed to the group and surprised Dennie with a plaque acknowledging her family's donation of the land where the shelter now sits. It was great morning recognizing the accomplishments of so many and celebrating the continued spirit of collaboration, generosity and compassion that defines our community.

We have a few exciting events lined up for tomorrow! Join us at the ribbon cutting of the new Bainbridge Animal Services building on Zorn Rd at 10:00 AM, and then bring the family back to the shelter from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM for tours of the facility and other fun activities. At 6:00 PM join us at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center for Bainbridge Connect- A Fiber Chat to learn more about our new fiber service to the home roll out!

Southeast Disc Golf Events ran their second flex tournament at the Bainbridge Oaks Disc Golf Course this past Saturday with over 80 players! It was the largest flex tournament they have run thus far!

As part of our Downtown of the Year Celebration being held this Saturday in Willis Park, we will be having a Downtown Scavenger Hunt! Fun for all ages, meet at 1:00 PM in the park to get your first clue!

Do you have questions about our new fiber service? Join us at the Joe Sweet Jr Community Center Thursday at 6:00 PM to meet our knowledgeable fiber staff, learn more about pricing options, find out when service to your neighborhood will be available and sign up for service!

The Bainbridge City Council is pleased to announce that Roy Oliver has been selected as the sole finalist for the position of City Manager. This decision comes after an extensive search conducted by a leading search firm, which reviewed more than 20 candidates and conducted final in-person interviews earlier this week. Oliver’s appointment is set to be confirmed at a special called meeting of the Bainbridge City Council scheduled for September 20, 2024.

CSX Transportation has recently announced a track maintenance project that will begin on Monday, September 9th, 2024. This project includes the installation of new railroad ties along parts of the CSX Bainbridge Main-Line subdivision. It is an overall 1-week project that will end on/around 9/13/24. They have created a Google map that will allow you to view each crossing impacted. The map will highlight exactly where the crossings are located. https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/edit?mid=1OMYSJOl5fqlwfaCwUhgDkKWZE0-y4AA&usp=sharing

Bainbridge was recognized again today for recently being named the 2024 Georgia Downtown of the Year by the Georgia Downtown Association. At the monthly Chamber Connect luncheon, Amanda Glover, the Downtown Development Authority Director, was asked to step forward to briefly say a few words on what this honor means to our community and how hard many people have worked for the past 30 years to make downtown Bainbridge the place it is today. Again, we say thank you to past and present small business owners and to the Mayor, City Council and the Downtown Development Authority board for the vision and commitment they shared.

Thanks to everyone who attended our Comprehensive Plan Meeting last Thursday! We had a great turnout and received lots of wonderful feedback. Mark your calendars for the next meeting that will be held September 26 that will be a charrette style discussion focused on alternatives, place-making and land use.

City Council will hold a Special Called meeting today at 6:30 PM at City Hall. The purpose of the meeting is in regard to the FY 24/25 budget. You can find the agenda for the meeting online here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/4404/bainbridgecity/4754780/09.03.24__Agenda_-_Special_Called_Session_-_Public_Hearing.pdf

All non emergency City of Bainbridge offices will be closed Monday, September 2 in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Residential trash pickup will be adjusted for the week. Monday's route will be picked up on Tuesday, Tuesday's route will be picked up on Wednesday and so on. Should you need to make a utility payment, you may do so online at www.bainbrigecity.com or at the payment kiosks located on Broad and Clark Streets. Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day holiday!

Reminder about tonight's Comprehensive Plan Meeting tonight at 6:00 PM:

Last night at the Georgia Downtown Association annual awards ceremony, Downtown Bainbridge was named "DOWNTOWN OF THE YEAR." This accolade belongs to everyone who has played a role in making Bainbridge the vibrant, welcoming, and thriving downtown that it is today. From our local business owners, who have worked tirelessly to create unique and inviting spaces, to our city planners and officials, who have ensured that growth and development are in harmony with our town's rich heritage and natural beauty. To the residents who show unwavering support for local enterprises, and to the visitors who return time and again, captivated by the charm and character of Bainbridge. Let us celebrate this moment, but let us also take it as inspiration to keep moving forward, to keep investing in our community, and to keep working together to make Bainbridge the best it can be.

We’re thrilled to announce that Bainbridge has been honored with the 2024 Downtown of the Year award at the Georgia Downtown Association Annual Conference in Thomasville! 🏆🎊 This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work, vision, dedication, and passion of so many. A heartfelt thank you to our Mayor and City Council, the Downtown Development Authority Board members, and every business owner who has poured their heart and soul into making Downtown Bainbridge the vibrant and thriving place it is today. Here’s to celebrating this win and the community that made it possible!