By Beverly Harris-Walker
bwalker@jacksonprogress-argus.com

At the Jenkinsburg City Council’s first meeting of the year, Mayor Kenneth Rooks held a brief discussion with the council about the possibility of selling distilled spirits within the city limits.

The council said it would get the public’s view on the issue when the Jenkinsburg Superette applied for its license.

"Allowing the sale of distilled spirits in the city limits is a great way to generate revenue for our city," said Mayor Rooks. “It would be a step out of hicksville for Jenkinsburg.”

The mayor noted that a liqour store just across the Butts County line is enjoying revenue from Butts Countians who purchase products there.

The council also held election of officers.

The city retained Eddie Ford as Mayor Pro Tem.

Council Member Susan Barabas made the motion to reappoint Ford as Mayor Pro Tem. Ford seconded the motion, and it passed unanimously.

Laurie Francis was reappointed as City Clerk, Office Manager, Treasurer, and Election Superintendent for Qualifying & Ethics.

The council also noted an investigation is underway to determine how a city resident has been getting water free of charge.

An attempt to determine whether a water leak on Kudzu Road was the city’s responsibility or the resident's revealed the location lacked a water meter.

"It is unclear where the house is tapped into the main or when the connection was established because there seems to have been a well on the property," said Ford. "We are working to get to the bottom of this, so that we will know what action to take going forward."

The leak was repaired; however, the Public Works department had to address another leak on Highway 42 North before the investigation was completed.