By Ella McGalliard

HAWKINSVILLE — The Hawkinsville Board of Commissioners approved a tighter litter control ordinance Monday that lowered the maximum allowable grass and weed height on properties from 12 inches to 8 inches before a violation can be issued.

The change, part of Ordinance Amendment 2026-2-Litter Control, passed unanimously at the commission’s regular May 4 meeting at City Hall.

Commissioners also approved a bid from KWiL Architecture to provide architectural services for a new animal control facility, though no cost details were included in meeting materials.

Three new businesses received occupational tax approval: R&S Critter Lodge, operated by Carmen Floyd at 19 Spring Valley Drive; Happy Handyman, operated by Alejandro Figueroa at 2 Woodrow Miller St.; and La Calandria, a Mexican food truck operated by Citlali Acosta at 851 Ashley St.

In other discussion, commissioners approved a Utility Management Service Agreement and renewed the 2026-2027 Classic Main Street Memorandum of Understanding. The board also approved a FY26 budget amendment related to 2023 SPLOST funds.

Chairman Ken Clark appointed Jessica Davies to the Public Health Board, filling the unexpired term previously held by Commissioner Tate Mashburn.

A vote on a Hawkinsville/Pulaski County Recreation Board appointment was tabled.

The board also cast its ballot for the Georgia Municipal Association’s district election, supporting Edward Armijo for president, Denese Shinholster for first vice president, Michael Chidester for second vice president, and LaRhonda Patrick for third vice president.

The next city commissioner meeting will be held on June 1 at 6 p.m. for discussion, decisions and hearing from the citizens of Hawkinsville.

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