LANETT – A former city manager in Lanett just keeps getting surprised by Mayor Kyle McCoy.

Current City Chaplain Bobby Williams was honored at the Lanett Tree Lighting earlier this month as the 2018 Lanett Tree Lighting Honoree. During the Lanett City Council meeting Monday, he was given a plaque for the honor.

Williams is a former city manager, Chambers County Development Authority President, Lanett School Board Chairman and Chattahoochee Valley Water Supply District member.

McCoy called Williams one of the most significant people in the community.

“People do not know what all you do,” he said. “You will not let anybody talk about your good deeds, but I can assure you they are well respected.”

Williams said he was he speechless the night he was honored.

“I am so thankful for the comments I have had all over town since then,” he said.

There wasn’t much business conducted at the meeting Monday, but the council did approve a bid to Chris Cark Grading and Paving, Inc., of Lanett to pave a few streets.

The bid specifications say South 13th Street will be paved from South 8th Avenue to the intersection of South 5th Avenue.  South 3rd Street, from 8th Avenue to the intersection of South 11th Avenue will be done, and North 14th Street, from North 6th Street to the intersection of North 2nd Street will also be paved.

The accepted bid was $55,757.50.

In the spirit of the holidays, councilmembers wished all their constituents a Merry Christmas and a happy new year, along with wishing Councilwoman Shirley Motley a happy birthday.

Councilman Tony Malone also took time to make sure people remembered the reason behind the Christmas holiday.

“I just want to remind all the citizens to remember the reason for the season, which is to remember the birth of Jesus Christ,” he said.

McCoy spoke last Monday night and talked about how proud he was of the city during the holidays. 

“Despite the challenges we face and our occasional differences, during the holiday season we come together to help one another, to worship together and to give thanks for our many blessings,” he said.

He thanked the many city employees and first responders, “who strive to give the best possible services to citizens day in and day out.”

He also said to not forget about the local retailers during the holiday shopping season.

“They supported us year-round, and we need to support them now,” McCoy said. “Local retailers not only provide essential goods and services but they provide jobs. So, during the holidays and all year long, shop locally first.”

The mayor then wished everybody a peaceful Christmas and healthy and prosperous New Year and adjourned the meeting.