By Zoë Pickett
The Springhill City Council met Monday evening for its regular December session, moving efficiently through routine items while also receiving updates on Main Street activities and several community announcements.
Main Street Manager Tanya Capps and former acting director Amie Poladian briefed the council on recent Downtown Roadmap meetings and thanked residents who participated in the planning process. Poladian noted that while the master plan is a vision rather than a strict directive, it positions Springhill to pursue major national grants that previously were not available without a formal plan in place.
Poladian also recognized the success of the recent Mistletoe Market and Christmas parade, describing strong attendance of 1,000 people despite the rainy weather. The Main Street board is now seeking additional members, as longtime board president Brianna Savoy rotated off this year. Capps announced that the city’s next major event will be the Mardi Gras Parade, scheduled for Friday, January 30.
The council voted to table discussion of the city’s burn ordinance to allow more time for review. Members approved the 2026 alcohol license renewals, noting that a few establishments on the renewal list must complete payment before licenses are issued.
Major infrastructure funding also moved forward as the council authorized the mayor to enter an agreement with the Delta Regional Authority for a $335,000 grant to construct a lift station on 7th Street SE. A companion resolution approved an additional $75,000 in city funds and preserves administrative authority for any incoming mayor.
In police department matters, the council reinstated Officer Amandia Hamilton following clarification from the district attorney’s office that the charges involved were not prosecutable. The council also approved moving Anna Gonzalez to full-time status following the retirement of Officer Cliff Causey. Council members then approved November bills totaling $115,623.
Mayor Ray Huddleston announced that the Springhill Press, the city’s long-running official journal, will publish its final issue on December 19. The council expects to name a new official journal in January. The mayor recognized longtime staff and former owners for decades of service to the community.
Mayor Huddleston also acknowledged Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Frazier for coordinating a successful Christmas concert at the Westside Community Center, which featured gifts, bicycles, and holiday fun for local children. Council members expressed appreciation for city employees who worked to prepare and light the city for the Christmas season, noting that Springhill’s decorations compare favorably to surrounding communities.
Additionally, it was announced that the Fuller Center has secured a $25,000 grant to assist low-income families with heir property issues, offering free legal support. Bonvenu Bank is the sponsors. Additional grant efforts are underway with hopes of helping residents with home repair needs in the future.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned