Graceville City Commission Meeting Concludes With Message of Unity, Forgiveness, and Faith

The Graceville City Commission addressed a full agenda at its recent meeting, approving several key administrative and infrastructure items while closing the evening with a powerful reminder of faith, reconciliation, and community unity.

Among the actions taken, commissioners unanimously approved amendments to the previous fiscal year budget as part of the city’s annual audit requirements, noting that no major changes were necessary. The commission also approved the city’s 2026 holiday schedule, mirroring the current year’s observances.

City Manager Michelle Watkins presented Resolution No. 25-1209, calling for the general election of City Commissioners for Groups 2 and 4. Qualifying for the election will take place February 2–6, 2026, with the election scheduled for April 14, 2026. Commissioners voted unanimously to move forward, continuing the city’s established partnership with the Supervisor of Elections.

Several major infrastructure projects were also advanced. The commission authorized negotiations with Melvin Engineering to provide construction engineering and inspection services for the Cliff Street and Second Avenue project, which includes the bridge behind the Civic Center. Additionally, commissioners approved awarding a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) water system improvement project—pending final reviews—that will bring SCADA remote monitoring and emergency generators to all city wells and elevated tanks. Officials noted the project came in under budget, reflecting improving bid participation.

To support multiple ongoing grant-funded projects, including the delivery of a new fire truck expected within the next 30 to 45 days, the commission approved increasing the city’s line of credit to $750,000. Watkins explained the increase would ensure the city can cover upfront costs while awaiting reimbursements from funding agencies.

The commission also approved asbestos abatement at the former fire department and city hall building, clearing the way for demolition to begin early in the new year.

Watkins provided a comprehensive grant update, announcing that the new fire department facility is complete, fully reimbursed by the state, and will officially open with a ribbon cutting on Thursday, December 18, at 10 a.m. Updates were also shared on road projects, sewer improvements, and the city’s planned splash pad, which is undergoing additional environmental review due to its proximity to Little Creek.

While the meeting included progress reports and approvals, it was the closing moments that left a lasting impression.

During citizen comments, Tim Welborn addressed the commission with a heartfelt apology to City Manager Watkins, acknowledging past wrongdoing and emphasizing the importance of repentance, forgiveness, and obedience to God. Welborn spoke openly about personal conviction, humility, and the healing power of reconciliation, expressing a desire to move forward in love and unity.

Watkins graciously accepted the apology, reminding those present that the city serves “a generous and loving God,” and emphasized the importance of forgiving one another as God forgives.

Commissioners echoed the message, sharing reflections rooted in Scripture and faith. Several referenced biblical teachings on love, humility, and reconciliation, encouraging the community to remain focused on compassion rather than division. Commissioners expressed gratitude for the moment, describing it as healing, humbling, and reflective of Graceville’s heart.

Mayor Walter Olds closed the meeting by reinforcing the importance of forgiveness, positivity, and unity—especially during the Christmas season—and encouraged the community to continue working together with faith at the center.

As the meeting adjourned, the prevailing sentiment was one of renewal: a city moving forward not only with infrastructure and planning, but with hearts aligned toward grace, reconciliation, and hope as Graceville enters the new year grounded in God.

The full meeting transcript can be found in the January 1st edition of The Graceville News.

To Subscribe To The Graceville News visit Pricing Plans.