The Council approved settlement terms in the fire fee case, with Councilmember Hatala opposed and Councilmember Bowes recused; the motion took no position on the class definition. The Council also approved a City vehicle for City Manager Chris Lovell beginning July 1, 2026, after Mayor Cox broke a tie.

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Briefing

Jun 2, 2026

Council Raises Court Technology Fee

The council approved increasing the municipal court technology fee from $15 to $19, effective June 3, 2026, to fund a new case management system.

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Briefing

May 5, 2026

Council Rejects Airport Support Withdrawal

Council voted 3-1 to disapprove a resolution that would have withdrawn Richmond Hill’s potential financial support for the airport authority; Councilmember Cindy Hatala opposed. The airport authority had not requested city funding, according to the minutes. Council also introduced a proposed increase in the municipal court technology fee from $15 to $19, but took no action because it was a first reading.

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Briefing

Apr 30, 2026

Council Approves Fire Equipment Purchases

The council approved up to $510,000 for a used pumper fire engine and up to $62,000 for a Ford F-550 with a cascade system. It also authorized budget amendments using unobligated SPLOST funds, including an estimated $37,000 addition for the F-550.

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Briefing

Apr 7, 2026

Council Approves Parker’s Kitchen Development

The Council approved two variances and a conditional use for a vehicle service station at U.S. Highway 17 and Belfast Keller Road, allowing the proposed Parker’s Kitchen layout to proceed. It also approved a $385,673 increase to the EOM operations contract, bringing it to $5,249,357.

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Briefing

Mar 26, 2026

Police Chief Search Suspended

Richmond Hill suspended its external search for a police chief and will evaluate Interim Chief Cary Hill for the permanent role over the coming months.

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Briefing

Mar 3, 2026

Council approves street work and EV station

The council unanimously approved $541,299.25 in 2026 street-resurfacing projects, including $314,681.25 in city funding. It also approved a conditional use for an electric-vehicle fast-charging station at 4720 Hwy 17, with required fire blankets, emergency shutoffs as applicable, and visible emergency contact information.

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Briefing

Feb 19, 2026

Council Hears Camellia Row PUD Amendment

The City Council held a public hearing and first reading for an amendment to the Robertson Tract (Camellia Row) planned unit development. No one spoke for or against the proposal, and the minutes do not record a final vote or decision on the amendment.

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Briefing

Feb 17, 2026

Council Delays Airport Support Decision

The City Council postponed discussion of whether to withdraw Richmond Hill’s support for the proposed airport until the March workshop, pending legal advice on financial and legal risks.

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Briefing

Feb 3, 2026

City Appoints Counsel to Investigate Contamination

The City Council unanimously appointed Aaron Kappler as special counsel to investigate and potentially pursue a public nuisance case involving the former Caesarstone property. The minutes cite reports, as of February 2, of silica contamination, hazardous waste barrels, and elevated arsenic at the site.

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Briefing

Jan 29, 2026

Cindy Hatala Elected Mayor Pro-Tem

Cindy Hatala was elected Mayor Pro-Tem by a 3-2 vote, with Mayor Kristi Cox breaking the tie. Council also approved the consent agenda, including a first reading of changes to alcohol-license distance requirements and numerous alcohol licenses.

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Briefing

Jan 20, 2026

Council Reviews Bridge and City Projects

The Council reviewed a $1,495,640 low bid for the Brisbon Road pedestrian bridge, with the City’s 50% share listed as $747,820. The workshop also covered five future capital-plan purchases, potential road resurfacing applications due February 1, and a proposed reduction in the alcohol-sales distance from schools and daycares.

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Briefing

Jan 6, 2026

New Mayor and Councilmembers Take Office

Kristi Cox was sworn in as mayor, and Cindy Hatala and Kevin Bowes were sworn in as councilmembers. The council voted 3-1 to postpone choosing and swearing in a mayor pro-tem until its next meeting.

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