City of Valdosta Issues December 30 COVID-19 Update on Services and Facilities

The local Department of Health stated that on December 30, 2020, stating in the last two weeks, our 10 county district COVID-19 positivity has increased from 15 to 27 percent. Until further notice, all city facilities will be closed to the public beginning on January 1, 2021. This includes Municipal Court, City Hall, Utilities, Public Works, the City Hall Annex, and Mathis Auditorium. 

Consistent with guidance on limiting the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing, we ask you to please communicate with our staff over the telephone and online. Visit the City’s website at valdostacity.com for information on services, forms, or other items you need. Staff email addresses are also available online to conduct business via email.

The lobby of the Customer Service Department is closed. We ask citizens to pay at the drive-through, over the phone, at the dropbox in the Customer Service parking lot, or through the website. Customer Service has placed signs on their doors asking customers to use the drive-thru. We also have a walk-up window located on the Northside of the building for assistance with new sign-ups for utility services and business and liquor licenses. Customer Service can be reached by phone at 229-259-3510 or email [email protected].

Sign-ups and Disconnects are also being handled through the walk-up window on the Northside of the building or can be sent to our email utilitybill@valdostacity.com.

There are two drive-thru lanes available for payments only. We are taking credit cards and not requiring the bill for payments.

You can keep up to date with the City of Valdosta by following us on social media via Facebook, Nextdoor, Twitter, or Instagram.

Valdosta-Lowndes Co. Airport Authority Meeting
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
 9:00 am
Valdosta Regional Airport, Airport Conference Room

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority is a political subdivision of the State of Georgia created by an act of the General Assembly (H.B. No. 893) and was established effective May 1, 1987. The basic responsibility of the Authority is to construct, own, maintain, expand, and operate any and all public airports in Lowndes County. The Authority is charged with the establishment, maintenance, and operation of a unified and coordinated airport system for public welfare, safety, and convenience. The Authority has all the powers necessary or convenient for its purposes, which include the power to contract for, lease, acquire, and dispose of any and all property required to accomplish the responsibilities of the Authority. The Authority has the responsibility to properly manage and account for all assets that come into its possession. The operating budget of the Authority shall be funded equally by the City and County from the general revenues of the local governments. The Authority has the responsibility to develop and expand sources of revenue generated by airport operations to reduce the need for local government revenues where such is reasonable and proper.

The Valdosta-Lowndes County Airport Authority meets the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. in the Airport Conference Room located at 1750 Airport Road.  View the 2020 Airport Authority Meeting Schedule.

For more information, please contact Teresa Bolden, City Clerk, at (229) 259-3503 or E-mail or contact Jim Galloway, Executive Director, Valdosta Regional Airport, at (229) 333-1833 or E-mail, or visit the Valdosta Regional Airport website. 

Valdosta City Council Work Session
Tuesday, February 9, 2021 
5:30 pm 
Council Chambers

* As a reminder, all city buildings are still closed to the public. However, the City Council Work Session will be available to view via Livestream on the City of Valdosta’s Facebook Page and website.

The City of Valdosta Mayor and Council meet for Work Session on the Tuesday before the first City Council meeting of each month.  The Work Session allows Council Members to spend an adequate amount of time discussing agenda items and hear special presentations relative to the agenda. Work Session Meetings are recorded; however, minutes for the Work Session are not transcribed.

Valdosta City Council Meeting
Thursday, February 11, 2021
 5:30 pm 
Council Chambers

* As a reminder, all city buildings are still closed to the public. However, the City Council Meeting will be available to view via Livestream on the City of Valdosta’s Facebook Page and website.

For more information, please contact Teresa S. Bolden, City Clerk, at 259-3503 or E-mail - [email protected].

Scrap Tire Drop-off Event
February 11th & 12th
7:30 am - 3:00 pm
Public Works 
1017 Myrtle Street 

The city of Valdosta’s Public Works Department is sponsoring a Scrap Tire Drop-off Event on Thursday, February 11, and Friday, February 12. City residents can bring unwanted tires to the Public Works Department located at 1017 Myrtle Street Valdosta, Georgia 31603 anytime between 7:30 am until 3:00 pm during these two days.

The Public Works Department implemented a scrap tire program in 2018 when staff noticed tires discarded into ditches and right-of-ways all around town. By starting this program, homeowners and residents with worn out or unwanted tires are provided a better alternative to dispose of these tires, helping to keep the city clean. Unfortunately, the scrap tire event was canceled last year due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. With a couple of safety precautions set in place, the Public Works Department is excited to provide residents with this service once again.

All tires can be dropped off free of charge so long as they are not attached to any type of rim. The tires will be collected and placed in a trailer, where they will then be transferred to a tire manufacturing company to be broken down and repurposed.

Public Works staff are looking forward to this event and hope to host it annually because it helps reduce the number of tires discarded in public places. This event is funded by a grant from the State Environmental Protection Department. “By using this grant, this is a great way that we can dispose of these tires and get them recycled into new tires,” said Public Works Superintended Anthony Musgrove.

The scrap tire event is a drop-off only, and there will be no pick-up option available. Please note that this event is for Valdosta city residents ONLY and will not be open to businesses. A water bill will be required upon drop-off to verify the resident’s address.

Lowndes County Health Department COVID Vaccine Shortage

Due to a limited supply of COVID vaccine, Lowndes County Health Department will start contacting individuals today, January 21, to cancel appointments for those who have not yet received their first vaccination in the health department or drive-thru. Individuals with appointments for their second dose will not be affected.

“We must ensure anyone who received their first dose of COVID vaccine at Lowndes County Health Department or in our Drive-Thru at the Civic Center receives their second dose,” stated William Grow, MD, FACP, district health director. “Unfortunately, manufacturers are not able to keep up with the demand currently in the United States.”

According to the Georgia Department of Public Health, vaccine supply is limited in the U.S., and Georgia only receives what the federal government allocates. As production of current vaccines is increased, which we hope to see in coming weeks, and as other vaccines are approved for use, our goal is to provide vaccinations to everyone, prioritizing those at highest risk of exposure and infection.

Health department staff will keep a list of all appointments canceled and these individuals will be contacted first when we receive an adequate supply of vaccine to reopen appointments.

Individuals that will not be able to receive their vaccine from Lowndes County Health Department are encouraged to visit the DPH Vaccine Locator at https://dph.georgia.gov/locations/covid-vaccination-site. All enrolled providers that offer the vaccine to the community are listed on this website.

“Individuals that have scheduled second dose appointments at Lowndes County Health Department or in our Drive-Thru will not be affected,” says Grow. “While we sincerely regret this has happened within our district and throughout Georgia, we are thankful for other enrolled providers that will be able to continue vaccinating persons within our community that are at high risk.”

Individuals are asked to not call the health department immediately but to wait for a staff member to contact them. For the most up-to-date information on COVID vaccine supply at Lowndes County Health Department, please visit www.southhealthdistrict.com/covid19.