October 3, 2025 • 24 mins
Big promises are easy; durable infrastructure is harder. We sit down with Mayor Walker to unpack how Perry’s 2025 goals—many born from a 2014 strategic plan—are now taking shape across water, sewer, roads, stormwater, and parks. This is the blueprint for a city that plans decades ahead while delivering practical improvements you can feel today.
We dig into the East Perry Wastewater Treatment Facility, now about 60% complete, designed for long-term capacity and located at the confluence of Mossy Creek and Big Indian Creek. You’ll hear how the synchronized sewer outfall system ensures that new treatment capacity actually connects to neighborhoods and businesses, and why the Bear Branch pump station upgrades will relieve pressure on fast-growing areas near Highway 127. Traffic relief gets its due with the GDOT-funded Swift at Commerce rework—smoother flow, fewer backups, and a better downtown experience—while the Sadie Heights stormwater plan replaces worry with resilience through culvert upgrades, an expanded pond, and cleared canals.
We also talk funding fairness. A third-party water and sewer rate study lays out an equitable path to pay for new infrastructure without neglecting the system residents rely on today. Resilience is front and center, too: after Hurricane Helene, emergency backup power for the Tucker Road Water Treatment Plant became a must-have to protect water service during severe weather. Not every project moves in a straight line; Heritage Oaks PTV access is on hold pending developer updates. And because growth is surging on the east side, we’re locking in opportunity now with East Perry Regional Park land acquisition, using SPLOST dollars to secure space for future fields, trails, and flexible recreation that can evolve with demand.
If you care about how a city grows responsibly—balancing capacity, safety, and quality of life—this conversation offers a clear, grounded tour of what’s underway and what’s next. Subscribe, share with a neighbor, and tell us which priority you want to see move fastest. Your feedback helps shape the 2026 goals.
View 2025 Goals & Objectives Presentation.
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Visit us at perry-ga.gov.
We hope to see you around in our amazing community...Where Georgia Comes Together.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
SPEAKER_00 (00:00):
Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast, where you
get an inside look at Perry,Georgia's local government.
We're glad you chose Perry,where people make the
difference.
Whether you stay a few hours ora lifetime, your time in Perry
will be rewarding andunforgettable.
I'm Tabitha Clark,Communications Director for the
City of Perry.
(00:22):
So welcome back to the InsidePerry podcast, where we bring
you the latest updates onprojects, people, and the
priorities that are shaping ourcommunity.
And today we're sitting downwith Mayor Walker to give an
update on the City of Perry's2025 goals and objectives.
Now, these projects representyears, sometimes even decades of
planning and preparation.
(00:43):
Many of them have first appearedas strategic plans nearly 10
years ago.
And now they're taking shaperight here in Perry.
So we're going to discuss what'sunderway, what's next, and how
these efforts fit into the evenbigger vision for Perry in the
next 20 years and beyond.
So, Mayor Walker, welcome.
I'm looking forward to theupdates.
SPEAKER_01 (01:03):
Well, thank you.
I am too.
Always enjoy talking about thecity of Perry and the things
that we're doing to make this amuch better place for people to
live and work.
SPEAKER_00 (01:13):
Right.
So these projects we justmentioned, it reflects years of
planning.
So tell me a little bit abouthow many years.
SPEAKER_01 (01:21):
Well, it's many years.
If you if you go back and thinkabout when we started this
process, the city is verycommitted to long-term planning.
So we put in place our firststrategic plan in 2014.
As a city started growing, wefelt like we really needed to
(01:43):
understand what it was what'sgoing to be required to support
that growth.
And we started planning formulti-generational projects, as
I would call it.
We were thinking aboutwastewater treatment.
We were thinking aboutfreshwater.
We were thinking about roadstructures that had to be in
place to take care of thetraffic.
(02:04):
We had to think about what kindof stormwater management we're
going to have to have movingforward.
So as we go through the last 10years, 11 years, we've
continually updated ourstrategic plan every couple of
years.
But coming out of that plan arevery specific goals and
(02:26):
objectives that the councilwants to accomplish each year.
That gives direction to thestaff to tell them where to
place their focus during theyear to accomplish these goals
and objectives.
I can only imagine if we didn'thave goals and objectives in
place, the staff would belooking at us going, okay, what
(02:50):
is it you want us to do?
I think it's critical that thecouncil provide that leadership
to our staff here in Perry.
SPEAKER_00 (02:58):
And I think it's also important to mention that,
yes, we have, you know, whatwe've, you know, kind of like
our top ten goals andobjectives, but it's important
to know that there's also otherprojects and goals at, you know,
not just these, but these areour priorities, correct?
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (03:14):
I I think you have to set a priority because
there's so many things that wehave to accomplish each year.
Um and if you just started,well, we've got if we have 50
things and it's a question ofwhat's what's important.
Right.
What do we what do we have toaccomplish to continue the
growth here in Perry or supportthe growth that we see coming?
SPEAKER_00 (03:37):
Right.
So let's get right into it.
So the first goal that wepresented the last podcast was
the East Perry WastewaterTreatment Facility, that
behemoth of a project.
So tell me a little bit aboutthat.
Give me a little bit ofbackground, and then where are
we at now?
SPEAKER_01 (03:53):
This is a very important project because
wastewater management iscritical with the growth that
we're seeing, uh, not only inresidential growth, because most
people, when they think ofgrowth in period, they think of
you know housetops, right?
That's not the case.
We have to think aboutindustrial growth, we have to
think about commercial growth inaddition to the residential
(04:15):
growth.
Residential growth is probably avery small part of the overall
growth that we're experiencinghere.
Right.
And so wastewater management isextremely important and it
requires a great deal ofplanning.
We started thinking about thenew wastewater treatment plant
seven or eight years ago andwhat was going to be required to
(04:37):
put it in place, and now it's areality.
Yes.
We're probably 60% complete withit.
They tell us that they will becomplete the end of December,
and that they will be runningfreshwater through that during
the first quarter, getting thatplant up and running for an
operational start somewhere inthe second quarter of 26.
SPEAKER_00 (04:58):
Right, wow.
And this is uh kind of like on aseparate end of Perry, correct?
The location of it?
SPEAKER_01 (05:04):
Yes, it's uh it's in the Far East portion of Perry,
but that was the ideal spot forus to acquire the permitting
from EPD that was going to berequired for long-term planning.
This plant is permitted for 25million gallons of water a day.
And we're building currently theplant is only 2.5.
(05:25):
So we're looking well into thefuture for our wastewater needs.
And this is at the confluence ofMossy Creek as well as Big
Indian Creek, and it's theperfect place for our outfall
system to take the water off ofthis plant.
SPEAKER_00 (05:39):
Great.
So in the next project, the EastPerry Sewer Outfall System.
So can you briefly explain,first off, for us, especially
like me, what is an outfallsystem and why is this project
important?
SPEAKER_01 (05:53):
It's just the connectivity to the plant.
You know, all of our homes areconnected to a sewer line, and
then those sewer lines have togo into main lines, which are
the outfall lines that actuallytake the waste to the plant so
it can be processed.
And so the connectivity from ourhomes and to the plant is is
(06:15):
critical.
And so this is why we placed itas one of our top goals for
2025, to have the connectivity.
Wouldn't do very well to have aplant out in East Perry with no
connectivity to the city.
SPEAKER_00 (06:27):
Yeah, that might present just a little bit of a
problem.
So how are we as far as expectedcompletion date?
SPEAKER_01 (06:34):
That will be ready when the plant is.
We've got a force main that isgoing in currently, and we
expect that it will be finishedprior to the plant startup.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Sure, that completely makes sense.
So our next project, which isactually, I believe, is
complete, is the Swift atCommerce Highway Improvements.
SPEAKER_01 (06:52):
Yes, that is a project that was we have been
talking about for the last fouror five years.
Because of the stacking oftraffic on commerce in downtown,
it was creating quite a trafficjam down there.
GDOT decided that the best wayto do that was to make the
changes that you've seen atSwift in Commerce.
(07:13):
As um we've experienced it overthe last couple of weeks, it's
flowing extremely well.
It is, and we have very littlebackup in the downtown.
I know everybody's having to getadjusted to how to get around
downtown.
SPEAKER_00 (07:25):
Change is hard sometimes.
SPEAKER_01 (07:26):
It is, but it is solving the problems that it was
put in to solve, and so reallyappreciate the cooperation with
GDOT.
And of course, this was a GDOTprogram, so that's right.
This came out of their funding.
This was not a funding sourcefrom the city of Perry, and we
really appreciate theircontribution to that.
SPEAKER_00 (07:45):
Absolutely, because every little bit helps, right?
So the next project, SadieHeights stormwater management
system.
So let's talk a little bit aboutthat.
SPEAKER_01 (07:54):
Yeah, I know I think everybody knows we have a
stormwater issue in SadieHeights, and we feel like it's
very important that we correctwhatever issues we have out
there to make sure that no one'shome is subject to flooding.
Sure.
And so we are well uh along withthat project.
Uh we'll be putting in newculverts there on Stonebridge
(08:16):
Drive to improve the water flowthrough there, and then the next
phase we'll be putting in the alarger pond, and we'll also then
clear up some of the canals thatare in there to make sure that
we've got good water flow allthe way out.
SPEAKER_00 (08:30):
Sure, and I'm sure the the subdivision really
appreciates that because thatdefinitely is not something that
you want to run into during uhrainy weather events.
SPEAKER_01 (08:39):
You do not.
We do not want anybody's houseto be subject to flooding in the
city of Perry.
SPEAKER_00 (08:44):
So you talked about infrastructure and roads
earlier.
So one of the biggest, or yeah,well, I guess they're all big,
but one of one of the majorthings that we're looking
forward to, kind of lookingaround the corner and in the
future, is the Commodore DriveExtension right-of-way.
So give us a little bit abackground about Commodore Drive
Extension and where we're atnow.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
Yes, Commodore Drive is a planned route from Houston
Lake Road and will connect into341 South.
And it's a road that will bevery, it'll be a mirror image,
if you will, of the PerryParkway.
And we feel like that it iscritical for us to acquire the
(09:25):
right-of-way as that land isbeing developed.
If we don't do it now, it willnot be available to us in the
future after that's developed.
And we think it's critical thatpeople have good traffic flow in
and out of their subdivisions.
And as those subdivisionsdevelop in that Commodore Drive
(09:46):
area, or if you want to the eastarea, they need this type of
highway to adequately flow inand out of their subdivisions.
So we're planning for thefuture.
I I don't know when this roadwill actually be constructed,
but we felt like that acquiringthe w right-of-way was uh
extremely important.
(10:08):
It is a countywide project, andthank you to the citizens for
voting the approval of theSPLOST.
Uh this is a SPLOS project, andit'll be funded by the county
for us to acquire theright-of-way, and as in the
future we will have theright-of-way to construct the
road on.
SPEAKER_00 (10:25):
Right.
So that's kind of like, youknow, whenever Perry Parkway was
first discussed, everybodythought we were crazy.
Yeah, it was twenty-five it wastwenty-five years ago.
SPEAKER_01 (10:35):
It was a road to nowhere.
But we can all see how it hasdeveloped and has served you
know, the citizens of Perry verywell with a thoroughfare.
And we see Commodore Drive beingthe same type of thoroughfare.
And in fact, I would expect thatyou would see from that Langston
(10:55):
Road and Commodore Drive, ofcourse, connect to each other at
Houston Lake.
And I would expect that becominga three-lane thoroughfare from
41 all the way to 341 in thefuture to handle the traffic
flows of the subdivisions thatare being built out there on
Langston Road.
SPEAKER_00 (11:13):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, and it's just anotherwe're always talking about
looking around the corner andthat I think this is an
excellent project that we won'tsee immediate results with, but
it it's coming.
SPEAKER_01 (11:23):
Yeah, it's something we've got to plan for.
There's no question that if youfail to plan for this and all
the subdivisions build out allthe property out there, then
you're gonna have a significanttraffic problem.
And we think that getting wellahead of that, and maybe we're
20 years ahead of it.
I don't know.
Sure.
It we may only be 10 years aheadof it.
(11:43):
But it's a project that's thatwe are keenly aware of and it's
something that we need to moveforward with.
SPEAKER_00 (11:48):
Absolutely.
So the next project Bear BridgePump Station and Force Main
upgrades.
What's going on with that?
SPEAKER_01 (11:55):
We're well underway with that.
We've acquired all theright-of-way that we needed to,
and we've got the easements inplace.
This will be putting a sewerline in exactly where we have
one today.
We have a force main, but wehave outgrown it significantly.
With the growth that's going onup on 127, say in the woodlands
or Wind River or, you know,Planters Ridge, those
(12:18):
subdivisions, we have outgrownthe capacity at this force main.
So we're increasing itdramatically, and it'll flow
back into the Perry Parkwaysewer system.
So it's something that we neededto upgrade to to accommodate the
growth in that northeast area.
SPEAKER_00 (12:34):
Yeah, it seems like we talk about this often.
It seems like well, not justthis year, especially the past
couple years.
It's kind of the year of theinfrastructure.
SPEAKER_01 (12:42):
Yes, it has been.
It's something we infrastructurehas been a something we've spent
a lot of time on this year.
SPEAKER_00 (12:48):
Absolutely.
So additional priorities we havethe water sewer rate study
findings.
SPEAKER_01 (12:54):
Yes, that's something that is critical.
As we continue to build thisinfrastructure, you've got to
have funding to do that.
And we felt like it wasimportant that the funding that
comes from different sources beequitable.
The people who are enjoying thenew infrastructure that's being
(13:15):
placed should have to pay forthat.
And we're looking at how weequitably spread the cost of
these new projects plus projectsthat are ongoing within our
existing infrastructure acrossexisting citizens and businesses
versus the new people who aremoving into our community.
SPEAKER_00 (13:34):
Sure.
And to kind of give ourlisteners a little background,
this study was done by athird-party and very intensive
study.
SPEAKER_01 (13:42):
It is a very intense study.
It looks very deeply into theactual cost.
It looks into our capitalimprovement plans over the next
10 years, uh, things that we'regonna have to be doing.
And real the realistic thingthat we're looking at is who
benefits from this investment.
And those are the people who thecosts should be uh placed with.
(14:05):
And so we're looking at there'sgonna be, you know, our existing
infrastructure will be somethingthat we'll be focused on the
next couple of years.
And you know, all of us herehave to share in that because we
benefit from that.
Right.
But much of the new constructionis put in place to accommodate
the new homes and new businessesthat are coming, so much of that
(14:27):
cost will be transferred tothose people.
SPEAKER_00 (14:30):
And as we've been discussing this study, it it's
and I think it's also importantto note that this study and the
recommendations that willultimately come before council,
it's a recommendation and it'skind of like a living breathing
plan.
SPEAKER_01 (14:45):
Yes, it is.
It's very much like ourstrategic plan.
Right.
It's just a a rate study planthat says if if you do X, you
should have to do Y.
And so it looks at all of ourplanned projects in the future.
It looks at various revenuestreams where those are, you
know, things that people pay ontheir water bill, or is it, you
(15:07):
know, financing that we do thatwe have to uh service the debt
and those type things.
But there again, making sure wespread that cost equitably
between our existing customerbase and the new customer base
that will enjoy the benefits ofthose facilities.
SPEAKER_00 (15:26):
Right.
So from my understanding, sothis recommendation slash plan,
this will be reviewed prettymuch on an annual basis.
So it could change.
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
It would yes, it'll be planned every year with our
budget.
I mean, we may choose not to doprojects, our projects may be
taken off the list.
New projects, you know, criticalfactors come into play, and we
have to change our project listout.
So it'll it's gonna be a planthat will be looked at on an
ongoing basis, and this is notcut in stone.
(15:56):
Right.
This is what's gonna have tohappen each and every year.
I think we'll we'll look at thatevery 12 months as we do our
budget planning.
SPEAKER_00 (16:04):
Flexibility is key, is what I get out of that.
It is very key.
All right.
So let's talk about emergencypreparedness as well, because
that, you know, I know withHurricane Helene and everything,
it really kind of opened oureyes to make sure that we, you
know, double down our efforts toensure that we're prepared for
an emergency such as that incase that ever happens again.
(16:28):
So one of the priorities is theTucker Road Water Treatment
Plant emergency backup.
SPEAKER_01 (16:34):
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (16:34):
So explain a little bit about that.
SPEAKER_01 (16:37):
Well, like you said, coming out of Felene, we saw the
devastation that happened atvarious cities throughout
Southeast Georgia.
And we feel felt like for us togo through a situation like
that, we needed to have backupor emergency backup sources of
power at all of our facilities.
(16:57):
And the main one was Tucker RoadWater Facility.
This is a new facility wefinished up about four years
ago, and emergency backup wasnot included in that at that
time.
And we looked back and said,well, this is a critical thing
that has to be done to make surethat we can provide fresh water
to our citizens if in fact wefound ourselves in the same
(17:20):
situation from another hurricanein the future.
SPEAKER_00 (17:23):
Right, because we know hurricanes are going to
strike and we never know howstrong they're gonna be, and
definitely don't want to takethat risk.
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
SPEAKER_01 (17:29):
Well, you know, we're subject to all kinds of
weather.
I mean, you could have a tornadocome through here that would do
the same identical thing.
That's true.
You could have flooding, thosethings, but it's critical that
we provide fresh water and sewerto our citizens when we go
through those catastrophicoccurrences.
SPEAKER_00 (17:48):
So speaking of flexibility, we had a PTV access
to Heritage Oaks Park that wasin the works.
And of course, with differentthings happening and situations,
we sometimes have to put thoseon hold, correct?
SPEAKER_01 (18:03):
That's correct.
Um there was a change in some ofthe plans that were going on in
that community, and thedeveloper who is giving us the
right-of-way or easement, uh,he's having to redo his plan on
his plan development out there.
So it we have to put it on holduntil such a time as those plans
(18:26):
are put in place, and then we'llknow where we have access to
those easements at that point intime.
SPEAKER_00 (18:32):
Right.
So we're still watching itcarefully.
It's just we have to beflexible, right?
SPEAKER_01 (18:36):
We have to be flexible all the time.
SPEAKER_00 (18:38):
All right.
So the last project that we'regonna talk about is one of my
favorites, the East PerryRegional Park and that land
acquisition.
Let's talk about why an EastPerry Park.
SPEAKER_01 (18:51):
That's where the vast majority of our growth is
occurring out in East Perry, andand we're committed to providing
quality of life experiences forall of our citizens.
And if you're at Rosier Park orCreekwood on any Thursday night
or any Saturday morning, youknow that we're loving those
(19:11):
parks to death.
To death, yes.
And we felt that it wascritical, again, thinking the
same way we're thinking aboutCommodore Drive.
Right.
If we don't acquire the landnow, the land's not going to be
available five years from now orsix years from now.
So again, thanks to the SPLOSTand the voters approving that,
(19:34):
the funding was approved on acountywide project for
acquisition of this land to getin a position to build a park.
There's nothing that says we'regoing to start construction next
week.
SPEAKER_00 (19:46):
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (19:46):
But we've got to acquire the land, we have to
have it available to us, and asfunding becomes available, we'll
continue to develop that parkfor the citizens that are out in
the eastern portion of our city.
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
SPEAKER_00 (19:59):
And that's why phases are really important with
this, because you have to takeit chunk by chunk sometimes,
right?
Or at least most of the time, Ifeel like.
SPEAKER_01 (20:08):
Well, I mean, it's very important.
It goes back to us and our focuson strategic planning.
I mean, just think.
We five years from now we go,oh, we need a park out here to
serve our citizens, but there'sno land available for us to
purchase.
Because it goes like if the landis available, it's four times
higher than what it is today.
(20:30):
And I we just think it'scritical to go ahead and get in
front of that, uh, acquire theland, and then start planning
for the development and whatneeds to go into that park.
I mean, we need to reallyunderstand what sports complex
is, you know, need to be put inthere, what type of different
type of offerings that we mayneed to take care of the
(20:51):
different Again, being veryflexible because it's amazing to
me that the demand for differenttype of facilities change
virtually rapidly.
Yes.
Because whoever thought youneeded to have 167 pickleball
courts.
I mean, so you're just lookingat what the demand is going to
(21:13):
be in the future and thenproviding those type of
facilities for the young peoplein our community.
Again, soccer is becoming very,you know, popular with the
youth, and that's probably oneof the things we'll focus on in
this part.
SPEAKER_00 (21:27):
We just got to pull out the crystal ball, right?
Yep.
SPEAKER_01 (21:30):
We've got to keep guessing.
SPEAKER_00 (21:31):
Well, Mayor, this is a lot of priorities.
I mean, and like we said,there's even more goals and
projects that are happening evenunderneath the surface level of
what we're providing to thepublic as our top priorities.
So, what's one of the mostimportant things for people to
realize when they look at allthese goals and objectives?
What do you want people tounderstand with the high level
(21:54):
of it?
SPEAKER_01 (21:54):
Well, I think looking at this, I think you
have confidence that we have anoutstanding staff in place here
in the city of Perry.
They're all uh very professionalin the work that they do, and
they're managing your taxdollars very, very effectively.
And I'm extremely proud of thework that they do.
(22:15):
And again, like I say, the Cityof Perry is a very complex
business that we're running.
And we are committed to usingthe tax dollars that the
citizens give us in a veryeffective and efficient manner,
and it goes to what supportstheir quality of life and their
(22:36):
needs.
SPEAKER_00 (22:37):
Well, Mayor Walker, thank you for your update on
some of the city's 2025 goalsand objectives, and we look
forward to the completion andand further developing of all
these goals.
SPEAKER_01 (22:48):
Well, they need to start looking at 2026.
Yes.
Because we'll be setting in thegoals for next year, and
there'll be some of these willbe continuing goals, but there
will be brand new ones on therebecause we're gonna really start
focusing on our existinginfrastructure.
Like you say, there's a numberof projects that we continue to
(23:09):
work on.
We've just completed the uh bearbranch upgrade of the sewer line
on Bear Branch.
That's not on our top ten list,but it was critical that we get
that done to serve our existingcustomers, and this was an
existing line that had to beupgraded.
So we're constantly looking atwhat we have as far as our
(23:32):
existing infrastructure and whatwe need to do to make sure it's
functional as well.
SPEAKER_00 (23:38):
That's right.
Year of the infrastructure oryears of the infrastructure.
So for our listeners, thisepisode highlights how long-term
strategic planning pays off.
Projects that startedenvisioning sessions a decade
ago are now becoming reality.
And at the same time, ourleaders are already planning for
the next 50 plus years.
So we will put this presentationand other relevant information
(24:01):
in our show notes.
And Mayor Walker, once again,thanks so much.
SPEAKER_01 (24:05):
My pleasure.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (24:09):
Thanks for listening to the Inside Perry Podcast,
your inside look at Perry'slocal government.
Take a look at the show notesfor more information about
today's episode.
If you like Inside Perry, weencourage you to subscribe and
share the podcast with yourfriends and family.
We look forward to seeing youaround in our amazing community
where Georgia comes together.
Welcome to the Inside Perry Podcast, where you
get an inside look at Perry,Georgia's local government.
We're glad you chose Perry,where people make the
difference.
Whether you stay a few hours ora lifetime, your time in Perry
will be rewarding andunforgettable.
I'm Tabitha Clark,Communications Director for the
City of Perry.
(00:22):
So welcome back to the InsidePerry podcast, where we bring
you the latest updates onprojects, people, and the
priorities that are shaping ourcommunity.
And today we're sitting downwith Mayor Walker to give an
update on the City of Perry's2025 goals and objectives.
Now, these projects representyears, sometimes even decades of
planning and preparation.
(00:43):
Many of them have first appearedas strategic plans nearly 10
years ago.
And now they're taking shaperight here in Perry.
So we're going to discuss what'sunderway, what's next, and how
these efforts fit into the evenbigger vision for Perry in the
next 20 years and beyond.
So, Mayor Walker, welcome.
I'm looking forward to theupdates.
SPEAKER_01 (01:03):
Well, thank you.
I am too.
Always enjoy talking about thecity of Perry and the things
that we're doing to make this amuch better place for people to
live and work.
SPEAKER_00 (01:13):
Right.
So these projects we justmentioned, it reflects years of
planning.
So tell me a little bit abouthow many years.
SPEAKER_01 (01:21):
Well, it's many years.
If you if you go back and thinkabout when we started this
process, the city is verycommitted to long-term planning.
So we put in place our firststrategic plan in 2014.
As a city started growing, wefelt like we really needed to
(01:43):
understand what it was what'sgoing to be required to support
that growth.
And we started planning formulti-generational projects, as
I would call it.
We were thinking aboutwastewater treatment.
We were thinking aboutfreshwater.
We were thinking about roadstructures that had to be in
place to take care of thetraffic.
(02:04):
We had to think about what kindof stormwater management we're
going to have to have movingforward.
So as we go through the last 10years, 11 years, we've
continually updated ourstrategic plan every couple of
years.
But coming out of that plan arevery specific goals and
(02:26):
objectives that the councilwants to accomplish each year.
That gives direction to thestaff to tell them where to
place their focus during theyear to accomplish these goals
and objectives.
I can only imagine if we didn'thave goals and objectives in
place, the staff would belooking at us going, okay, what
(02:50):
is it you want us to do?
I think it's critical that thecouncil provide that leadership
to our staff here in Perry.
SPEAKER_00 (02:58):
And I think it's also important to mention that,
yes, we have, you know, whatwe've, you know, kind of like
our top ten goals andobjectives, but it's important
to know that there's also otherprojects and goals at, you know,
not just these, but these areour priorities, correct?
Yes.
SPEAKER_01 (03:14):
I I think you have to set a priority because
there's so many things that wehave to accomplish each year.
Um and if you just started,well, we've got if we have 50
things and it's a question ofwhat's what's important.
Right.
What do we what do we have toaccomplish to continue the
growth here in Perry or supportthe growth that we see coming?
SPEAKER_00 (03:37):
Right.
So let's get right into it.
So the first goal that wepresented the last podcast was
the East Perry WastewaterTreatment Facility, that
behemoth of a project.
So tell me a little bit aboutthat.
Give me a little bit ofbackground, and then where are
we at now?
SPEAKER_01 (03:53):
This is a very important project because
wastewater management iscritical with the growth that
we're seeing, uh, not only inresidential growth, because most
people, when they think ofgrowth in period, they think of
you know housetops, right?
That's not the case.
We have to think aboutindustrial growth, we have to
think about commercial growth inaddition to the residential
(04:15):
growth.
Residential growth is probably avery small part of the overall
growth that we're experiencinghere.
Right.
And so wastewater management isextremely important and it
requires a great deal ofplanning.
We started thinking about thenew wastewater treatment plant
seven or eight years ago andwhat was going to be required to
(04:37):
put it in place, and now it's areality.
Yes.
We're probably 60% complete withit.
They tell us that they will becomplete the end of December,
and that they will be runningfreshwater through that during
the first quarter, getting thatplant up and running for an
operational start somewhere inthe second quarter of 26.
SPEAKER_00 (04:58):
Right, wow.
And this is uh kind of like on aseparate end of Perry, correct?
The location of it?
SPEAKER_01 (05:04):
Yes, it's uh it's in the Far East portion of Perry,
but that was the ideal spot forus to acquire the permitting
from EPD that was going to berequired for long-term planning.
This plant is permitted for 25million gallons of water a day.
And we're building currently theplant is only 2.5.
(05:25):
So we're looking well into thefuture for our wastewater needs.
And this is at the confluence ofMossy Creek as well as Big
Indian Creek, and it's theperfect place for our outfall
system to take the water off ofthis plant.
SPEAKER_00 (05:39):
Great.
So in the next project, the EastPerry Sewer Outfall System.
So can you briefly explain,first off, for us, especially
like me, what is an outfallsystem and why is this project
important?
SPEAKER_01 (05:53):
It's just the connectivity to the plant.
You know, all of our homes areconnected to a sewer line, and
then those sewer lines have togo into main lines, which are
the outfall lines that actuallytake the waste to the plant so
it can be processed.
And so the connectivity from ourhomes and to the plant is is
(06:15):
critical.
And so this is why we placed itas one of our top goals for
2025, to have the connectivity.
Wouldn't do very well to have aplant out in East Perry with no
connectivity to the city.
SPEAKER_00 (06:27):
Yeah, that might present just a little bit of a
problem.
So how are we as far as expectedcompletion date?
SPEAKER_01 (06:34):
That will be ready when the plant is.
We've got a force main that isgoing in currently, and we
expect that it will be finishedprior to the plant startup.
SPEAKER_00 (06:44):
Sure, that completely makes sense.
So our next project, which isactually, I believe, is
complete, is the Swift atCommerce Highway Improvements.
SPEAKER_01 (06:52):
Yes, that is a project that was we have been
talking about for the last fouror five years.
Because of the stacking oftraffic on commerce in downtown,
it was creating quite a trafficjam down there.
GDOT decided that the best wayto do that was to make the
changes that you've seen atSwift in Commerce.
(07:13):
As um we've experienced it overthe last couple of weeks, it's
flowing extremely well.
It is, and we have very littlebackup in the downtown.
I know everybody's having to getadjusted to how to get around
downtown.
SPEAKER_00 (07:25):
Change is hard sometimes.
SPEAKER_01 (07:26):
It is, but it is solving the problems that it was
put in to solve, and so reallyappreciate the cooperation with
GDOT.
And of course, this was a GDOTprogram, so that's right.
This came out of their funding.
This was not a funding sourcefrom the city of Perry, and we
really appreciate theircontribution to that.
SPEAKER_00 (07:45):
Absolutely, because every little bit helps, right?
So the next project, SadieHeights stormwater management
system.
So let's talk a little bit aboutthat.
SPEAKER_01 (07:54):
Yeah, I know I think everybody knows we have a
stormwater issue in SadieHeights, and we feel like it's
very important that we correctwhatever issues we have out
there to make sure that no one'shome is subject to flooding.
Sure.
And so we are well uh along withthat project.
Uh we'll be putting in newculverts there on Stonebridge
(08:16):
Drive to improve the water flowthrough there, and then the next
phase we'll be putting in the alarger pond, and we'll also then
clear up some of the canals thatare in there to make sure that
we've got good water flow allthe way out.
SPEAKER_00 (08:30):
Sure, and I'm sure the the subdivision really
appreciates that because thatdefinitely is not something that
you want to run into during uhrainy weather events.
SPEAKER_01 (08:39):
You do not.
We do not want anybody's houseto be subject to flooding in the
city of Perry.
SPEAKER_00 (08:44):
So you talked about infrastructure and roads
earlier.
So one of the biggest, or yeah,well, I guess they're all big,
but one of one of the majorthings that we're looking
forward to, kind of lookingaround the corner and in the
future, is the Commodore DriveExtension right-of-way.
So give us a little bit abackground about Commodore Drive
Extension and where we're atnow.
SPEAKER_01 (09:05):
Yes, Commodore Drive is a planned route from Houston
Lake Road and will connect into341 South.
And it's a road that will bevery, it'll be a mirror image,
if you will, of the PerryParkway.
And we feel like that it iscritical for us to acquire the
(09:25):
right-of-way as that land isbeing developed.
If we don't do it now, it willnot be available to us in the
future after that's developed.
And we think it's critical thatpeople have good traffic flow in
and out of their subdivisions.
And as those subdivisionsdevelop in that Commodore Drive
(09:46):
area, or if you want to the eastarea, they need this type of
highway to adequately flow inand out of their subdivisions.
So we're planning for thefuture.
I I don't know when this roadwill actually be constructed,
but we felt like that acquiringthe w right-of-way was uh
extremely important.
(10:08):
It is a countywide project, andthank you to the citizens for
voting the approval of theSPLOST.
Uh this is a SPLOS project, andit'll be funded by the county
for us to acquire theright-of-way, and as in the
future we will have theright-of-way to construct the
road on.
SPEAKER_00 (10:25):
Right.
So that's kind of like, youknow, whenever Perry Parkway was
first discussed, everybodythought we were crazy.
Yeah, it was twenty-five it wastwenty-five years ago.
SPEAKER_01 (10:35):
It was a road to nowhere.
But we can all see how it hasdeveloped and has served you
know, the citizens of Perry verywell with a thoroughfare.
And we see Commodore Drive beingthe same type of thoroughfare.
And in fact, I would expect thatyou would see from that Langston
(10:55):
Road and Commodore Drive, ofcourse, connect to each other at
Houston Lake.
And I would expect that becominga three-lane thoroughfare from
41 all the way to 341 in thefuture to handle the traffic
flows of the subdivisions thatare being built out there on
Langston Road.
SPEAKER_00 (11:13):
Mm-hmm.
Yeah, and it's just anotherwe're always talking about
looking around the corner andthat I think this is an
excellent project that we won'tsee immediate results with, but
it it's coming.
SPEAKER_01 (11:23):
Yeah, it's something we've got to plan for.
There's no question that if youfail to plan for this and all
the subdivisions build out allthe property out there, then
you're gonna have a significanttraffic problem.
And we think that getting wellahead of that, and maybe we're
20 years ahead of it.
I don't know.
Sure.
It we may only be 10 years aheadof it.
(11:43):
But it's a project that's thatwe are keenly aware of and it's
something that we need to moveforward with.
SPEAKER_00 (11:48):
Absolutely.
So the next project Bear BridgePump Station and Force Main
upgrades.
What's going on with that?
SPEAKER_01 (11:55):
We're well underway with that.
We've acquired all theright-of-way that we needed to,
and we've got the easements inplace.
This will be putting a sewerline in exactly where we have
one today.
We have a force main, but wehave outgrown it significantly.
With the growth that's going onup on 127, say in the woodlands
or Wind River or, you know,Planters Ridge, those
(12:18):
subdivisions, we have outgrownthe capacity at this force main.
So we're increasing itdramatically, and it'll flow
back into the Perry Parkwaysewer system.
So it's something that we neededto upgrade to to accommodate the
growth in that northeast area.
SPEAKER_00 (12:34):
Yeah, it seems like we talk about this often.
It seems like well, not justthis year, especially the past
couple years.
It's kind of the year of theinfrastructure.
SPEAKER_01 (12:42):
Yes, it has been.
It's something we infrastructurehas been a something we've spent
a lot of time on this year.
SPEAKER_00 (12:48):
Absolutely.
So additional priorities we havethe water sewer rate study
findings.
SPEAKER_01 (12:54):
Yes, that's something that is critical.
As we continue to build thisinfrastructure, you've got to
have funding to do that.
And we felt like it wasimportant that the funding that
comes from different sources beequitable.
The people who are enjoying thenew infrastructure that's being
(13:15):
placed should have to pay forthat.
And we're looking at how weequitably spread the cost of
these new projects plus projectsthat are ongoing within our
existing infrastructure acrossexisting citizens and businesses
versus the new people who aremoving into our community.
SPEAKER_00 (13:34):
Sure.
And to kind of give ourlisteners a little background,
this study was done by athird-party and very intensive
study.
SPEAKER_01 (13:42):
It is a very intense study.
It looks very deeply into theactual cost.
It looks into our capitalimprovement plans over the next
10 years, uh, things that we'regonna have to be doing.
And real the realistic thingthat we're looking at is who
benefits from this investment.
And those are the people who thecosts should be uh placed with.
(14:05):
And so we're looking at there'sgonna be, you know, our existing
infrastructure will be somethingthat we'll be focused on the
next couple of years.
And you know, all of us herehave to share in that because we
benefit from that.
Right.
But much of the new constructionis put in place to accommodate
the new homes and new businessesthat are coming, so much of that
(14:27):
cost will be transferred tothose people.
SPEAKER_00 (14:30):
And as we've been discussing this study, it it's
and I think it's also importantto note that this study and the
recommendations that willultimately come before council,
it's a recommendation and it'skind of like a living breathing
plan.
SPEAKER_01 (14:45):
Yes, it is.
It's very much like ourstrategic plan.
Right.
It's just a a rate study planthat says if if you do X, you
should have to do Y.
And so it looks at all of ourplanned projects in the future.
It looks at various revenuestreams where those are, you
know, things that people pay ontheir water bill, or is it, you
(15:07):
know, financing that we do thatwe have to uh service the debt
and those type things.
But there again, making sure wespread that cost equitably
between our existing customerbase and the new customer base
that will enjoy the benefits ofthose facilities.
SPEAKER_00 (15:26):
Right.
So from my understanding, sothis recommendation slash plan,
this will be reviewed prettymuch on an annual basis.
So it could change.
SPEAKER_01 (15:34):
It would yes, it'll be planned every year with our
budget.
I mean, we may choose not to doprojects, our projects may be
taken off the list.
New projects, you know, criticalfactors come into play, and we
have to change our project listout.
So it'll it's gonna be a planthat will be looked at on an
ongoing basis, and this is notcut in stone.
(15:56):
Right.
This is what's gonna have tohappen each and every year.
I think we'll we'll look at thatevery 12 months as we do our
budget planning.
SPEAKER_00 (16:04):
Flexibility is key, is what I get out of that.
It is very key.
All right.
So let's talk about emergencypreparedness as well, because
that, you know, I know withHurricane Helene and everything,
it really kind of opened oureyes to make sure that we, you
know, double down our efforts toensure that we're prepared for
an emergency such as that incase that ever happens again.
(16:28):
So one of the priorities is theTucker Road Water Treatment
Plant emergency backup.
SPEAKER_01 (16:34):
Yes.
SPEAKER_00 (16:34):
So explain a little bit about that.
SPEAKER_01 (16:37):
Well, like you said, coming out of Felene, we saw the
devastation that happened atvarious cities throughout
Southeast Georgia.
And we feel felt like for us togo through a situation like
that, we needed to have backupor emergency backup sources of
power at all of our facilities.
(16:57):
And the main one was Tucker RoadWater Facility.
This is a new facility wefinished up about four years
ago, and emergency backup wasnot included in that at that
time.
And we looked back and said,well, this is a critical thing
that has to be done to make surethat we can provide fresh water
to our citizens if in fact wefound ourselves in the same
(17:20):
situation from another hurricanein the future.
SPEAKER_00 (17:23):
Right, because we know hurricanes are going to
strike and we never know howstrong they're gonna be, and
definitely don't want to takethat risk.
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
SPEAKER_01 (17:29):
Well, you know, we're subject to all kinds of
weather.
I mean, you could have a tornadocome through here that would do
the same identical thing.
That's true.
You could have flooding, thosethings, but it's critical that
we provide fresh water and sewerto our citizens when we go
through those catastrophicoccurrences.
SPEAKER_00 (17:48):
So speaking of flexibility, we had a PTV access
to Heritage Oaks Park that wasin the works.
And of course, with differentthings happening and situations,
we sometimes have to put thoseon hold, correct?
SPEAKER_01 (18:03):
That's correct.
Um there was a change in some ofthe plans that were going on in
that community, and thedeveloper who is giving us the
right-of-way or easement, uh,he's having to redo his plan on
his plan development out there.
So it we have to put it on holduntil such a time as those plans
(18:26):
are put in place, and then we'llknow where we have access to
those easements at that point intime.
SPEAKER_00 (18:32):
Right.
So we're still watching itcarefully.
It's just we have to beflexible, right?
SPEAKER_01 (18:36):
We have to be flexible all the time.
SPEAKER_00 (18:38):
All right.
So the last project that we'regonna talk about is one of my
favorites, the East PerryRegional Park and that land
acquisition.
Let's talk about why an EastPerry Park.
SPEAKER_01 (18:51):
That's where the vast majority of our growth is
occurring out in East Perry, andand we're committed to providing
quality of life experiences forall of our citizens.
And if you're at Rosier Park orCreekwood on any Thursday night
or any Saturday morning, youknow that we're loving those
(19:11):
parks to death.
To death, yes.
And we felt that it wascritical, again, thinking the
same way we're thinking aboutCommodore Drive.
Right.
If we don't acquire the landnow, the land's not going to be
available five years from now orsix years from now.
So again, thanks to the SPLOSTand the voters approving that,
(19:34):
the funding was approved on acountywide project for
acquisition of this land to getin a position to build a park.
There's nothing that says we'regoing to start construction next
week.
SPEAKER_00 (19:46):
Sure.
SPEAKER_01 (19:46):
But we've got to acquire the land, we have to
have it available to us, and asfunding becomes available, we'll
continue to develop that parkfor the citizens that are out in
the eastern portion of our city.
Trevor Burrus, Jr.
SPEAKER_00 (19:59):
And that's why phases are really important with
this, because you have to takeit chunk by chunk sometimes,
right?
Or at least most of the time, Ifeel like.
SPEAKER_01 (20:08):
Well, I mean, it's very important.
It goes back to us and our focuson strategic planning.
I mean, just think.
We five years from now we go,oh, we need a park out here to
serve our citizens, but there'sno land available for us to
purchase.
Because it goes like if the landis available, it's four times
higher than what it is today.
(20:30):
And I we just think it'scritical to go ahead and get in
front of that, uh, acquire theland, and then start planning
for the development and whatneeds to go into that park.
I mean, we need to reallyunderstand what sports complex
is, you know, need to be put inthere, what type of different
type of offerings that we mayneed to take care of the
(20:51):
different Again, being veryflexible because it's amazing to
me that the demand for differenttype of facilities change
virtually rapidly.
Yes.
Because whoever thought youneeded to have 167 pickleball
courts.
I mean, so you're just lookingat what the demand is going to
(21:13):
be in the future and thenproviding those type of
facilities for the young peoplein our community.
Again, soccer is becoming very,you know, popular with the
youth, and that's probably oneof the things we'll focus on in
this part.
SPEAKER_00 (21:27):
We just got to pull out the crystal ball, right?
Yep.
SPEAKER_01 (21:30):
We've got to keep guessing.
SPEAKER_00 (21:31):
Well, Mayor, this is a lot of priorities.
I mean, and like we said,there's even more goals and
projects that are happening evenunderneath the surface level of
what we're providing to thepublic as our top priorities.
So, what's one of the mostimportant things for people to
realize when they look at allthese goals and objectives?
What do you want people tounderstand with the high level
(21:54):
of it?
SPEAKER_01 (21:54):
Well, I think looking at this, I think you
have confidence that we have anoutstanding staff in place here
in the city of Perry.
They're all uh very professionalin the work that they do, and
they're managing your taxdollars very, very effectively.
And I'm extremely proud of thework that they do.
(22:15):
And again, like I say, the Cityof Perry is a very complex
business that we're running.
And we are committed to usingthe tax dollars that the
citizens give us in a veryeffective and efficient manner,
and it goes to what supportstheir quality of life and their
(22:36):
needs.
SPEAKER_00 (22:37):
Well, Mayor Walker, thank you for your update on
some of the city's 2025 goalsand objectives, and we look
forward to the completion andand further developing of all
these goals.
SPEAKER_01 (22:48):
Well, they need to start looking at 2026.
Yes.
Because we'll be setting in thegoals for next year, and
there'll be some of these willbe continuing goals, but there
will be brand new ones on therebecause we're gonna really start
focusing on our existinginfrastructure.
Like you say, there's a numberof projects that we continue to
(23:09):
work on.
We've just completed the uh bearbranch upgrade of the sewer line
on Bear Branch.
That's not on our top ten list,but it was critical that we get
that done to serve our existingcustomers, and this was an
existing line that had to beupgraded.
So we're constantly looking atwhat we have as far as our
(23:32):
existing infrastructure and whatwe need to do to make sure it's
functional as well.
SPEAKER_00 (23:38):
That's right.
Year of the infrastructure oryears of the infrastructure.
So for our listeners, thisepisode highlights how long-term
strategic planning pays off.
Projects that startedenvisioning sessions a decade
ago are now becoming reality.
And at the same time, ourleaders are already planning for
the next 50 plus years.
So we will put this presentationand other relevant information
(24:01):
in our show notes.
And Mayor Walker, once again,thanks so much.
SPEAKER_01 (24:05):
My pleasure.
Thank you.
SPEAKER_00 (24:09):
Thanks for listening to the Inside Perry Podcast,
your inside look at Perry'slocal government.
Take a look at the show notesfor more information about
today's episode.
If you like Inside Perry, weencourage you to subscribe and
share the podcast with yourfriends and family.
We look forward to seeing youaround in our amazing community
where Georgia comes together.
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