The Quitman Development Corporation decided Monday night to hold off on reimbursing the City of Quitman for mowing and property cleanup for the property located at 511 N. Winnsboro St., which was once the Towner Apartments. 

The property was the subject of much discussion and controversy at April’s Building and Standards Commission meeting. In April, the board ruled that Joleen Wallace, the property owner, must completely scrape the property “so it’s back to clean dirt” by May 10. 

The QDC noted that the property is not yet finished. However, as Wallace called in a suspected gas leak on the evening of the 10th, Quitman Mayor Randy Dunn decided alongside the QDC board to allow her until Wednesday to complete the cleanup.

James Attaway, executive director of the QDC, said that the city is allowed to fine Wallace up to $1,000 per day that the property is in violation, but “that is not necessarily the city’s intent.”

The board also decided to “cancel the EV charging station” indefinitely.

The decision, which was originally proposed as an action item to approve an update to the city’s electric vehicle (EV) charging point, came after some discussion. The board ultimately decided that the annual $2,400 fee, plus maintenance and updating fees, were not worth the small to nonexistent use citizens get from the station.

The QDC also tabled further discussion and action on the approval of a resolution to reimburse the City of Quitman for mowing and property cleanup at 408 N. Winnsboro St. They will discuss it further in the June meeting, when Attaway expects to have bids for the project.

The QDC approved two new sign and façade grants – one for Stacy’s Nails and Hair, located on 408 W. Bermuda St., and one for S2 Marine, located at 714 S. Main Street. 

The board authorized Attaway to negotiate for a downtown property at up to $5,000 for a development prospect.