THOMASVILLE � A sewer system project funded by a $500,000 federal grant is about to get under way on the west side of town in Meigs.

The Thomas County town is in the process of applying for a similar grant to make repairs and replacements to the east-side sewer system.

Heavy rain sends storm water through loose manhole covers into the Meigs sewer system, said Mayor Andy Wurst.

The city also is applying for a long-term loan to rebuild the town�s waste-water treatment plant. Meigs is under court order to repair the facility.

Wurst, who took office in January, said Meigs employees received raises recently � the first in seven years. The pay scale for all city positions was evaluated.

�We�re fixing that raise problem,� Wurst explained, adding that city employees are �working quite happily together.�

Meigs City Council has appointed new legal counsel � Albany lawyer Tommy Coleman, who is about to embark on a review of Meigs city ordinances and make recommendations for changes.

In other council action, council members have been assigned to various areas of city government. Rather than council committees, individual council members have been assigned to oversee certain aspects of city government.

The 2009 city audit is ready to be sent to the state, Wurst said.

A Dollar General store at U.S. 19 North and Ga. 111 is set for a June 15 opening. The city is awaiting the store�s letter of request for annexation.

Wurst said annexation of the store into Meigs will result in sales tax revenue for the city. The business will be served by city services.

A city beautification project is planned for late April. Volunteers are being sought, the mayor said.

Also set for April is the debut of a project Wurst hopes will bring permanent business to his town.

The old Ford dealership purchased by the city will be refurbished to accommodate an open-air market on Saturdays.

The facility will be open to those wanting to sell farm products, flea market-type vendors and retailers.

Wurst hopes people selling products on Saturdays will eventually decide to open permanent businesses in Meigs.