By Tara DeRock Mahoney
Senior Staff Writer

The Rutledge City Council unanimously approved the five-year update to its 10-year Comprehensive Plan, which is part of a 2009 county-wide comp-plan update that will be forwarded to the state for approval in February.
   

Morgan County Senior Planner Allison Moon Duncan was present at Rutledge’s regular third-Monday meeting this week to go over the update with council members and answer any questions about the county process.
   

She was also there to get solicit input on upcoming county-wide planning projects.
   

“We’re starting early—we’re looking at the big picture and planning,” said Duncan.
   

The update to the 2004 comp plan includes a list of city accomplishments over the past five years, including obtaining a grant for a new chlorinator for the city water system; hired an engineering firm to create a water system model for the city; performed smoke tests to determine the location of holes in the lines; uncovered manhole covers that had been paved over; addressed issues of water theft through a new ordinance; replaced water meters with a touch-read system; and facilitated the installation of a new elevated water tank in the Rutledge service delivery area, among other projects.
   

The update also looks at goals and policies in areas of economic development, natural and cultural resources, community facilities, housing, land use, and intergovernmental coordination.
   

For example, in the category of economic development, the city plans to develop a long-term plan for the city; encourage the redevelopment of vacant and underutilized structures in the city as incubator space for small-business entrepreneurs; and “continue to develop tourism opportunities based upon the unique character of Rutledge, including its local art and proximity to Hard Labor Creek State Park,” among other goals.
   

Under “Facilities and Services,” the community has stated goals of evaluating the need for a water-system expansion; renovating and restoring the former city hall building; and implementing a regular plan for maintenance of “existing streets, sidewalks, and areas of curb and gutter.” The city also plans to prioritize road repairs and plan to complete a certain set of road projects each year.