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After appearing in a previous month about the curbing installed by the state that blocks his businesses, Sammy Bailey was back before the Fort Deposit Council recently.

“I came to ask the council what they plan on doing with my problem with the state,” Bailey asked. “I do not have parking spaces for my customers.”

The project created an island around Bailey’s businesses and property he owns including B.J. ‘s Auto Sales, a washeteria and a package store among others.

“I don’t have parking for anyone – not even my workers,” Bailey said. “The state doesn’t just go in the city limits and do something without you knowing. If y’all want to run me out of business, you’re doing a good job. You can’t get in and out of the place. The washeteria?  Can’t get in it … the package store? Can’t get in it. I came down to ask the city for help. I’d like to know what y’all – City Council – are going to do about it?”

Bailey also mentioned the No Parking signs along the roadside near the businesses.

“No where else in Lowndes County do you have that,” he said. “The only No Parking signs in Lowndes County are across from B.J.’s auto Sales. You’re targeting me.”

Fort Deposit Mayor Fletcher Fountain told Bailey he had a civil problem with the state.

“I do not know and I never heard of anybody from the town of Fort Deposit telling the state to do that,” Fountain said. “I don’t know what the council will do or can do. I talked to Rep. (Kelvin) Lawrence and he said the state had to settle it – it’s on their property (right of way).

Fountain promised Bailey that he would research the issue.

“We will see if we can start some dialogue on to see if we can get it removed,” Fountain concluded. “I’ll do some calling – I know it’s tight.”

In other action, the Fort Deposit Council appointed Janelle Powell to the Library Board and discussed a $70,000 grant/loan program for police vehicles. The town’s patrol car fleet is aging and several units have issues.

The Town of Fort Deposit may also soon have the deed to the former National Guard Armory.