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Politics & Government

Council Honors Chief O'Dillon for 25 Years of Service

Also discussed at Wednesday's city council meeting: Watkinsville's population grows to more than 2,800.

Life was different in 1986. Ronald Reagan was president. The Oprah Winfrey Show had just become nationally-syndicated. And Watkinsville native Lee O'Dillon was  starting his job as chief of police.

Twenty-five years later, O'Dillon – who remains – was honored by the city council for his service.

“When he started, he was the police department,” Mayor Joe Walter said at the city council meeting Wednesday night.

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O'Dillon said he worked every day for the first 14 and a half years – no vacations, no days off.

“It was tough for a long time,” he said. “I knew what I was getting into.”

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Even when he was home from work, which often teetered at more than 90 hours a week, he was on call. But despite the challenges, O'Dillion has remained optimistic and says there's no end in sight.

“As far as I'm concerned, I'm just getting started,” he said.

 

Other information from the meeting:

  • In his Mayor's Report, Walters said Watkinsville must be prepared for a projected 5-10 percent revenue reduction. Walter added there are no plans to raise taxes or cut services at this time.

  • The council approved three new business licenses. Andrea Williams, entrepreneur and Oconee Patch freelancer, launched . Timothy Sims was approved for Alimak Hek Rental Group, a company that rents construction elevators and platforms. The third license was for John Beasley, who is opening a small law office at 31 N. Main St. called JF Beasley.

  • Information from the indicated Watkinsville's population now stands at 2,832. The city grew by 735 people since the previous Census was taken in 2000.

  • The Heart & Soul Bus Tour will make a stop in Watkinsville shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday at the Eagle Tavern. The group is touring 10 cities over a three-day period to explore ways that Georgia cities are revitalizing their downtowns.

  • Residents are reminded to abide by city policy regarding city removal of leaves, grass clippings and branches. Limbs must be 4 inches or less and the city is not responsible for lawn waste gathered by private contractors.

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