VIDALIA — Following the results of the November election, two local attorneys will trade town of Vidalia positions.

George Murray, who for more than 30 years has served as the municipal judge before announcing he would retire this year, was appointed as city attorney Tuesday for a term to begin in January.

Murray will take the place of Scott McLemore, who will be sworn in as the municipal judge on Jan. 3 after winning the Nov. 8 election for the seat.

“I am just happy they chose me,” Murray said. “I have spent a lot of years working with the town. I would like to remain in a position of helping the town move forward.”

McLemore said working with Vidalia over the years has been a blessing, as the town has been a part of his workload the whole time he has practiced law in Louisiana.

When his father, Jack McLemore, was city attorney, McLemore said he was part of the firm. Then when his father retired, McLemore was named town attorney.

“It is bittersweet,” McLemore said. “It has been a great experience getting to work with you all. I hope to make the transition as seamless as possible.”

Mayor Buz Craft nominated Murray, a life-long resident of Vidalia, for the position.

“His firm has a very good reputation, not only in the business environment but also locally,” Craft said. “He has experience and knowledge of the city. He has an incredible staff, and I can’t think of a better person to recommend.”

Alderman Tron McCoy said he didn’t have a problem with Murray as the nominee, but he wanted to make sure other attorneys had an opportunity for the position.

Craft said he did consider other options, but “it was a clear path back” to Murray.

“I think we will have a great team,” Craft said. “Not that we haven’t, but I think it will be a good transition, a good move for the town.”

Craft said compensation would be the same for Murray as it has been for McLemore. McLemore received a $650 retainer monthly and $150 per hour.

In other news, Craft said the town has finalized its lease agreement with Fruit of the Loom for $40,000 per month. Fruit of the Loom has also agreed to pay taxes on the property through March.

Craft said he did not know how much taxes would be on the property.

Martin Mills Inc, a subsidiary of Union Underwear Company, announced May 11 it would permanently close the Vidalia Apparel Fruit of the Loom distribution center and vacate the building Dec. 31.

However, by September, Vice President of Distribution Donald Watts contacted town officials about continuing operations through the end of March.

In late October, Craft announced the town was working on a lease agreement for the apparel company to remain in the facility through March 31.

Craft said the agreement would not impact a client the town is currently in discussions with about utilizing the property. Craft said he could not name the company at this time, but he said the negotiations are “heavy” and involve a lease-purchase and job credits.

• The town approved new business applications for Victory Marketing, LLC., for a Sprint Mart located at 4291 U.S. 84; and Wound Care Associates, located at 107 Front St., Suite 1207.
• The town will enter into a 25-payment lease of $3,309 per month with Bancorp South for a 2017 International 7400 with a Heil body garbage truck. Craft said action for the truck was approved by the previous administration, but construction and delivery has been six months in the making.
  After trading in another truck on the lease buy back program, the town will continue to have three garbage trucks in its fleet.
• The town entered a cooperative agreement with Clayton to donate a 2002 Ford Crown Victoria for use by the Clayton Police Department.