A new library and more recreation facilities are among the top priorities set by Waleska city leaders for 2010.

Mayor Doris Jones said the main focus for the city government is opening a public library.

Waleska owns about three acres of land next to Waleska City Hall on Fincher Road. Ms. Jones said the city is working on acquiring three more acres, giving it enough land to build a library.

She said the city currently ranks at No. 28 on the state government's list of library projects to be funded.

"We can move up that list rapidly," she said. "This year, I'm hoping that we will do that."

Newly installed Councilman Paul Ice said he thinks funding for library construction is still a couple of years away, but the city should stay on task with it.

"You want to be ready to jump when the money is available," he said.

Councilwoman Edna Cook said securing land for the library is a priority this year - even if construction of a library is a year or two away.

"We can at least get the property. We are doing all we can to get that to happen," she said.

Also among her priorities is to see the splash pad operating at Cline Park this year.

In November 2008, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners approved a $103,944 contract with Timberwolf Pool and Design for installation of an aquatic playground at the park.

Construction of the pad has been held up because of environmental concerns, Ms. Jones said. She added she would help the county's parks and recreation department in any way to open the water feature this year.

Councilman Floyd Puckett said completing the water line improvement project on Highway 140 would be a big accomplishment for the city.

Last month, the council approved a $457,331 bid from Tritt Construction to replace the current six-inch line on Highway 140 from Lower Burris Road north to Reinhardt College with a 10-inch water line.

"A 10-inch line carries a lot more water," he said about the city's increased water capacity after the project is complete.

Councilman Dennis "Hill" Cochran said construction should begin in the summer.

"I'll be glad to take out that old asbestos line," he said about the line replacement.

Councilwoman Mary Helen Lamb said she is looking forward to extending a water line down Arlington Way and participating in the effort to obtain a full count for the country's 2010 Census. The count, which begins in March, among other benefits, determines how much federal representation and funding communities receive.

Councilman Bill Cline said he also wants to see the council pursue grant money to expand the city's sidewalks.

Ms. Jones said a big accomplishment in 2009 was improving the city's streetlights.

"They are much brighter and much cleaner. People can actually see when they walk at night," she said.

Another accomplishment for 2009 touted by council members was the addition of a water line on Friendship Road, connecting the system between Highway 108 and Land Road.