RAY CITY, Ga. (WALB) — The city council meeting on Sept. 1, turned into a heated discussion between the Mayor, council, and business owner.

In a Facebook Live recording from Lanier County News, a discussion is taking place regarding an acre of land on Pauline Avenue in Ray City. Sandra Cersey, owner of Jesus Loves Me Daycare & Pre-K, has requested to purchase the land that sits in front of her business.

During the discussion, Councilwoman Maria Arambula questions where the documents are regarding the ownership of the land and that’s when the discussion takes a turn.

In the video the Mayor and councilwoman are on camera and Cersey is off camera.

Councilwoman Arambula is seen and heard saying, “You are tax exempt...you are a non profit...parents need to take care of their children, not paid hands. I’m sorry I have an opinion. I don’t think daycares are good for society.”

Mayor Brenda Exum responds, “Well, that is your opinion...she does pay taxes.” Following those comments, Cersey, explains that her licensed childcare center is for-profit and pays taxes.

“Her remarks publicly demeaned my business, my employees, the families we serve, and childcare providers generally. Daycare services allow parents to work, support their families, and contribute to the local economy. Childcare professionals are trained and entrusted to provide safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate care—not merely ‘paid hand,” Cersey said. “Councilwoman Maria Arambula was very unprofessional and criticized her business when I am simply asking to provide more support for families within the community. The Mayor apologized to me for how councilwoman Arambula treated me and my business.”

Cersey has filed a formal complaint with the city against the councilwoman. She says the remarks raise concerns about Councilwoman Arambula’s ability to evaluate matters involving her business fairly and without personal bias.

Arambula released the following statement about the incident:

“The citizens of Ray City deserve transparency and every public official must be held accountable. On September 1, 2026 at the regular council meeting, Mayor Brenda Exum and Sandra Cersey attempted to facilitate the sale of city property, which possibly included the Ray City Community Library, through an expedited vote and incomplete documentation. I am thankful to councilwoman Serena Martin, and councilman Hank Studstill for supporting my effort to delay the attempt to purchase the property.”

WALB requested statements from Ray City Mayor Brenda Exum as well.

“Citizens and businesses should be able to petition their local government without being insulted or publicly disparaged by an official because of the lawful services they provide,” Cersey said.

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