Charlton County, GA

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

General

Board of Commissioners

Fire Board

Board of Commissioners

Recreation Advisory Board

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Fire Board

Recreation Advisory Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Board of Assessors

Board of Commissioners

Fire Board

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

Board of Elections and Voter Registration

General

General

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on routine items including minutes, purchases, and resolutions. Key actions include ratifying emergency ambulance repairs, approving two dump trucks, and relinquishing local authority for land disturbance permits.

• Ratify emergency ambulance repairs by Tom Nehl for $7,087.85
• Approve purchase of two dump trucks
• Ratify emergency agreement with ServPro for bat exclusion and cleanup
• Adopt resolution authorizing SGRC to apply for FY2028 Rural Public Transit funds from GDOT
• Relinquish local issuing authority for land disturbance permits

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider adopting a resolution for the 2026 Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) referendum and an intergovernmental agreement. The agenda includes motions by the county and the cities of Folkston and Homeland to approve the agreement, with the county also authorizing Chairwoman Benefield to execute it. This is a procedural step to place the sales tax question on the ballot and formalize revenue-sharing arrangements.

• Adoption of resolution for 2026 FLOST referendum
• Adoption of 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement by City of Folkston
• Adoption of 2026 FLOST Intergovernmental Agreement by City of Homeland
• County resolution approving FLOST agreement and authorizing Chairwoman Benefield to execute

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors will convene to approve minutes, review appraisal and financial reports, and address motor vehicle and homestead appeals. The meeting will conclude with an executive session.

• Approval of Minutes
• Chief Appraiser Report
• Financial Report
• Motor Vehicle Appeals
• Homesteads/ VA Exemption

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will vote on resolutions regarding the TREES Act and federal coordination for the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. The meeting includes petitions for tax relief and a variance, as well as an updated roadway abandonment policy.

• Tax Penalty and Interest Relief Petition from B. Krick
• Variance Petition from L. Smith
• Resolution regarding Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge and UNESCO World Heritage Site Designation
• Participation in the Timberlands Recovery, Exemption, and Earning Stability (TREES) Act
• Updated Alleyway and Roadway Abandonment Policy

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners is meeting to discuss the FLOST process and next steps. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Discuss FLOST process and next steps

General

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on a resolution to request legislation allowing a technology fee charged by the Probate/Magistrate Court, and on raising recreation fees to $60. Other actions include awarding a guaranteed energy savings performance contract, executing agreements with OREMC for a fire station tower and with Unison Behavioral Health, and appointing two new members to the Board of Tax Assessors.

• Motion to adopt resolution requesting a technology fee for Probate/Magistrate Court
• Motion to approve raising recreation fees to $60.00
• Motion to award bid for Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract
• Motion to authorize agreement with OREMC for Georgia Bend Fire Station Tower
• Motion to appoint two new members to the Board of Tax Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners approved several major items, including awarding a Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract to ABM, authorizing a 20-year tower lease with OREMC for the Georgia Bend Fire Station, and raising recreation fees to $60. They also approved the purchase of an AC unit for the Sheriff's Office, tree removal near St. George Elementary, and a resolution supporting a technology fee for the Probate/Magistrate Court. Several items were tabled, including a certificate of recognition, a mutual aid MOU with D. Ray James Processing Center, and appointments to the Board of Tax Assessors.

• Awarded Guaranteed Energy Savings Performance Contract to ABM (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairwoman to execute 20-year tower lease with OREMC for Georgia Bend Fire Station (unanimous)
• Approved raising recreation fees to $60, except track (unanimous)
• Approved $10,978.77 purchase and replacement of AC coil and TXV for Sheriff's Office (unanimous)
• Authorized contract with S&T Tree Service for tree/stump removal near St. George Elementary (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution requesting legislation for technology fee for Probate/Magistrate Court (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution consenting to deannexation of property from City of Folkston (unanimous)
• Tabled mutual aid MOU with D. Ray James Processing Center until concerns addressed (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors holds a regular meeting to consider appeals, homestead and VA exemptions, CUVA updates, and hear the chief appraiser's report. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from May and financial reports. No major policy changes or contracts with dollar amounts are listed.

• Approval of May meeting minutes
• Homestead and VA exemption matters
• CUVA (Current Use Value Assessment) updates
• Appeals to be heard
• Chief Appraiser report and Financial report

The Charlton County Board of Assessors met on July 14, 2026, and approved the agenda, May minutes, ACOs, homesteads, and CUVA applications. The board denied a motor vehicle appeal, keeping the state's value. No other substantive decisions were made; the financial report was noted as not updated.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved May minutes (unanimous)
• Approved June and July ACOs (unanimous)
• Approved June and July homesteads (unanimous)
• Approved June and July CUVAs (unanimous)
• Denied motor vehicle appeal, kept state's value (unanimous)

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a call to order, invocation, and pledge. The only substantive item is a presentation from Jeff Meyer and Doug Davis. No other business items are listed.

• Presentation from Jeff Meyer and Doug Davis

The Board heard a presentation from Doug Davis and Jeff Meyer about future phases of The Farm at Okefenokee and complementary projects, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and finish within 5-10 years. No formal action was taken; the presenters requested a general letter of support, but the Board agreed to hold further staff discussions before drafting any letter. The meeting was otherwise procedural, with no other decisions made.

• Deferred drafting letter of support for Farm at Okefenokee expansion pending staff discussions

Recreation Advisory Board

The Charlton County Recreation Advisory Board will consider the Recreation Facility Improvement Plan. The board will also receive updates on golf and tennis, the baseball season, and fall sports registration. No decisions or contracts are listed in the agenda.

• Discuss Recreation Facility Improvement Plan
• Discuss Golf & Tennis Seasonal Update
• Discuss Baseball Season Wrap Up
• Discuss Fall Sports Registration

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss the adoption of an Open Roads Policy resolution. The board will also consider the purchase of a new grapple loader and body.

• Resolution for Open Roads Policy
• Purchase of a new grapple loader and body

The commissioners unanimously approved the purchase of a new grapple loader body for $133,600, selecting Sansom Equipment Company. They also unanimously adopted the Georgia Open Roads Policy resolution, opening the county to grant opportunities. The board entered an executive session to discuss possible litigation and real estate, then adjourned. A special called meeting was scheduled for July 7, 2026.

• Approved purchase of new grapple loader body ($133,600) – unanimous
• Adopted Open Roads Policy resolution – unanimous
• Amended agenda to include executive session – unanimous
• Adopted June 18, 2026 meeting minutes – unanimous
• Entered executive session on possible litigation and real estate – unanimous (no action taken)
• Scheduled special called meeting for July 7, 2026 – unanimous
• Adjourned meeting – unanimous

Fire Board

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with a public hearing on a variance request from Michael Mimbs. The board will also consider purchasing a compressor for the Annex building, authorizing grant applications for emergency management and firehouse equipment, and adopting a resolution for the Spanish Creek resurfacing project. Additionally, several policy drafts will be discussed, including social media and meeting conduct policies.

• Public hearing on variance request from Michael Mimbs
• Motion to take purchase of new compressor for Annex West Wing AC unit from the table
• Motion to authorize EMA Director to apply for Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG)
• Motion to adopt resolution for Regional TIA Spanish Creek Resurfacing Project
• Discussion of Social Media Policy Draft

The Board approved several grant applications, a variance request, and an annex building repair. The Board also adopted a corrected resolution for the Board of Assessors and a regional road resurfacing resolution.

• Approved Michael Mimbs variance request (unanimous)
• Ratified $11,943.37 compressor purchase for Annex Building AC repair (unanimous)
• Authorized application for $14,830.00 Emergency Management Performance Grant (unanimous)
• Authorized Fire and Rescue to apply for Firehouse Subs grant (unanimous)
• Adopted corrected resolution for Yolanda Carter's appointment to the Board of Assessors (unanimous)
• Adopted resolution for Regional TIA Spanish Creek Resurfacing Project (unanimous)
• Approved May 2026 Financial Report (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review administrative reports and appeals. The agenda includes discussions on homesteads, VA exemptions, and motor vehicle appeals.

• Homesteads and VA Exemption reviews
• CUVA (Conservation Use Valuation Adjustment) reviews
• Motor Vehicle Appeals
• Chief Appraiser Report
• Financial Report

Board of Commissioners

The board will hold a public hearing and second reading of an ordinance to amend the number of members on the Board of Tax Assessors. Other decisions include ratifying purchases for the fire department, awarding a $541,650 bid for the Spanish Creek Box Culvert project, and authorizing grant applications and an intergovernmental agreement. The meeting also includes proclamations and reappointments.

• Public hearing and second reading of ordinance to amend number of members on Board of Tax Assessors
• Motion to ratify purchase of three skid units for Fire Department up to $14,000 from 2020 SPLOST
• Motion to award bid to Underground Excavating LLC for $541,650 for Spanish Creek Box Culvert Project
• Motion to authorize Chairwoman to execute intergovernmental agreement with Georgia Forestry for lease of Dawsie Crews Road Tower
• Motion to adopt proclamation declaring June as Men's Health Month in Charlton County

The Board of Commissioners approved the creation of a youth Junior Board, awarded a $541,650 contract for the Spanish Creek Box Culvert project, and authorized various equipment purchases. A decision on repairing the annex building AC unit was tabled to compare replacement quotes.

• Approved creation of a Junior Board (4-0)
• Ratified purchase of three Fire Department skid units up to $14,000.00 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of medical supplies from Bound Tree for $8,207.12 (unanimous)
• Tabled annex building AC compressor repair to compare replacement quotes (unanimous)
• Authorized County Administrator to apply for the AFG Grant (unanimous)
• Awarded bid to Underground Excavating LLC for $541,650.00 for Spanish Creek Box Culvert project (unanimous)
• Authorized execution of Georgia Forestry lease agreement for Dawsie Crews Road Tower (unanimous)
• Adopted ordinance amending the number of members on the Board of Tax Assessors (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The commissioners will consider two petitions to abandon and purchase an unopened roadway and an unopened alleyway. They will vote on a contract to purchase asphalt from East Coast Asphalt and authorize a 2026 LRA grant application. Additional items include a lighting equipment agreement, the first reading of an ordinance changing the number of Board of Tax Assessors members, and discussion of a temporary burn ban.

• Petition to abandon and purchase an unopened roadway
• Petition to abandon and purchase an unopened alleyway
• Motion to approve purchase of asphalt from East Coast Asphalt
• Motion to authorize Chairwoman Benefield to submit the 2026 LRA grant application
• Motion to execute an agreement for recreation facility lighting equipment improvements

The Board approved several roadway abandonment petitions and a $150,000 asphalt purchase. Commissioners also authorized a grant application and an agreement for lighting improvements at the Deuce Lloyd Recreation Complex.

• Approved Charles and Angela Edward roadway abandonment petition (unanimous)
• Approved Jason Roberts roadway abandonment petition (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of asphalt from East Coast Asphalt up to $150,000 (unanimous)
• Authorized Chairwoman Benefield to submit 2026 LRA Grant Application (unanimous)
• Executed agreement with Charlton Electric for recreation facility lighting improvements (unanimous)
• Approved April 2026 Financial Report (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Charlton County Board of Assessors will approve its meeting agenda and minutes. It will consider applications for homestead and VA property tax exemptions, as well as motor vehicle tax appeals. The board will also receive the chief appraiser and financial reports and hold an executive session.

• Approval of agenda
• Approval of minutes
• Homestead and VA exemption applications
• Motor vehicle tax appeals
• Financial report

The Charlton County Board of Assessors met on May 12, 2026. Motions to approve the agenda, minutes, ACOs, homesteads, and CUVAs were made and seconded, but the minutes do not record any vote outcomes or final approvals. No other substantive actions were documented.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss administrative appointments and equipment purchases. The session includes a presentation from the Okefenokee Regional Development Manager and a review of the March 2026 financial report.

• Purchase of a 930 Wheel Loader
• Agreement with SGRC for Senior Center Services
• Agreement with HQE for EAS Software
• Appointment of candidates to the Board of Assessors
• Promotion of Becky Harden from Interim to County Administrator

The Board voted unanimously to promote Becky Harden from interim to the full‑time permanent County Administrator role. They also approved a discretionary contracting authority for Harden and authorized the Chair and Vice Chair to negotiate her contract. Additional actions included approving a $930 wheel loader purchase, executing senior center and EAS software agreements, and appointing Lisa Taylor to the Board of Assessors.

• Promoted Becky Harden to full‑time County Administrator (unanimous)
• Authorized Chair and Vice Chair to negotiate Harden's contract (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 930 wheel loader with TSPLOST funds (unanimous)
• Executed agreement with SGRC for senior center services (unanimous)
• Approved CivicPlus for EAS software (3‑1 vote)
• Adopted March 2026 financial report (unanimous)
• Appointed Lisa Taylor to fill unexpired Board of Assessors term (unanimous)
• Adopted agenda and prior meeting minutes (unanimous)

General

This is a planning retreat day 2 for the Charlton County Board of Commissioners. The board will discuss various county projects including the auditorium, recreation complex, and St. George EMS station, as well as operations like trash pickup, hotel/motel tax, and the Chamber of Commerce agreement. The board will also set goals for 2026. No votes are scheduled; items are for discussion only.

• Discuss FLOST/SPLOST and homestead exemptions
• Discuss hotel/motel tax and Chamber of Commerce agreement
• Discuss county auditorium project
• Discuss recreation complex and saddle club arena
• Discuss St. George EMS station

The commissioners moved the executive session to the afternoon agenda and postponed the FLOST/SPLOST discussion to the end of the meeting. They entered an executive session to discuss personnel after a unanimous motion. The board also decided not to pursue a hotel/motel tax at this time and will research it further, and adjourned the meeting unanimously.

• Moved executive session to the afternoon agenda (unanimous)
• Postponed FLOST/SPLOST discussion to end of agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel (unanimous)
• Decided not to pursue hotel/motel tax now; will research further (unanimous)
• Will seek information from Joe Wright on FLOST/LHOST before any decision (unanimous)
• Will review service delivery strategies with cities for trash and leaf/limb pick‑up (unanimous)
• Will consider Chamber of Commerce funding request during budget process (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will hold a planning retreat to discuss policy updates and potential code changes, including topics such as tiny homes, data centers, and building code revisions.

• Discuss Tiny Homes
• Discuss Data Centers
• Discuss Building Code Updates
• Discuss Comprehensive Plan
• Discuss Social Media Policy

The commissioners entered an executive session at 12:04 PM after a unanimous motion. They also unanimously recessed the meeting until 10:30 AM on April 29. The board declined to create an official Facebook page for the Commissioners' office and agreed to amend the alleyway abandonment policy, with staff to draft revisions. Additional agreements included pursuing contract services for inspection workload and moving the day‑2 retreat start time to 10:30 AM.

• Entered executive session on personnel (motion carried unanimously)
• Recessed meeting until 10:30 AM on April 29 (motion carried unanimously)
• Declined to create an official Facebook page for the Commissioners' office
• Agreed to amend alleyway abandonment policy; staff to draft revisions
• Consensus to obtain contract services for building inspection case load
• Agreed to push planning retreat day‑2 start time back to 10:30 AM

Board of Commissioners

This meeting is primarily a grand opening and dedication ceremony for the Georgia Bend Fire Station. The board will also adopt the minutes from the April 2 regular meeting. No other substantive decisions are on the agenda.

• Motion to adopt the April 2, 2026 Regular Meeting Minutes
• Georgia Bend Fire Station Grand Opening Ceremony at 3464 Stokes Road
• Georgia Bend Fire Station Dedication Ceremony

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners adopted the meeting agenda and the April 2 minutes by unanimous vote. They also approved motions to open the Georgia Bend Fire Station Grand Opening ceremony and to adjourn the meeting. All motions passed unanimously.

• Adopted agenda (unanimous)
• Adopted April 2, 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Opened Grand Opening and Dedication ceremony (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will convene at 6:00 PM to adopt the agenda and consider a motion to enter executive session regarding real estate and potential litigation.

• Motion to enter executive session for real estate and potential litigation
• Adoption of the agenda

The board discussed a motion to enter executive session to talk about real estate and potential litigation. No vote tally or decision outcome was recorded in the minutes. No other substantive actions were taken.

Recreation Advisory Board

Recreation Advisory Board

Board of Commissioners

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will vote on two contract awards for the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant (LMIG). One motion will accept the 2024 LMIG bid of $652,885.27 and award it to The Scruggs Company. A second motion will accept the 2025 LMIG bid of $340,223.11 and also award it to The Scruggs Company. The board will also consider authorizing EMA to proceed with final evaluation and negotiation for an EAS vendor.

• Motion to authorize EMA to proceed with final evaluation and negotiation for EAS Vendor
• Motion to accept the 2024 LMIG bid of $652,885.27 and award the contract to The Scruggs Company
• Motion to accept the 2025 LMIG bid of $340,223.11 and award the contract to The Scruggs Company
• Adoption of the March 19, 2026 regular meeting minutes
• Public hearings and petitions scheduled during the meeting

The Charlton County Board unanimously adopted the meeting agenda and the March 19th minutes. It tabled further negotiations on Emergency Alert System vendors. The Board approved the 2024 LMIG bid of $652,885.27 and the 2025 LMIG bid of $340,223.11, both awarded to The Scruggs Company.

• Adopt agenda (unanimously)
• Adopt March 19th minutes (unanimously)
• Table EMA vendor negotiations (unanimously)
• Accept 2024 LMIG bid $652,885.27 and award to Scruggs Company (unanimously)
• Accept 2025 LMIG bid $340,223.11 and award to Scruggs Company (unanimously)
• Adjourn meeting (unanimously)

General

The Charlton County Board of Commissioners will meet to hear a presentation from EMA Director Tiffany Yearwood. The session focuses on the county's emergency alert system and sirens.

• Presentation from EMA Director Tiffany Yearwood regarding Emergency Alert System and Sirens

The board listened to a presentation by the Emergency Management Director on emergency alert system software and siren integration. No actions, approvals, or denials were recorded; the discussion remained informational.

Fire Board