McDuffie County public meetings in 2021

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will consider year-end budget amendments and the 2022 budget, along with reappointing Howell Roberts to the planning board and setting 2022 meeting and holiday dates. The agenda also includes routine reports from the council, city administrator, and mayor, and a possible executive session.

• Year-end budget amendments
• 2022 budget adoption
• Planning board reappointment: Howell Roberts (2022-2025)
• 2022 council meeting dates
• 2022 city holiday dates

The City Council approved the 2022 budget totaling $22,556,916, along with year-end budget amendments for various funds. They also approved three additional budgets for airport expenditures, police condemnation, and TSPLOST revenue. The council reappointed Howell Roberts to the Planning Board and approved the 2022 meeting and holiday schedules. No other substantive decisions were made; commercial garbage rate increases were presented for information only.

• Approved 2022 budget of $22,556,916 (5-0)
• Approved year-end budget amendments totaling $1,013,903 (5-0)
• Approved additional budgets: Airport $96,600, Police Condemnation $5,000, TSPLOST $175,000 (5-0)
• Reappointed Howell Roberts to Planning Board 2022-2025 (5-0)
• Approved 2022 council meeting schedule (5-0)
• Approved 2022 city holiday schedule (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting and approved the proposed redistricting map labeled MCR-2021, along with Resolution 21-13, which sets the map to be presented in the legislative session for final approval. The map was revised to bring minority percentages closer for each district. Both items passed by a 3-2 roll call vote, with Chairman Newton, Commissioner Thompson, and Commissioner Jopling voting yes, and Vice Chairman Wilson and Commissioner Favors voting no.

• Approved proposed redistricting map MCR-2021 (3-2)
• Approved Resolution 21-13 setting redistricting map for legislative approval (3-2)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners approved the FY22 operating budget of $38,737,715 via Resolution 21-15, and approved several alcohol licenses, fee changes, and a COVID leave payout. Redistricting items were continued (tabled) to a later meeting after concerns were raised about the proposed map.

• Approved Resolution 21-15 setting the FY22 budget at $38,737,715 operating, $13,988,980 general fund
• Continued (tabled) redistricting items #1 and #2 to a later meeting; no sponsor or map selected
• Approved alcohol licenses for Bordeaux Event Center LLC and Bordeaux Steak & Seafood LLC, pending certificate of occupancy
• Approved alcohol license for 1011 White Oak Road (Whiteoak Mart)
• Approved updated GDOT drug and alcohol policy for transit, keeping zero-tolerance
• Approved schedule of fees: campground $30/day, wholesale beer/wine $350/yr, construction-without-permit fees reduced
• Approved one-time COVID accumulated leave disbursement of 80 hours for staff with over 320 hours, cost $41,014.51
• Approved November 2021 ACO report, reflecting a $21,705.59 decrease to property tax digest

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including the FY22 budget, a proposed redistricting map, and an architectural RFQ for Sweetwater. They will also consider cancelling the December 21st meeting, a GDOT transit policy update, solid waste, accumulated leave, and a Planning Board appointment. These are discussion items only; no final votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of architectural RFQ for Sweetwater
• Discussion of cancelling December 21st meeting
• Discussion of GDOT policy update for transit
• Discussion of solid waste
• Discussion of FY22 budget and proposed redistricting map

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session with all items for discussion only; no formal action was taken. The board discussed the FY22 budget, a proposed redistricting map, and several other items, with most set to be added to the next meeting agenda. The redistricting discussion revealed disagreement among commissioners, with Chairman Newton pushing to move forward by Wednesday's deadline.

• No action taken; all agenda items were discussion only.
• Continued discussion on Sweetwater architectural RFQ until scoring sheets are ready.
• Continued discussion on cancelling the December 21 meeting pending check for lingering business.
• Added GDOT transit drug/alcohol policy update to next meeting agenda.
• Noted solid waste hauling bid closes December 20; information only.
• Added accumulated leave one-time payout (estimated $41,014.51) to next meeting agenda.
• Continued Planning Board appointment discussion until January.
• Added FY22 budget resolution and proposed redistricting map to next meeting agenda.

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved a flag lot variance at 1608 Moose Club Road, reversing the Planning Board's denial, and approved a special exception for a family cemetery at 2721 Wire Road. The board tabled the proposed county commissioner district map (Resolution 21-13) for further discussion, with Commissioner Jopling opposed. They also approved the Title VI Plan, holiday supplements, and Resolution 21-14 for the opioid settlement agreement.

• Approved flag lot variance at 1608 Moose Club Road (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for family cemetery at 2721 Wire Road (unanimous)
• Tabled Resolution 21-13 county commissioner district map (2-1, Jopling opposed)
• Approved Title VI Plan (unanimous)
• Approved holiday supplements (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-14 opioid settlement agreement (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with added opioid settlement item (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of Nov 1 and Nov 3 meetings (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The council approved Resolution 11-2021 accepting the re-apportioned districts based on the delayed 2020 Census, to be filed with State Senator Max Burns. It also approved a Language Access Plan for a CDBG grant. Both votes were 4-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution 11-2021 accepting redistricting map (4-0)
• Approved Language Access Plan for CDBG grant 21b-x-094-2-6189 (4-0)
• Approved agenda as written (4-0)
• Approved minutes of October 14, 2021 meeting (4-0)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a work session to discuss redistricting, the budget, council concerns, and reports from the city administrator and mayor. No votes are scheduled; items are for discussion only. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with an executive session and adjournment.

• Discussion of redistricting
• Discussion of budget
• Executive session
• City Administrator Report
• Mayor Report

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several routine items, including approving a work authorization, declaring an ambulance surplus, and adopting a resolution for a GDOT lighting agreement. They will also vote on a location agreement, a schedule of fees, and an amendment to the FY2022 budget policy. The agenda includes announcements about Trash Amnesty Day and a Thanksgiving lunch.

• Consideration to Approve Work Authorization for Atlas
• Consideration to Approve Surplus of Ambulance
• Consideration to Approve Resolution 21-12; GDOT LGLPA and Lighting Agreement
• Consideration to Approve Location Agreement for Wrightsboro Church
• Consideration to Approve Schedule of Fees

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved all eight items on the agenda, including a work authorization for Atlas for FY22 road resurfacing, surplus of an ambulance for donation to AU paramedic program, Resolution 21-12 and lighting agreement with GDOT for the SR 17/Wire Road roundabout, a filming location agreement with The Hill Motion Pictures for Wrightsboro Church, an updated schedule of fees, an amendment to the FY2022 Budget Policy setting budget hearing dates, the October 2021 ACO report, and an MOU with the Board of Education for ARPA payments to school resource officers. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved work authorization with Atlas for FY22 road resurfacing (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of ambulance for donation to AU paramedic program (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-12 and GDOT lighting agreement for SR 17/Wire Road roundabout (unanimous)
• Approved location agreement with The Hill Motion Pictures for Wrightsboro Church filming (unanimous)
• Approved schedule of fees (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to FY2022 Budget Policy with Nov 16 and Dec 1 budget hearings (unanimous)
• Approved October 2021 ACO report with $44,335.78 increase to property tax digest (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with Board of Education for ARPA payments to school resource officers (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss the FY22 budget, the Recreation Department, a work authorization for Atlas, and redistricting. These are discussion items only; no formal votes are scheduled.

• Discussion of FY22 budget
• Discussion of Recreation Department
• Discussion of work authorization for Atlas
• Discussion of redistricting

The Board of Commissioners held a work session on November 1, 2021, for discussion only; no formal action was taken. Items discussed included FY22 road resurfacing work authorization, an EMS ambulance donation for training, a GDOT lighting agreement for SR 17 at Wire Road, a film location agreement for Wrightsboro Church, the coroner's deputy appointment, fee schedule changes, budget policy amendments, redistricting maps, and the FY22 budget. Several items were added to the next meeting agenda for action.

• No formal action taken; all items were discussion only
• FY22 road resurfacing work authorization added to next agenda
• EMS ambulance donation for paramedic training added to next agenda
• GDOT lighting agreement for SR 17 at Wire Road added to next agenda
• Film location agreement for Wrightsboro Church added to next agenda
• Schedule of fees changes added to next agenda
• FY22 budget policy amendment added to next agenda
• Redistricting maps presented; deadline for approval December 14, 2021

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider approving Ordinance Amendment 21-05 regarding private wells. The board will also consider approving a fall trash amnesty, an animal control officer report, and receive the FY22 budget presentation and monthly financial reports. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and announcements of community events.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance Amendment 21-05 (Private Wells)
• Consideration to approve Fall Trash Amnesty
• Consideration to approve ACO Report September 2021
• FY22 Budget Presentation
• Monthly Budget and Financial Reports

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance Amendment 21-05, which prohibits the sharing of private wells within the county. The board also approved a fall trash amnesty for November 6, 2021, and the September 2021 ACO report. The FY22 budget was presented but not voted on.

• Approved Ordinance Amendment 21-05 banning shared private wells (unanimous)
• Approved fall trash amnesty for November 6, 2021, 8am-noon (unanimous)
• Approved ACO report for September 2021 (unanimous)
• Agreed to follow City of Thomson's lead for Halloween trick-or-treat on October 30

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, recognize employees, and consider a one-day alcohol license and street closure for the Camellia City Festival on October 23. The council will also receive reports from members, the city administrator, and the mayor, and may enter executive session.

• Camellia City Festival one-day alcohol license for October 23, 2021
• Request to close Railroad Street from Greenway Street to O'Neal Avenue, 7:00am-8:00pm on October 23, 2021
• Employee recognition
• Recognition of Assistant Chief Robert Brown of Thomson Police Department

The Thomson City Council approved a one-day alcohol license for the Camellia City Festival on October 23, 2021, with a 3-0 vote and one abstention. The council also approved closing Railroad Street from Greenway Street to O'Neal Street for the festival from 7:00am to 8:00pm that day. Other actions included approving the agenda and minutes, recognizing employees, and appointing Sgt. Robert Brown as Assistant Chief of Police.

• Approved one-day alcohol license for Camellia City Festival (3-0, 1 abstention)
• Approved street closure for Railroad Street from Greenway to O'Neal for festival (4-0)
• Approved agenda as written (4-0)
• Approved September 9, 2021 council minutes (4-0)
• Recognized nine employees with certificates and honorariums
• Appointed Sgt. Robert Brown as Assistant Chief of Police

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and first reading of an ordinance amendment regarding private wells. The board will also consider several new business items, including a one-day alcohol permit, road acceptance, budget policy amendment, signage, fire equipment purchase, and other proposals.

• Public hearing and 1st reading of Ordinance Amendment 21-05 on private wells
• Consideration to approve one-day alcohol permit for Chamber Golf Classic
• Consideration to approve road acceptance for Bordeaux
• Consideration to approve purchase of fire equipment
• Consideration to approve UST removal proposal for former State Patrol Post

The board unanimously approved the purchase of two rescue pumpers for $866,646, funded through SPLOST VI and VII. They also approved a one-day alcohol permit for the Chamber Golf Classic, accepted phase 1 of the Bordeaux project, and approved several other items including a signage proposal, a budget policy amendment, and a change order for the West Bypass project. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved purchase of 2 rescue pumpers for $866,646 (unanimous)
• Approved one-day alcohol permit for Chamber Golf Classic (unanimous)
• Approved road acceptance for phase 1 of Bordeaux project (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to FY2022 budget policy (unanimous)
• Approved signage for Raysville Fire Station not to exceed $10,500 (unanimous)
• Approved UST removal proposal for $5,500 (unanimous)
• Approved change order for West Bypass project for $12,137.42 (unanimous)
• Approved Vice Chairman Wilson as voting delegate for ACCG ReConnect Conference (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including the FY22 budget, a private wells ordinance amendment, road and infrastructure for Bordeaux, fire equipment purchases, the Wrightsboro Road sewer project, and pending grant applications. No final votes are scheduled; these are discussion items only.

• Discussion of Ordinance Amendment 21-05 regarding private wells
• Discussion of road acceptance and infrastructure for Bordeaux
• Discussion of fire equipment purchase
• Discussion of Wrightsboro Road sewer project
• Discussion of FY22 budget

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on October 4, 2021, with all agenda items for discussion only and no formal action taken. Topics included a private well ordinance amendment, road acceptance for Bordeaux, purchase of two fire rescue pumpers, a sewer project extension, and the FY22 budget with a proposed $15/hour minimum wage. All action items were slated for the next regular meeting agenda.

• No formal action taken; all items were discussion only
• Voting delegate for ACCG ReConnect Conference to be added to next agenda
• Private well ordinance amendment 21-05 to be added to next agenda
• Bordeaux road and infrastructure acceptance to be added to next agenda
• Purchase of 2 fire rescue pumpers ($866,646) to be added to next agenda
• Wrightsboro Road sewer project extension to be added to next agenda
• UST removal proposal ($5,500) to be added to next agenda
• West Bypass waterline change ($12,137.42) to be added to next agenda

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider two variance requests for properties on Cobbham Road and Hobbs Mill Road. They will also vote on several items including alcohol permits, resolutions, contracts, and a budget discussion. The agenda includes routine approvals and announcements.

• Variance request for buffer requirement on Cobbham Road parcel 00510007F00
• Variance request for flag lot at 671 Hobbs Mill Road, parcel 00550028H00
• One-day alcohol permit for Matthew Griffin (BGstrong Charities Inc.)
• Resolution 21-11 for Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program
• FY22 Coordinated Transportation Contract and FY23 Transit Grant

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on September 21, 2021. The board approved a variance request from Jordon Trotter Real Estate for a buffer requirement on a proposed retail development on Cobbham Road, accepting the planning board's recommendation with conditions including a 30-foot buffer and brick, stone, or cement facade. The board also reversed the planning board's denial of a flag lot variance at 671 Hobbs Mill Road, approving it with the condition that public health standards regarding septic must be met before building permits are issued.

• Approved Cobbham Road buffer variance with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved flag lot variance at 671 Hobbs Mill Road, reversing planning board denial (3-1, Commissioner Favors opposed)
• Approved one-day alcohol permit for Matthew Griffin (BGstrong Charities Inc.) (unanimous)
• Approved $26,807 agreement with Landmark Preservation for Rock House preservation planning (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-11 for Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant (unanimous)
• Approved FY22 coordinated transportation contract (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-10 and FY23 Transit Grant letter for $279,680 total (unanimous)
• Approved FY22 CSBG subcontract agreement for senior meal program (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will vote on a resolution to modify a GEFA loan (DW2017007), correct the date for a one-day alcohol license and Railroad Street closing, and appoint Ken Sweet to the Downtown Development Authority. Discussion items include vendor and peddler ordinances and a county fire fee.

• Resolution #10-2021: Modification of GEFA Loan DW2017007
• Appointment of Ken Sweet to Downtown Development Authority
• Correction of One Day Alcohol License and Railroad Street Closing from Sept 25 to Sept 24
• Discussion: Vendor and Peddler Ordinances
• Discussion: County Fire Fee

The Thomson City Council approved Resolution 10-2021 to modify a GEFA loan, adding $500,000 and authorizing Mayor Usry and City Administrator Waller to execute documents. It also added Ken Sweet to the Downtown Development Authority and corrected the date for a one-day alcohol license and Railroad Street closure for a free concert to September 24, 2021. The council approved the agenda and minutes from prior meetings, all by 5-0 votes, with one abstention on the date correction. No other substantive decisions were made; discussion items covered crosswalk signs, parking lot cleaning, and the Post Office condition.

• Approved Resolution 10-2021 modifying GEFA Loan DW2017007, adding $500,000 and appointing Mayor Usry and CA Waller to execute documents (5-0).
• Added Ken Sweet, owner of Highrail Southern Eatery, to the Downtown Development Authority (5-0).
• Corrected the date for a one-day alcohol license and Railroad Street closure for a free concert to September 24, 2021 (4-0, Smalley abstained).
• Approved the agenda as written (5-0).
• Approved minutes from the August 12, 2021 council meeting (5-0).
• Approved minutes from the September 9, 2021 called meeting (5-0).
• Adjourned at 6:15pm (5-0).

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the proposed 2021 millage rate, then consider a resolution to approve it. This is the main substantive item on the agenda; the rest is routine procedural business.

• Public hearing on 2021 millage rate
• Resolution 21-05 setting 2021 millage rate

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the 2021 millage rate, then unanimously approved Resolution 21-09 setting the rate at 7.809 mils. The meeting was brief and procedural, with no other substantive decisions.

• Approved Resolution 21-09 setting 2021 millage rate at 7.809 mils (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The City of Thomson Council is holding a public hearing to present the proposed millage rate and take public comment or questions. The agenda is limited to this single item; no other business is listed.

• Public hearing on the proposed millage rate
• Presentation of the millage rate
• Call for public comment/questions

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a called meeting to set the 2021 millage rate. The agenda includes only this item, along with routine procedural steps like approval of the agenda and adjournment.

• Setting of 2021 millage rate

The Thomson City Council voted 4-0 to set the 2021 millage rate at 6.890, the same as last year, with no rollback. Because property evaluations increased, the city will gain approximately $120,000 in additional tax revenue. The rate was set after three required public hearings, two with public participation and one with no attendance.

• Approved 2021 millage rate of 6.890 with no rollback (4-0)
• Accepted additional tax revenue of approximately $120,000 from increased property evaluations

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 21-04, which establishes a fire fee, and then consider approving the ordinance and a related rate resolution. The board will also hear an audit presentation, consider budget policy and amendment approvals, and review the Animal Control Officer's August report.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance 21-04 (Fire Fee)
• Consideration to approve Ordinance 21-04 (Fire Fee)
• Consideration to approve Resolution 21-08 (Fire Protection Service Fee Rate)
• Consideration to approve amending FY22 Budget Policy and Budget Amendments
• Audit presentation

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Ordinance 21-04 establishing a fire fee and Resolution 21-08 setting fire protection service fee rates, both after a public hearing. The board also approved an FY22 budget policy amendment, several budget amendments, and the August 2021 ACO report. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Ordinance 21-04; Fire Fee (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-08; Fire Protection Service Fee Rate (unanimous)
• Approved amending FY22 budget policy to move budget work session to September 21 (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments to balance the budget (unanimous)
• Approved ACO report for August 2021 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including budget amendments, a fire fee, millage rates, county facilities, and the recreation department. These are discussion items only, with no formal votes scheduled.

• Discussion of budget amendments
• Discussion of fire fee
• Discussion of millage
• Discussion of county facilities
• Discussion of recreation department

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners met for a work session on August 30, 2021, and all agenda items were for discussion only; no formal action was taken. They discussed mid-year budget amendments, a fire fee ordinance, a millage rollback, county facility renovations, recreation field dedications, and COVID-19 vaccination surcharges. Several items were slated for future meetings.

• No formal decisions made; all items were discussion only
• Budget amendments to be added to next meeting agenda
• Fire fee ordinance 2nd reading scheduled for September 1
• Millage public hearing and special called meeting set for September 7 at 7pm
• Discussed proposed rollback rate of 7.809 mils

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a public hearing to present the proposed millage rate and take public comment. No vote is scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and input.

• Public hearing on millage rate
• Presentation of millage rate
• Public comment period

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is holding a called meeting with a public hearing for the first reading of Ordinance 21-04, which concerns a fire fee. The board will also consider approving a broadband grant under new business.

• Public hearing and 1st reading of Ordinance 21-04 (Fire Fee)
• Consideration to approve a Broadband Grant

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting and approved spending not more than $5 million for a Broadband Expansion Grant, with funding from the local school system, SPLOST, American Rescue Plan, and Comcast. The board also agreed to proceed with an application for State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project, with a revised total cost of $4,087,550. The meeting included a public hearing on a proposed fire fee ordinance (first reading) and a resolution for fire protection rates, but no vote was taken on those items.

• Approved spending not more than $5 million for the Broadband Expansion Grant, with funding from the school system, SPLOST, American Rescue Plan, and Comcast.
• Agreed to move ahead with the application for State Fiscal Recovery Funds for the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project, with a revised total cost of $4,087,550.
• Held first reading of Ordinance 21-04 (Fire Fee) and Resolution 21-08 (Fire Protection Rates); no vote taken.
• Approved the current agenda unanimously.
• Adjourned the meeting at 6:35 pm.

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a variance request for solar land use at 2713 Pine Forest Drive, Dearing. They will also consider approving a land bank agreement, a supplement for the District Attorney's office, and changing the September work session date. The agenda includes discussion of the fire fee and monthly budget and financial reports.

• Public hearing and consideration of solar land use variance for 2713 Pine Forest Drive
• Consideration to approve Land Bank Agreement
• Consideration to approve supplement for DA's Office
• Consideration to change September work session date
• Discussion concerning fire fee

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners denied a variance request for roof-mounted solar panels at 2713 Pine Forest Drive, upholding the planning board's recommendation. They also approved an updated Land Bank Agreement and a $60,000 supplement for the district attorney's office, with McDuffie County's share being $24,840. The board discussed but did not decide on a fire fee, continuing the item for further information.

• Denied solar variance for 2713 Pine Forest Drive (motion passed, Jopling opposed)
• Approved updated Land Bank Agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $60,000 DA office supplement, McDuffie share $24,840 (Favors opposed)
• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is meeting to hold a public hearing on a proposed countywide curbside service. No other substantive items are on the agenda.

• Public hearing on proposed countywide curbside service

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on a proposed countywide curbside trash service. No decision was made; 28 residents spoke in opposition, citing concerns about government control, Waste Management's past service, fees for low-income residents, and impact on local trash companies. Chairman Newton noted that no decisions have been made and more details are needed.

• No decisions made; public hearing only

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing and consider a setback variance for 406 Pecan Alley, along with several business items including mid-year budget amendments, a street light district ordinance, and appointments. The meeting also includes a service award, an employment incentive loan request, and a request to close a street for an event.

• Public hearing and consideration of setback variance for 406 Pecan Alley
• Mid-year amendments to the 2021 budget
• Ordinance 579 establishing a street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision (second reading)
• Augusta Coating & Manufacturing Employment Incentive Program (EIP) loan request
• Activities Council request to close Railroad Street on September 25th, 4:00pm-11:00pm, Main Street to Greenway Street

The Thomson City Council approved a front setback variance for 406 Pecan Alley, subject to conditions including obtaining permits, paying penalties, and complying with building codes. The council also approved mid-year budget amendments, a street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision, an updated Land Bank Authority agreement, appointments, a loan extension for Augusta Coating, and a one-day alcohol license and street closing for a concert. All votes were unanimous except for two abstentions.

• Approved setback variance at 406 Pecan Alley with 3 conditions (5-0)
• Approved mid-year budget amendments totaling $1,025,360 across 5 funds (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 579 establishing street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision (5-0)
• Approved updated Inter-Governmental Agreement for Thomson-McDuffie Land Bank Authority (5-0)
• Approved Land Bank appointments including James E. Wilson (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved 7 Downtown Development Authority appointees (5-0)
• Approved 2-year loan extension for Augusta Coating with monthly payments of $2,828.10 (5-0)
• Approved one-day alcohol license for Sept 25, 2021 concert (4-0, Smalley abstained)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is meeting to consider several routine items, including appointments, a one-day alcohol permit, a demolition, and building renovations. The agenda is mostly administrative, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.

• Approve appointment of Jim Wilson to the Land Bank Authority
• Approve one-day alcohol permit for Blind Willie Blues Festival
• Approve demolition of structure at 1581 Washington Road
• Approve renovations to Mental Health Building
• Approve ACO Report for July 2021

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a one-day alcohol permit for the Blind Willie Blues Festival, the demolition of a structure at 1581 Washington Road, and renovations to the mental health building for the public defender's office. They also approved the July 2021 ACO report and the appointment of Jim Wilson to the Land Bank Authority. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved one-day alcohol permit for Blind Willie Blues Festival (unanimous)
• Approved demolition of structure at 1581 Washington Road (unanimous)
• Approved renovations to mental health building, $30,000 quote from Candler Construction (unanimous)
• Approved July 2021 ACO report (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Jim Wilson to Land Bank Authority (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission will consider two variance requests at its August 3, 2021 meeting. The first is for a front setback at 406 Pecan Alley, Thomson, and the second is for the Solar Land Use Ordinance at 2713 Pine Forest Drive, Dearing. No other business is listed.

• Variance request for front setback at 406 Pecan Alley, Thomson, GA (parcel 0T220098)
• Variance request for Solar Land Use Ordinance (Sec. 44-235) at 2713 Pine Forest Drive, Dearing, GA

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a one-day alcohol permit for the Blind Willie Festival, the appointment of Jim Wilson to the Land Bank Authority, renovation and demolition projects, a fire fee, curbside service, and the FY22 budget. These are discussion items only; no formal votes are scheduled.

• One-day alcohol permit for Blind Willie Festival
• Appointment of Jim Wilson to Land Bank Authority
• Renovation projects
• Demolition of county property
• FY22 budget discussion

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on August 2, 2021, and all agenda items were for discussion only; no formal action was taken. Items discussed included a one-day alcohol permit for the Blind Willie Festival, appointment of Jim Wilson to the Land Bank Authority, renovation and demolition projects, the fire fee structure, curbside service public hearing logistics, and the FY22 budget. Several items were added to the next meeting agenda or continued pending further information.

• No formal decisions made; all items were discussion only
• One-day alcohol permit for Blind Willie Festival added to next agenda
• Appointment of Jim Wilson to Land Bank Authority added to next agenda
• Renovation of mental health building ($30,000 estimate) added to next agenda
• Demolition of old state patrol building on Washington Road added to next agenda
• Fire fee discussion continued until more information available
• Curbside service public hearing moved to front lawn of government complex
• FY22 budget discussion continued until millage information available

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider several items, including a de-annexation and rezone on Mesena Road, a subdivision request for Bent Creek Village, a poll worker salary increase, and an ordinance amendment for special lighting district fees. The board will also review monthly budget and financial reports.

• Public hearing and consideration of de-annexation from City of Thomson and rezone on Mesena Road
• Public hearing and consideration of subdivision request for Bent Creek Village on Thomson East Bypass
• Consideration of Resolution 21-07 for de-annexation on Mesena Road
• Consideration of poll worker salary increase
• Consideration of Ordinance Amendment 21-03 for special lighting district fees

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved a de-annexation and rezone for 14.92 acres on Mesena Road, a subdivision variance for Bent Creek Village, a poll worker salary increase, and several other items. They also approved water/sewer commission recommendations to spend up to $350,000 for lift station bypass connections and $585,000 for new screw press drawings. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved de-annexation and rezone (R-2) for 14.92 acres on Mesena Road (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-07 for de-annexation from City of Thomson (unanimous)
• Approved Bent Creek Village subdivision with condition to match Robins Landing standards (unanimous)
• Approved poll worker salary increase of $20 per position (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance Amendment 21-03 for special lighting district fees (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with UGA Extension (unanimous)
• Approved ACO Report for June 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved water/sewer recommendations: up to $350,000 for lift station bypass, $585,000 for screw press drawings (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is meeting to consider several ordinances and resolutions, including establishing a street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision, changing the regular meeting time to 6:00 p.m., and accepting federal funds for the local airport. They will also review a recommendation for Walnut Street sewer and stormwater improvements and a utility agreement for a bridge water line. The agenda includes routine items like minutes approval and reports.

• Ordinance #579: Establish Oak Grove Subdivision Street Light District
• Ordinance #577 (2nd reading): Change meeting time to 6:00 p.m.
• Civil Design Solutions recommendation for Walnut Street CDBG sewer and stormwater improvements
• Resolution #08-2021: Accept CRRSAA funds for Thomson-McDuffie Airport
• Resolution #09-2021: GDOT Standard Utility Agreement for Sweetwater Creek Bridge water line (P.I. 0013925)

The City Council approved awarding the CDBG grant contract for water, sewer, and select home improvements on Walnut Street to Beam Site Prep, LLC for $548,467.50, the lowest qualified bid. The council also passed ordinances to create a street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision (first reading) and permanently change meeting time to 6:00 p.m. (second reading). Resolutions were approved to accept a $23,000 federal airport grant and to fund the city's share of a water line relocation for the Sweetwater Creek Bridge project. A request to close Borders Street was tabled until a plan is devised.

• Approved agenda as written (4-0).
• Approved minutes of 6/10/2021 and 6/17/2021 meetings (4-0).
• Introduced Ordinance #579 establishing a street light district for Oak Grove Subdivision; second reading set for August 12, 2021.
• Approved Ordinance #577 permanently changing meeting time to 6:00 p.m. (4-0).
• Awarded CDBG grant contract for Walnut Street improvements to Beam Site Prep, LLC for $548,467.50 (4-0).
• Approved Resolution #08-2021 accepting $23,000 federal CARES Act award for the airport (4-0).
• Approved Resolution #09-2021 authorizing GDOT agreement for Sweetwater Creek Bridge water line relocation, with city share of $89,979.00 (4-0).
• Tabled Borders Street closure request until First Baptist Church devises a plan.

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a regular meeting with routine approvals and announcements. New business includes a vote on declaring IT equipment surplus, and discussions on the fire fee, solid waste, and the Wrightsboro Road sewer expansion project.

• Approval to surplus IT equipment
• Discussion on fire fee
• Discussion on solid waste
• Discussion on Wrightsboro Road sewer expansion project

The board unanimously approved declaring surplus IT equipment. They agreed to continue developing a fire fee based on square footage with minimum and maximum charges, and directed the county manager to pursue a countywide trash service agreement with Waste Management. No formal votes were taken on the fire fee or solid waste discussions.

• Approved surplus declaration of IT equipment (unanimous)
• Agreed to continue fire fee development with per-square-foot rate structure
• Directed county manager to proceed with Waste Management agreement for countywide trash service

Planning Commission Board

The Planning Commission is meeting to review a subdivision and variance request for Bent Creek Village. The board will also hold a zoning hearing for a property on Mesena Road that was recently deannexed by the City of Thomson.

• Subdivision Review: Bent Creek Village (Parcel 00400094B00), Thomson East Bypass
• Variance Request: Lot size and setbacks for Bent Creek Village (Parcel 00400094B00)
• Zoning Hearing: Deannexed property on Mesena Road

City of Thomson Council

The council is meeting to amend the minutes from April 8, 2021, and hold a discussion. The agenda also includes an executive session regarding personnel.

• Amendment of April 8, 2021 minutes
• Executive session regarding personnel

The Thomson City Council voted 5-0 to offer the position of Chief of Police to Courtney Gale and directed the City Administrator to negotiate a contract. The Council also voted 5-0 to amend the April 8, 2021 meeting minutes to add the awarding of a CDBG engineering contract to Civil Design Solutions of Warrenton, GA, which had been omitted. Both actions occurred during a called meeting that included a closed executive session on a personnel issue.

• Approved offering the Chief of Police position to Courtney Gale by a 5-0 vote
• Directed City Administrator Waller to negotiate a contract with Courtney Gale
• Amended the April 8, 2021 minutes to include awarding the CDBG engineering contract to Civil Design Solutions
• Held an executive session on a personnel issue and returned to regular session, both by 5-0 votes

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and vote on two land-use requests. The body will also consider bids for road resurfacing and a gas line relocation for the West Bypass Expansion Project.

• Special Exception Request: 4592 Wrightsboro Road
• Rezoning Request: 3165 Augusta Highway from R-1 to C-2
• Bid approval for 2021 LMIG Resurfacing Projects
• Natural Gas Line Relocation for West Bypass Expansion Project
• FY22 Drug Court Sub Grant

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special exception for a wedding venue at 4592 Wrightsboro Road and a rezoning from R-1 to C-2 for a car wash at 3165 Augusta Highway. They also approved C&H Paving as the lowest bidder for the 2021 LMIG resurfacing projects at $1,325,039.55, and approved several other items including a natural gas line relocation, FY22 Drug Court Sub Grant, Resolution 21-06 for the District Attorney's office, and the FY22 Budget Policy. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved special exception for wedding venue at 4592 Wrightsboro Road
• Approved rezoning of 3165 Augusta Highway from R-1 to C-2 for a car wash
• Approved C&H Paving as lowest bidder for 2021 LMIG resurfacing at $1,325,039.55
• Approved natural gas line relocation for West Bypass Expansion Project
• Approved FY22 Drug Court Sub Grant
• Approved Resolution 21-06 for SPCR contract for District Attorney's Office
• Approved FY22 Budget Policy
• Approved agenda and minutes as presented

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the approval of Phases 1 and 2 of the White Oak Landing development. The body will also consider a variance for the project's septic system and a change to meeting start times.

• Approval of White Oak Landing development Phases 1 & 2
• Septic system variance for White Oak Landing
• Ordinance # 577 to change meeting time to 6:00pm
• Natural gas relocation bids for Thomson West By-Pass
• Updated Community Development Block Grant policies and procedures

The City Council approved the Planning Commission's recommendation for Phases 1 and 2 of the White Oak Landing subdivision, comprising 75 lots, with conditions including sidewalks, a vegetative buffer, and a one-acre minimum lot size. It also approved a variance to allow septic systems on lots as small as 40,000 square feet (0.918 acre), overriding the one-acre requirement. The council awarded a $299,390.08 contract for natural gas line relocation to South East Connections, and adopted updated CDBG policies.

• Approved White Oak Landing Phases 1 & 2 (75 lots) with conditions: sidewalks, vegetative buffer, one-acre minimum lots (5-0).
• Approved septic system variance for lots in Phases 1 & 2, allowing lots as small as 40,000 sq ft (5-0).
• Awarded gas line relocation contract to South East Connections for $299,390.08 (5-0).
• Adopted updated Community Development Block Grant policies and procedures (5-0).
• Approved agenda and minutes of May 10 and May 13 meetings (5-0 each).
• Held first reading of Ordinance #577 to change meeting time to 6:00pm; second reading set for July 8.
• Discussed Borders Street traffic closure request from First Baptist Church; no action taken.
• Entered executive session for personnel matter and returned to regular session (5-0).

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss fire fees and solid waste. The body will also consider approving the ACO Report for May 2021 and an advertisement for the ACCG Fall Family Album. An executive session is scheduled regarding land acquisition.

• Discussion concerning fire fee
• Discussion concerning solid waste
• Consideration to approve ACO Report for May 2021
• Consideration to approve ACCG Fall Family Album Advertisement
• Executive session regarding land acquisition

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved the FY2022 5311 transit contract, which includes a 50% local match of $137,940. They also approved an ACCG fall publication advertisement funded from contingency at $969.50, and the May 2021 ACO report showing decreases to property and mobile home digests. Discussions were held on fire fees and solid waste, but no decisions were made on those topics.

• Approved FY2022 5311 transit contract with $137,940 local match (unanimous)
• Approved ACCG Fall Family Album advertisement for $969.50 from contingency (unanimous)
• Approved May 2021 ACO report (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with addition of pending litigation to executive session (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of May 18, 2021 regular meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding land use changes and a variance request. The body will also review funding for Freedom Blast, health insurance, and a GEFA loan agreement.

• Public hearing: Rezone 1011 Whiteoak Road from R-2 to C-2
• Public hearing: Variance request for 1213 Washington Road regarding front and side setbacks
• Appointment of Tommy Phelps to Land Bank Authority
• Approval of GEFA Loan Agreement
• Approval of County Extension Program Assistant Contract

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a rezoning at 1011 Whiteoak Road, a variance for a car wash at 1213 Washington Road, and a $650,000 GEFA loan for the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project. They also approved $4,000 for Freedom Blast, renewed health insurance with a 4% increase, and allowed a private burial on a farm with planning conditions.

• Approved rezoning of 1011 Whiteoak Road from R-2 to C-2 (unanimous)
• Approved variance for 1213 Washington Road with condition to close entrance from Washington Highway (unanimous)
• Approved $4,000 for Freedom Blast funding from contingency (unanimous)
• Approved health insurance renewal with 4% increase (unanimous)
• Approved $650,000 GEFA loan for Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 21-05 for GEFA loan terms (unanimous)
• Approved $2,060 for Georgia Trend advertisement (unanimous)
• Approved private burial on Smith family farm with planning requirements (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing regarding a signage variance for CVS. The body will also consider loans for water and sewer infrastructure and review ordinances regarding broadband and deannexation.

• Resolution 02-2021: GEFA Loan CW2020015 for $8,361,000 for Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Water Meter GEFA Loan DW2017007 increase from $1,194,000 to $1,694,000
• Signage variance request for CVS at 109 W. Hill Street
• Ordinance 575-Broadband Ready Community (Second Reading)
• Ordinance 576-Mesena Road Deannexation (Second Reading)

The Thomson City Council approved a $8,361,000 GEFA loan for wastewater treatment plant repairs, a $500,000 increase to a water meter loan, and a 12-24 month solid waste contract with Waste Management. They also denied a CVS signage variance, gifted two city properties to the Land Bank and Downtown Development Authority, and adopted ordinances for broadband readiness and de-annexation.

• Denied CVS signage variance (5-0)
• Gifted Hughes Building and Jackson Street Fire Station to Land Bank/DDA (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #575 Broadband Ready Community (5-0)
• Adopted Ordinance #576 De-annexation of 14.92 acres on Mesena Road (5-0)
• Approved GEFA Loan CW2020015 of $8,361,000 for wastewater plant (5-0)
• Approved GEFA Loan DW2017007 increase of $500,000 for meter installation (5-0)
• Awarded solid waste contract to Waste Management (5-0)
• Approved GDOT contract for airport easement (5-0)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a work session to discuss several ordinances and financial requests. The body will review loan amounts for water and sewer projects and a request to close a city street. The session also includes discussions on broadband and garbage pickup contracting.

• Resolution 02-2021: GEFA Loan CW2020015 for $8,361,000 for Waste Water Treatment Plant
• Water Meter GEFA Loan DW2017007 increase from $1,194,000 to $1,694,000
• First Baptist Church request to close Borders Street
• Ordinance 575-Broadband Ready Community (Second Reading)
• Ordinance 576-Mesena Road Deannexation (Second Reading)

The work session was informational; no formal votes were taken. The Council heard that the Planning & Zoning Board unanimously denied CVS's sign variance request, with a public hearing set for May 13. They also discussed a street closure request, broadband and de-annexation ordinances, a $8.36M GEFA loan recommendation, a water meter loan increase, and curbside garbage bids, with Waste Management recommended as the lowest bidder.

• Planning & Zoning Board unanimously denied CVS sign variance (reported)
• Public hearing scheduled for May 13, 2021 on CVS sign request
• Discussed closing Borders Street and deeding to First Baptist Church (information only)
• Discussed placing Hughes Building and Fire Station into Land Bank or DDA
• Ordinance 575 (Broadband Ready) second reading set for May 13
• Ordinance 576 (Mesena Road De-annexation) corrected plat approved by City Attorney
• Water/Sewer Commission recommended GEFA Loan CW2020015 for $8,361,000
• CA Waller recommended Waste Management for curbside garbage at $12.25/customer

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss several new business items, including land acquisition and a contract with CSRA Probation Services. The board is also considering the approval of a GDOT reimbursement grant.

• Contract with CSRA Probation Services
• GDOT Reimbursement Grant
• Land Acquisition
• Equipment Surplus
• ACO Report for April 2021

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several items, including a contract with CSRA Probation Services, a GDOT reimbursement grant, canceling the May 31 and July 5 meetings, declaring a John Deere loader surplus, the April 2021 ACO report, and the purchase of 96 acres adjacent to Sweetwater Recreation Facility for $384,000. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved contract with CSRA Probation Services (unanimous)
• Approved GDOT reimbursement grant (unanimous)
• Approved canceling May 31 and July 5 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of John Deere 544J loader (unanimous)
• Approved ACO report for April 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 96 acres adjacent to Sweetwater Recreation Facility for $384,000 (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The Planning Commission will review several land use items including two variance requests and one rezoning request. These items involve properties located on Washington Road, West Hill Street, and Whiteoak Road.

• Variance Request: Car Wash setbacks at 1213 Washington Road
• Variance Request: CVS wall signage at 109 West Hill Street
• Rezoning Request (R-2 to C-2): 1011 Whiteoak Road, Parcel 0T410007

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session to discuss several operational items. No formal votes are scheduled for this session.

• Contract with CSRA Probation
• Land Bank
• Recreation Department and facilities
• Solid Waste
• Fire Fee

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on May 3, 2021, with all agenda items for discussion only and no formal action taken. They discussed renewing the CSRA Probation Services contract, moving forward with an RFQ for engineering work on Sweetwater Park improvements, and continuing discussions on countywide trash service and a fire fee committee. The board also noted that June and July work sessions may be canceled due to holidays.

• Discussed CSRA Probation Services renewal; added to next meeting agenda
• Agreed to move ahead with RFQ for engineering work on Sweetwater Park
• Continued discussion on Land Bank board appointment
• Continued discussion on countywide trash service
• Agreed to meet as Fire Fee Committee representatives on Wednesdays
• Noted building renovation projects are ahead of schedule
• Discussed vehicle replacements for several departments
• Discussed GDOT reimbursement grant for airport; added to next agenda

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will review the approval of a Mobile CAD System for Fire/EMS. The board will also consider an appointment to the Recreation Board and review monthly budget and financial reports.

• Consideration to approve Mobile CAD System for Fire/EMS
• Appointment of Ruthie Thomas to the Recreation Board
• Monthly Budget Report
• Monthly Financial Report
• Executive Session regarding Property Acquisition

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a mobile CAD system for Fire/EMS, which will improve communication and response times. They also approved the agenda, minutes, and the appointment of Ruthie Thomas to the Recreation Board. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports and an executive session on property acquisition.

• Approved mobile CAD system for Fire/EMS (unanimous)
• Approved appointment of Ruthie Thomas to Recreation Board (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as written (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from April 5 and April 7 meetings (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will meet to vote on ordinances regarding land de-annexation and broadband community status. The body will also consider appointments for the Landbank Authority and Recreation Board.

• Ordinance 576: De-annexation of 15.46 Acres Mesena Road
• Ordinance 575: Broadband Ready Community
• Resolution 07-2021 CDBG FY 2021 Application
• Landbank Authority Member Appointments
• Recreation Board Member Appointment

The Thomson City Council approved a resolution to apply for a Community Development Block Grant for the Sills Branch neighborhood, appointed Kathy Hawkins to the Land Bank Authority and Nathaniel Usry to the Recreation Board, and gave first readings to ordinances for de-annexation and becoming a Broadband Ready Community. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved Resolution 07-2021 authorizing the CDBG application to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for FY2021.
• Approved the appointment of Kathy Hawkins to the Land Bank Authority.
• Approved the appointment of Nathaniel Usry to the Recreation Board.
• Gave first reading to Ordinance 576 (de-annexation of 15.46 acres) — second reading scheduled for May.
• Gave first reading to Ordinance 575 (Broadband Ready Community) — second reading scheduled for May.
• Approved the agenda as presented.
• Approved the minutes of the March 11, 2021 meeting.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several new business items including budget amendments and contract authorizations. The agenda also includes appointments to the Recreation Board and the Community Service Board of East Central Georgia.

• Boneville Pond Road Emergency Repair bid
• FY22 MOU for Archway
• Resolution 21-04 regarding ACO Corrections
• Budget Amendments
• Appointments to the Recreation Board

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved all items on the agenda, including a resolution for ACO corrections, a bid for Boneville Pond Road emergency repairs, a transit vehicle retention letter, a budget amendment package, and a cellphone allowance for department heads. The board also authorized the chairman to amend the county manager's contract as discussed in executive session. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved current agenda and March 16, 2021 minutes
• Appointed Charles West to the Recreation Board
• Reappointed Eleanor McMannon to the Community Service Board
• Approved Resolution 21-04 for ACO corrections
• Approved Phillips Grading as lowest bidder for Boneville Pond Road repair at $113,588.36
• Approved transit vehicle retention letter to keep van #3194 and return #3190
• Approved FY22 MOU for Archway partnership at $15,000
• Approved budget amendments, cellphone allowance ($50/month), and county manager contract amendment

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss various county matters. Discussion topics include building requirements for the Board of Election, ordinance amendments, and budget updates.

• Building and space requirements with Board of Election
• Resolution 21-04; ACO Corrections
• Ordinance Amendment for Mobile Businesses
• FY22 MOU for Archway
• Budget Amendments

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on April 5, 2021, where all agenda items were for discussion only and no formal action was taken. The board discussed upcoming changes from SB 202 with the Board of Elections, potential appointments to the recreation board, and a bid for emergency repairs to Boneville Pond Road. Several items were continued or added to the next meeting agenda for further action.

• Discussed SB 202 election changes; item continued for more information.
• Discussed recreation board appointments; item added to next agenda.
• Discussed reappointment to Community Service Board; item added to next agenda.
• Discussed Resolution 21-04 for ACO corrections; item added to next agenda.
• Discussed mobile business ordinance amendment; item continued for more information.
• Discussed Boneville Pond Road repair bids; item added to next agenda.
• Discussed transit vehicle purchase options; item added to next agenda.
• Discussed Archway MOU renewal; item added to next agenda.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings on a mobile home variance and two solar farm requests. The body will also consider approvals for an airport consulting agreement, a land bank authority, and the 2021 road resurfacing list.

• Variance request for S/W Mobile Home at 5264 Lincolnton Road
• 25-Acre Solar Farm request at Superior Way (Parcel 00310016)
• 25-Acre Solar Farm request at Dallas Drive (Parcel 00400068)
• 2021 Road Resurfacing List
• Airport Consulting Agreement

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a variance for Raysville Baptist Church to place a storage building, and approved two 25-acre solar farms on Superior Way and Dallas Drive. They also approved the 2021 road resurfacing list and an airport consulting agreement with GMC. All decisions were made unanimously.

• Approved variance request for Raysville Baptist Church to place a single-wide building for storage.
• Approved 25-acre solar farm at Superior Way, adjacent to Mount Pleasant Industrial Park.
• Approved 25-acre solar farm at Dallas Drive, on a former landfill site.
• Approved the 2021 Road Resurfacing List, with yellow-highlighted roads to be completed first.
• Approved airport consulting agreement with Goodwin, Mills & Cawood, Inc. (GMC).
• Approved the current agenda as written.
• Approved minutes from the March 1 work session and March 3 regular meeting.
• Appointed Vice Chairman Sammie Wilson to the Land Bank Authority.

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will consider resolutions regarding a bank agreement and the sale of unrepairable equipment. The body will also address appointments for the Housing Authority and the Recreation and Leisure Services Advisory Board.

• Resolution 04-2021 authorizing Mayor to sign bank agreement
• Resolution for the sale of economically unrepairable equipment
• Appointment of Bud Lunceford to a five-year term on the Thomson Housing Authority Board
• Appointments for the Thomson-McDuffie County Recreation and Leisure Services Advisory Board
• Discussion of Police Chief applications and Solid Waste RFP

The council approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Kenneth Usry to execute lease/purchase documents for four police vehicles at $194,440 over 36 months. It also approved the sale of 21 pieces of unrepairable city equipment, appointed Bud Lunceford to the Housing Authority board, and reappointed T.R. Ferguson to the Recreation Advisory Board. The council hired GMC as the airport engineering firm for five years and approved John Waller as City Administrator. All votes were 5-0.

• Approved Resolution 04-2021, authorizing Mayor Usry to execute the $194,440 lease/purchase for four police vehicles
• Approved Resolution 05-2021, allowing sale of 21 items of Economically Unrepairable Equipment
• Appointed Bud Lunceford to the Thomson Housing Authority board for a five-year term
• Reappointed T.R. Ferguson to the Recreation Advisory Board for another four-year term
• Approved Resolution 06-2021, appointing Mayor Usry as voting delegate and Rodney Dunaway as alternate to the Municipal Gas Authority of Georgia
• Approved hiring GMC as Airport Engineering Firm for a five-year contract
• Approved Interim City Administrator John Waller as City Administrator

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors will meet to review staff recommendations regarding mobile home digests and real property. The agenda includes a discussion on property revaluation and personal property.

• Prebill Mobile Home Digest for ACOs 00310027, 0069A037B00, 00800087D00, 00720014B00, and 00650015
• Real property revaluation discussion
• Personal property review

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several approvals, including a business license and equipment purchases. The board will also discuss scheduling changes for the March 16th meeting due to an election.

• Alcohol License for Happy Valley Store
• Courthouse AV System Upgrades
• HPC Grant & Design Guidelines
• TUSA Consulting Agreement
• Vehicle and equipment purchases and surplus

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved an alcohol license for Happy Valley Store, a historic preservation grant, a radio system consulting agreement, courthouse AV upgrades, vehicle and equipment purchases, and surplus declarations. A motion to add President's Day as a paid holiday was defeated in a 2-3 roll call vote. The board also tabled a travel allowance item.

• Approved alcohol license for Happy Valley Store (unanimous)
• Approved HPC grant with $11,475 county portion funded by SPLOST (unanimous)
• Approved TUSA consulting agreement for radio system audit, Phase 1 cost $39,006.00 funded by SPLOST VII (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse AV system upgrades: $8,278.93 for courtroom A, $28,788.43 for courtroom B (unanimous)
• Approved vehicle and equipment purchases including Dodge trucks, CAT loaders, and ambulance (unanimous)
• Tabled travel allowance item (unanimous)
• Denied adding President's Day as paid holiday (2-3 roll call: Favors, Wilson yea; Thompson, Jopling, Newton nay)
• Approved surplus of 1997 Ford Crown Victoria and rotary lift (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The McDuffie County Planning Commission is meeting to review two solar land use applications and a variance request. The solar reviews concern parcels on Superior Way and Dallas Drive in Thomson, while the variance is for Raysville Baptist Church on Lincolnton Road. No old business or announcements are listed.

• Solar land use review – Superior Way, Parcel 00310016, Thomson, GA 30824
• Solar land use review – Dallas Drive, Parcel 00400068, Thomson, GA 30824
• Variance request – Raysville Baptist Church, 5264 Lincolnton Road, Thomson, GA 30824

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss 14 items, including travel allowances, a historic preservation grant, consulting agreements, salary calculations for elected officials, demolition of vacant buildings, a land bank committee, courthouse AV upgrades, vehicle and equipment purchases, building improvements, an airport consulting agreement, broadband readiness, an additional holiday, and Boneville Pond Road. The meeting also includes an executive session for personnel and land acquisition matters.

• Discussion of travel allowance
• Discussion of HPC Grant and Design Guidelines
• Discussion of TUSA Consulting Agreement
• Discussion of salary calculations for elected officials
• Discussion of demolition of vacant county buildings

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on March 1, 2021, with all items for discussion only and no formal action taken. They discussed a potential $200 travel allowance for commissioners, a grant for historic preservation design guidelines, a radio system consulting agreement, salary calculations for elected officials, demolition of vacant county buildings, reestablishing the land bank authority, courthouse AV upgrades, vehicle and equipment purchases, and other items. Several items were continued for more information, while others were added to the next meeting agenda. The board also entered executive session for personnel matters.

• No formal action was taken during the work session; all items were for discussion only.
• Travel allowance discussion continued until further information is available.
• HPC grant and design guidelines item added to the next meeting agenda.
• TUSA consulting agreement item added to the next meeting agenda.
• Salary calculations for elected officials continued until further information is available.
• Demolition of vacant county buildings item added to the next meeting agenda.
• Land bank committee discussion continued until further information is available.
• Courthouse AV system upgrades item added to the next meeting agenda.

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a called meeting to consider Resolution 03-2021, which adopts the McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan for 2021-2025. The agenda includes only this resolution and adjournment.

• Resolution 03-2021: McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2021-2025

The Thomson City Council voted 5-0 to adopt Resolution 03-2021, approving the McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2021-2025, which had been approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. The plan is a continuation of the previous 2015-2020 plan. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting adjourned at 5:21pm.

• Adopted Resolution 03-2021 approving the McDuffie County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2021-2025 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is holding a called meeting to consider approving Resolution 21-03, which relates to a joint comprehensive plan. The agenda includes only this item of new business, along with routine approvals of the agenda.

• Consideration of Resolution 21-03 on the Joint Comprehensive Plan

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting and unanimously approved Resolution 21-03, which adopts the joint comprehensive plan as written and approved by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The agenda was also approved unanimously. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution 21-03, joint comprehensive plan (unanimous)
• Approved current agenda as written (unanimous)

Board of Assessors

The Board of Assessors held a called meeting on February 19, 2021. The agenda consisted only of procedural items including an executive session.

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and then consider several items, including a broadband ordinance, a special exception for a property, two rezoning requests, and a spring trash amnesty. The board will also review monthly budget and financial reports. The meeting includes an executive session on land acquisition.

• 2nd reading and consideration of Ordinance 21-02 (Broadband)
• Special exception request for 906 White Oak Road
• Rezone Phase 3 of Elias Station from R-2 to R-3
• Rezone 1675 Augusta Road from R-2 to R-3
• Spring Trash Amnesty for March 27th

The board denied a request to rezone Phase 3 of Elias Station from R-2 to R-3, which would have allowed smaller lots and one additional lot, despite a tied planning board recommendation. The board approved a rezoning for 1675 Augusta Road (old Country Inn Apartments) with conditions, reversing the planning board's denial recommendation. The board also approved a broadband ordinance, a special exception for 906 White Oak Road, and set a trash amnesty date.

• Approved Ordinance 21-02 for broadband-ready designation (unanimous)
• Approved special exception for 906 White Oak Road to store shipping crates with conditions (unanimous)
• Denied rezoning of Elias Station Phase 3 from R-2 to R-3 (3-2 roll call)
• Approved rezoning of 1675 Augusta Road from R-2 to R-3 with conditions (3-2)
• Approved March 27, 2021 as trash amnesty day (unanimous)
• Approved agenda with additions (unanimous)
• Approved minutes of February 3, 2021 (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is meeting to consider a second reading of Ordinance #571 on truck weight, approve contracts including GeoSpatial Technology Solutions and GEFA loans, and address personnel and equipment items. They will also discuss reports and a possible called meeting for the comprehensive plan.

• Second Reading of Ordinance #571 Amendment-Truck Weight
• GeoSpatial Technology Solutions Contract
• GEFA Loan Modification DW20170008 (Augusta Road Plant)
• Police Vehicle Replacement
• Emergency Paid Positive COVID-19 Sick Leave thru April 31, 2021

The Thomson City Council approved a contract with Geo Spatial Technology Solutions for GIS mapping of the entire water, gas, and sewer network at a cost not to exceed $96,151.50. They also approved a $190,000 loan for four police vehicles, a GEFA loan increase for the Augusta Road Water Plant, and several other items. All votes were unanimous (4-0) except for one abstention on the garage structure approval.

• Approved GIS mapping contract with Geo Spatial Technology Solutions, not to exceed $96,151.50 (4-0)
• Approved $190,000 loan for four police vehicles over 36 months (4-0)
• Approved GEFA Loan DW20170008 increase by $122,900 to $1,352,900 (4-0)
• Approved temporary Historic Preservation Board appointments (4-0)
• Approved garage structure at 524 Lumpkin Street with stipulations (3-0, Whittle abstained)
• Approved Ron Shipman to replace Bud Lunceford on Development Authority (4-0)
• Approved Natural Gas Department backhoe order at $84,373 (4-0)
• Extended COVID-19 paid sick leave for essential workers to April 31, 2021 (4-0)

Planning and Zoning

The commission will discuss a Certificate of Appropriateness application from Jared Weitzel. The discussion concerns a proposed garage that does not meet historic preservation guidelines for new construction.

• COA Application: 524 Lumpkin Street (garage construction)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and first reading of a broadband ordinance (Ordinance 21-02) and review a revolving loan fund for Thomson Plastics, Inc. In new business, the board will consider approving a relocation agreement with Georgia Power, the RLF review, a service delivery strategy, budget amendments, and the ACO report for January 2021. The meeting also includes approval of minutes and an announcement about the State of the Community event on February 11.

• Public hearing: 1st reading of Ordinance 21-02 (Broadband)
• Revolving Loan Fund Review for Thomson Plastics, Inc.
• Consider approval of Relocation Agreement with Georgia Power
• Consider approval of Service Delivery Strategy
• Consider approval of Budget Amendments

The board approved a $125,000 revolving loan fund request from Thomson Plastics to support a $2 million expansion expected to create 44 full-time jobs. They also approved a new Georgia Power utility relocation agreement for the west bypass project, with the cost increased to $210,251.00. The updated Service Delivery Strategy and several budget amendments were approved unanimously. All decisions were made without opposition.

• Approved $125,000 RLF for Thomson Plastics expansion (unanimous)
• Approved Georgia Power relocation agreement at $210,251.00 (unanimous)
• Approved updated Service Delivery Strategy (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments to balance budget (unanimous)
• Approved ACO Report for January 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda and minutes (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The McDuffie County Planning Commission is meeting to review four rezoning requests, a special exception for a storage business, and a subdivision layout review. The agenda also includes updates on the Joint Comprehensive Plan, which is under state review. No old business is listed.

• Rezone 1675 Augusta Road, Parcel 00530004, from R-2 to R-3
• Rezone Elias Station Phase 3 from R-2 to R-3, with subdivision lot layout review
• Special exception for storage business at 906 Whiteoak Road, Parcel 0T410017
• Rezone 290 Neal's Mill Road, Parcel 00730076, from RA to RMF

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a relocation agreement with Georgia Power, a review of a revolving loan fund for Thomson Plastics, a broadband ordinance, and budget amendments. These are discussion items only, with no formal votes scheduled.

• Relocation agreement with Georgia Power
• RLF review for Thomson Plastics
• Broadband ordinance
• Budget amendments
• Solid waste discussion

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a called meeting with an executive session to discuss personnel matters. The agenda contains only procedural items: welcome, executive session, and adjournment. No decisions or public business are listed.

• Executive session on personnel
• Called meeting at Government Center, Second Floor Training Room

The Thomson City Council unanimously approved a $250,000 Revolving Loan Fund loan to Thomson Plastics, which will be matched by a Development Authority loan and the company's own investment. The council also authorized the interim city administrator and mayor to negotiate with John Waller for the interim city administrator position. Both actions passed 5-0.

• Approved $250,000 Revolving Loan Fund loan to Thomson Plastics (5-0)
• Authorized negotiations with John Waller for Interim City Administrator position (5-0)
• Added agenda item to discuss and vote on the loan recommendation (5-0)
• Entered and exited executive session for personnel discussion (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and second reading of Ordinance 21-01 on timber harvesting, then consider approving it. They will also vote on the 2021 LMIG project list, discuss county-wide trash service, and review monthly budget and financial reports.

• Public hearing and 2nd reading of Ordinance 21-01 on timber harvesting
• Consideration to approve Ordinance 21-01
• Consideration to approve 2021 LMIG Project List
• Discussion on county-wide trash service
• Monthly budget and financial reports

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will consider a beer and wine application for Crab & Hibachi House, a solid waste consultant, a truck ordinance weight discrepancy, budget amendments, and reappointments of the municipal judge and city attorney. They will also discuss a Housing Authority policy and receive reports from council, the city administrator, and the mayor. The meeting includes approval of minutes from prior sessions and may enter executive session.

• Crab & Hibachi House beer and wine application
• Solid waste consultant
• Truck ordinance weight discrepancy
• Budget amendments
• Reappointment of municipal judge and city attorney

The Thomson City Council approved a beer and wine license for Crab & Hibachi House (4-0, one abstention), hired a temporary consultant for the solid waste RFP, contracted with the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police for police chief hiring assistance, approved year-end budget amendments, reappointed the municipal judge and city attorney, and extended COVID-19 paid leave through February 15, 2021. All other motions passed 5-0.

• Approved beer and wine license for Crab & Hibachi House (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved hiring temporary consultant for solid waste RFP (5-0)
• Approved contract with Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police for chief hiring (5-0)
• Approved year-end budget amendments (5-0)
• Reappointed Municipal Judge Robert E. Knox Jr. and City Attorney Jimmy D. Plunkett (5-0)
• Approved agreement with East Georgia Housing Authority for Limited Access and Barring Policy (5-0)
• Appointed Jamie Alfriend to Development Authority (5-0)
• Extended COVID-19 paid leave through February 15, 2021 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is meeting to hold a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance 21-01 on timber harvesting. They will also consider several appointments, including the county clerk and attorney, and approve various contracts and agreements, including an alcohol license and a right-of-way easement.

• Public hearing and 1st reading of Ordinance 21-01: Timber Harvesting
• Reappoint Nikki Milburn as County Clerk, Davis Dunaway as County Attorney, Marcelles Barr to Development Authority; appoint Jamie Alfriend to Development Authority
• Approve alcohol license for 2093 Washington Road (Sprint Store #747)
• Approve right of way easement with Jefferson Energy
• Approve copier leases with Pollack, Trane maintenance agreement, CEI services with Atlas for West Bypass Project, MOU with East Central Health

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and approved Ordinance 21-01 for timber harvesting, as required by the state. They also approved several contracts and appointments, including an alcohol license for a Sprint Store, a right-of-way easement for EV charging stations, copier leases, a maintenance agreement, CEI services for the West Bypass project, and an MOU for COVID testing kits. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Ordinance 21-01 for timber harvesting (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol license for Sprint Store at 2093 Washington Road (unanimous)
• Approved right-of-way easement with Jefferson Energy for EV charging stations (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year copier lease with Pollock at $2,161/month (unanimous)
• Approved 3-year Trane maintenance agreement at $23,097.27/year (unanimous)
• Approved CEI services with Atlas for West Bypass at $632,800 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU with East Central Health for fire responder testing kits (unanimous)
• Reappointed Nikki Milburn as County Clerk, Davis Dunaway as County Attorney, and Marcelles Barr to Development Authority; appointed Jamie Alfriend (all unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss a range of items, including a right-of-way easement with Jefferson Energy, a timber ordinance, road resurfacing and striping, and the West Bypass Project. Other topics include the service delivery strategy, joint comprehensive plan, board appointments, building renovations, copier leases, the airport, COVID, and a memorandum of understanding with East Central Health. No formal votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• Right of way easement with Jefferson Energy
• Timber ordinance
• Road resurfacing projects
• West Bypass Project
• MOU with East Central Health

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session with no formal votes. They discussed adding a Jefferson Energy right-of-way easement for electric vehicle charging stations at Sweetwater Recreation Center to the next agenda, and a state-mandated timber ordinance for a new permitting system. The board agreed to continue providing 10 days of paid COVID leave for employees through the first quarter of 2021, then reevaluate. Several other items were discussed for future action, including road resurfacing, board appointments, copier leases, and a Trane maintenance agreement.

• Discussed Jefferson Energy right-of-way easement for EV charging stations at Sweetwater Recreation Center; added to next agenda
• Discussed state-mandated timber ordinance; added to next agenda for first reading
• Agreed to continue 10 days paid COVID leave for employees through first quarter of 2021, then reevaluate
• Discussed 2021 LMIG road resurfacing and striping projects; continued for further input
• Discussed Development Authority Board appointments; added to next agenda
• Discussed 5-year copier lease with Pollock at $2,161/month; added to next agenda
• Discussed Trane maintenance agreement at $23,097.27 annually; added to next agenda
• Discussed West Bypass project CEI proposal with Altas totaling $632,800; added to next agenda

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council work session will consider a beer and wine license for Crab & Hibachi House, a truck ordinance weight discrepancy, and reappointments of the municipal judge and city attorney. The council will also discuss a Housing Authority policy, a budget amendment, COVID matters, a solid waste consultant, and the police chief search. The agenda is a mix of business items and discussion topics, with no final votes expected at this work session.

• Crab & Hibachi House beer and wine license
• Truck ordinance weight discrepancy
• Re-appointment of Municipal Judge and City Attorney
• Housing Authority policy discussion
• Budget amendment and police chief search updates

The City Council held a work session and approved the agenda 4-0. They discussed a beer and wine license application for Crab & Hibachi House, a correction to Ordinance 571 regarding truck weight limits, appointments of the Municipal Judge and City Attorney for 2021, and adoption of the East Georgia Housing Authority's Limited Access and Barring Policy. No formal votes were taken on these business items during the work session.

• Approved agenda as written (4-0)
• Discussed beer and wine license application for Crab & Hibachi House at 191 West Hendricks Street
• Discussed correction to Ordinance 571 truck weight provision from 36,000 to 26,000 pounds
• Discussed appointments of Robert E. Knox, Jr. as Municipal Judge and Jimmy D. Plunkett as City Attorney for 2021
• Discussed adopting East Georgia Housing Authority's Limited Access and Barring Policy