McDuffie County public meetings in 2022

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will consider the Fiscal Year 2023 Budget and year-end budget amendments. The body will also review new policies regarding purchasing and fats, oils, and grease.

• Resolution 14-2022: Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
• Resolution 15-2022: CDBG 2021 Award and Authorization
• First Reading of Ordinance: Purchasing Policy
• First Reading of Ordinance: Fats, Oils and Grease Policy
• Land Bank Authority Appointment: Stephen Smith

The City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and a CDBG 2021 award for site preparation. The council also appointed a new member to the Land Bank Authority and approved the city holiday schedule.

• Approved FY 2023 Budget of $24,037,291 (4-0)
• Approved appointment of Stephen Smith to the Land Bank Authority (4-0)
• Approved City holiday schedule (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 15-2022 to award CDBG 2021 bid to Beam Site Prep LLC (4-0)
• Approved agenda as written (4-0)
• Approved November 10 and 17 minutes (4-0)
• Approved November 30 minutes (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several funding requests and project authorizations. Key items include a USDA grant resolution and a change order for the West Bypass Project. The board will also review appointments for the Land Bank Authority and DFACS Board.

• Resolution 22-17 regarding a USDA Grant
• Change order for West Bypass Project
• DFACS FY23 Budget Letter
• MediaOne funding request
• Work authorization for Atlas

The Board of Commissioners approved a USDA grant for Fire & EMS equipment and a $39,706.10 change order for the West Bypass Project. They also appointed members to the Land Bank Authority and DFACS Board and approved several funding and purchase requests.

• Approved Resolution 22-17 for USDA grant for 32 MSAGI breathing apparatus (unanimous)
• Approved $39,706.10 change order for West Bypass Project offsite pipes (unanimous)
• Appointed Stephen Smith to Land Bank Authority (unanimous)
• Appointed Deputy Christen Adkins Jones and Chief Courtney Gale to DFACS Board (unanimous)
• Approved DFACS FY23 budget letter with staff additions (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a second van from Thomson Chrysler (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 MediaOne funding request for tourism data campaigns (unanimous)
• Approved work authorization for Atlas for road resurfacing (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The meeting agenda consists of procedural items and an executive session regarding personnel. No other business items are listed.

• Executive session regarding personnel

The City Council met for a called meeting to discuss a personnel issue in executive session. Upon returning to regular session, the Council voted to uphold the termination of a city employee.

• Uphold termination of City employee Scott Huff (4-1)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several administrative and project updates. The meeting includes reviews of budget letters, board appointments, and the 2023 meeting calendar.

• Change order for West Bypass Project
• DFACS Annual Budget Letter
• Appointment for Land Bank Authority
• Appointments for DFACS Board
• Purchase of vehicle

The Board of Commissioners met for a work session to discuss several pending items, including project change orders and appointments. All agenda items were for discussion only, and no official decisions were made during the meeting.

City of Thomson Council

The meeting agenda consists of procedural items and an executive session regarding personnel. No other business items are listed for decision or discussion.

• Executive session regarding personnel

The City Council approved a 1.5% across-the-board raise for all city employees instead of merit-based raises. The council also held an executive session to discuss a personnel matter.

• Approved 1.5% raise for all City employees (4-1)
• Approved meeting agenda with addition of city wage raise (5-0)
• Entered executive session for personnel matter (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and vote on the FY23 budget. Members will also consider the abandonment of Bohler Road and a new schedule of fees.

• Public hearing and vote on FY23 Budget (Resolution 22-15)
• Consideration of Bohler Road abandonment (Resolution 22-16)
• Consideration of Schedule of Fees

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY2023 budget and the 2023 schedule of fees. Additionally, the board approved the abandonment of Bohler Road as a county road.

• Approved Resolution 22-15 setting the FY23 Budget at $53,432,849 (Unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-16 for the abandonment of Bohler Road (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Schedule of Fees (Unanimous)
• Approved November 2, 2022 meeting minutes (Unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing and meeting to review zoning recommendations and policy changes. The body is considering specific land-use requests and updates to city purchasing and grease policies.

• Sign Variance at 607 Jackson Street
• Rezone from R-1A to B-1 at 2208 Harrison Road
• Conditional Use Request at 648 Ellington Avenue
• Purchasing Policy update
• Fats, Oils and Grease Policy update

The City Council approved a sign variance, a rezoning for a storage building sales lot, and a conditional use permit for a barber shop. The council also adopted new Purchasing and Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) policies and approved several December street closures.

• Approved sign variance for 607 Jackson Street (5-0)
• Approved rezoning of 4.12 acres at 2208 Harrison Road from R-1A to B-1 (5-0)
• Approved conditional use for barber shop at 648 Ellington Avenue (5-0)
• Adopted City Purchasing Policy (5-0)
• Adopted Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Policy (5-0)
• Approved December street closures for Chamber of Commerce 'snow' events (5-0)
• Approved October 10, 2022 meeting minutes (5-0)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review the 2023 budget. Members will also discuss the city's purchasing policy and the Fats, Oils and Grease policy.

• 2023 Budget Review
• Purchasing Policy Discussion
• Fats, Oils and Grease Policy Discussion

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is conducting a public hearing regarding the FY23 Budget. The body will also consider approvals for a holiday supplement, job descriptions, and equipment surplus.

• FY23 Budget public hearing
• Resolution 22-14 regarding Victim of Crime Act Program
• Additional funding for TIA
• Holiday supplement approval
• October 2022 ACO Report

The Board of Commissioners approved additional funding for the west bypass project and authorized holiday supplements. The board also approved the surplus of a fire pumper truck and updated animal shelter job descriptions.

• Approved $25,836 for holiday supplements (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-14 regarding Victim of Crime Act Program funding (unanimous)
• Approved job descriptions for animal shelter director and tech positions (unanimous)
• Approved $760,767.16 in additional TIA funding for west bypass project (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of fire pumper truck for $42,500.00 to Warren County (unanimous)
• Approved October 2022 ACO Report (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss several administrative and financial items. The meeting includes reviews of the proposed FY23 budget and the county schedule of fees.

• Schedule of Fees
• FY23 Proposed Budget
• Resolution 22-14 regarding Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) Program
• Additional funding for TIA Budget
• Broadband

The Board of Commissioners held a work session where all agenda items were for discussion only. No formal actions were taken during the meeting.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a Planning Board recommendation regarding a rezoning request. The meeting also includes a discussion and policy amendment concerning the FY23 budget.

• Public hearing for rezoning 878 Mesena Road from R-2 to I-2
• Consideration of FY23 Budget Policy Amendment
• Review of Monthly Budget and Financial Reports
• Discussion concerning FY23 Budget

The board unanimously approved a request to rezone 7.74 acres at 878 Mesena Road from R-2 to I-2, following the planning board's recommendation with a condition of an additional 50-foot vegetated buffer (150 feet total). The FY23 budget policy amendment was also approved unanimously. Discussion of updated job descriptions for animal shelter positions was continued to the next meeting.

• Approved rezoning of 878 Mesena Road from R-2 to I-2 with 150-foot vegetated buffer (unanimous)
• Approved FY23 Budget Policy amendment adjusting dates (unanimous)
• Continued consideration of animal shelter job descriptions until next meeting

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing and meeting to review zoning recommendations for Kingstown Estates. The body will also consider an alcohol application and a street closing request for a community event.

• Rezoning request for Kingstown Estates from Special to R2
• Alcohol application for Pigg-Ah-Boo’s Southern Flava and BBQ at 654 Main St. Ste 1
• Railroad Street closing request for Trunk-or-Treat
• Allocation of LOST Funds
• Resolution 13-2022: City of Ethics

The council approved an alcohol license for Pigg-Ah-Boo's Southern Flava and BBQ at 654 Main St. Ste 1 by a 4-0 vote (Councilmember Smalley abstained). They also approved the new Local Sales and Use Tax distribution (32% City of Thomson, 1.25% City of Dearing, 66.75% McDuffie County), selected Barmore Hammond as the city's financial auditor, and adopted Resolution 13-2022 for ethics recertification. A public hearing on a rezoning request for Kingstown Estates was cancelled at the property owner's request.

• Approved alcohol license for Pigg-Ah-Boo's Southern Flava and BBQ (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved Local Sales and Use Tax distribution: 32% City of Thomson, 1.25% City of Dearing, 66.75% McDuffie County (5-0)
• Approved Barmore Hammond as city financial auditor (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 13-2022 for City of Ethics recertification (5-0)
• Approved Railroad Street closure for Trunk-or-Treat event (5-0)
• Approved September 8, 2022 council minutes (5-0)
• Removed Kingstown Estates rezoning from agenda at property owner's request
• Councilmember Smalley requested code enforcement investigate debris at 208 Cobb Street

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review the 2023 budget and a rezoning request for Kingstown Estates. The body will also discuss the allocation of LOST funds and the selection of a city financial auditor.

• Kingstown Estates Rezoning Request
• Alcohol Application for Pigg-Ah-Boo’s Southern Flava and BBQ at 654 Main St. Ste 1
• Railroad Street closing request for Trunk-or-Treat
• Resolution 13-2022: City of Ethics
• Purchasing and Fats, Oils and Greases policies

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will meet to consider several resolutions and approvals. Key items include a revolving loan fund and various community service contracts.

• Revolving Loan Fund for GSK Metal Works
• FY23 EOA Subcontract for Meals on Wheels
• Security Upgrades at Boys & Girls Club
• Resolution 22-13 regarding Bohler Road
• Concurrence regarding Markatleo Street, Lokey Street, and Brown Street

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 22-13 to begin the process of abandoning Bohler Road as a county-maintained road, with surrounding landowners to be notified and a public hearing held before final abandonment. The board also approved a $150,000 revolving loan fund for GSK Metal Works, a $21,000 FY23 EOA subcontract for Meals on Wheels, security upgrades at the Boys & Girls Club, and several other routine items. All decisions were unanimous.

• Approved Resolution 22-13 to begin abandoning Bohler Road (unanimous)
• Approved $150,000 revolving loan fund for GSK Metal Works (unanimous)
• Approved $21,000 FY23 EOA subcontract for Meals on Wheels (unanimous)
• Approved LOST certification renegotiation (unanimous)
• Approved $26,685.94 security camera upgrade at Boys & Girls Club (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Augusta Regional Airport (unanimous)
• Approved lighting agreement for 38 LED lights at government complex (unanimous)
• Approved October 15 as fall trash amnesty day (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission is meeting to consider two rezoning requests. The board will review changes to land use designations for a property on Mesena Road and a subdivision on Kingstown Way.

• Rezoning request for 878 Mesena Road from R-2 to I-2
• Subdivision review and rezoning from R-2 to R-3 for The Retreat at Thomson on Kingstown Way

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session to discuss several county projects and financial matters. The session includes reviews of the proposed FY23 budget and various service contracts.

• FY23 Proposed Budget
• Revolving Loan Fund for GSK Metal Works
• Bohler Road
• FY23 EOA Meals Subcontract
• LOST Certification

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on October 3, 2022, for discussion only. No formal votes or decisions were made. Several items were discussed for future action, including a proposed road abandonment, a revolving loan fund, a meals subcontract, LOST certification, security cameras for the Boys and Girls Club, and the FY23 budget.

• No decisions or votes taken; all items were discussion only
• Bohler Road abandonment resolution to be added to next agenda
• Revolving loan fund for GSK Metal Works to be added to next agenda
• FY23 EOA Meals Subcontract ($21,000) to be added to next agenda
• LOST certification (Thomson 32%, Dearing 1.25%, McDuffie 66.75%) to be added to next agenda
• Security cameras for Boys and Girls Club ($26,685.94) to be added to next agenda
• Board agreed to move forward with animal shelter renovations and hiring
• Fall trash amnesty to be added to next agenda for approval

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings regarding a rezoning request and a sewer extension project. Members will also consider contract renewals and a transit grant transmittal letter.

• Rezoning request for Parcel 00730003, Augusta Highway, from R-2 to C-2 for J&P Clearing and Grading, LLC
• Wrightsboro Road Sewer Extension-Project Reduction Request
• Transmittal Letter for FY24 5311(Transit) Grant
• Extension of Auditor’s Service Contract
• GMASS Contract Renewal

The board unanimously approved a rezoning request from R-2 to C-2 for parcel 00730003 on Augusta Highway, Dearing, for J&P Clearing and Grading, LLC, following the planning commission's recommendation. They also approved a phased reduction of the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Extension project to move forward with Phase I due to increased costs and grant time limits. Several other items were approved, including the FY24 Transit Grant transmittal letter, an auditor's service contract extension, a GMASS appraisal contract renewal, and road repairs on Stagecoach Road.

• Approved rezoning of parcel 00730003 from R-2 to C-2 for J&P Clearing and Grading, LLC (unanimous).
• Approved reducing the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Extension project to phases, starting Phase I on Pope, Crawford, Short, West Circle, and part of Wrightsboro Road.
• Approved transmittal letter for FY24 5311 Transit Grant with a local match of $216,533 (unanimous).
• Approved extension of auditor's service contract with Baird Audit Group for $22,000 (unanimous).
• Approved GMASS contract renewal for appraisal services at $480,000 for 3 years (unanimous).
• Approved road repairs on Stagecoach Road west of Gilpin Road for $110,141.70, funded by LMIG (unanimous).
• Appointment to DFACS Board was continued to a future meeting.
• Entered executive session for property acquisition at 6:56 pm, exited at 7:57 pm.

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will review a financial audit and three resolutions to extend GEFA loans. The body will also consider an engineering agreement for the airport and a request to close Railroad Street for a circus.

• Resolution 09-2022: Extension of GEFA Loan DW2017007
• Resolution 10-2022: Extension of GEFA Loan DW2017008
• Resolution 11-2022: Extension of GEFA Loan CW2020015
• Resolution 12-2022: Airport/GDOT Engineering Agreement
• Request to close Railroad Street September 15-16 for Lewis & Clark Circus

The council voted 5-0 to approve three resolutions extending Georgia Environmental Finance Authority loans for water and sewer projects, deferring payments until construction completion or specified dates. They also approved an airport engineering agreement with GDOT and a circus request to close Railroad Street. The city's 2021 financial audit received a clean opinion with no action needed.

• Approved Resolution 09-2022 extending GEFA Loan DW2017007 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 10-2022 extending GEFA Loan DW2017008 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 11-2022 extending GEFA Loan CW2020015 (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 12-2022 authorizing mayor to sign GDOT airport engineering agreement (5-0)
• Approved Lewis and Clark Circus request to close Railroad Street from Greenway to O'Neal Streets on Sept 15-16 (5-0)
• Approved agenda as written (5-0)
• Approved minutes from Aug 11 and Aug 31 meetings (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the audit presentation and consider several financial measures, including the FY23 budget policy and budget amendments. The body will also discuss the use of ARPA funding and fire fee rates.

• Resolution 22-12 regarding Fire Fee Rate
• Response to Use of ARPA Funding Request
• Amending FY23 Budget Policy
• Budget Amendments
• Letter of Support for Augusta Tech CDL Program

The Board of Commissioners approved a new fire fee rate (Alternative 2) and denied a request from the Toombs Circuit Judicial Council to use ARPA funds. They also approved a letter of support for Augusta Tech's CDL program, amended the FY23 budget policy, approved budget amendments, and accepted the ACO report for August 2022. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved Alternative 2 for Fire Fee Rate (unanimous)
• Denied request to use ARPA funds from Toombs Circuit Judicial Council (unanimous)
• Approved letter of support for Augusta Tech CDL program (unanimous)
• Approved amendment to FY23 Budget Policy (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments as presented (unanimous)
• Approved ACO Report for August 2022 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a resolution regarding the FY2022 millage rate. Members will also discuss budget amendments and the use of ARPA funds.

• Public hearing and Resolution 22-11 regarding FY2022 Millage Rate
• Ordinance Amendment 22-02 concerning Special Lighting Districts
• Request for use of ARPA funds
• Budget amendments
• Public Safety and Community Violence Reduction Grant

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and special called meeting on September 1, 2022. The board voted 4-1 to keep the FY22 millage rate at 7.809 mills, rejecting a rollback to 7.399 mills. They also unanimously approved the annual ordinance amendment for special lighting districts. Several other items were discussed and continued to future meetings.

• Approved FY22 millage rate of 7.809 mills (4-1, Chairman Newton opposed)
• Approved Ordinance Amendment 22-02 for special lighting districts (unanimous)
• Approved current agenda as written (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The council held a public hearing to discuss cost increases for the CDBG project #21b-x-094-2-6189, caused by COVID, inflation, and supply chain issues. To cover the $250,000 shortfall, they decided to remove sewer work on Spruce Street and paving on Spruce and Mulberry from the current project and include them in the city's 2023 Multi-Activity Application. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned at 4:51 pm.

• Approved removing Spruce Street sewer work and Spruce/Mulberry paving from current CDBG project
• Deferred removed work to 2023 Multi-Activity Application
• Tabled rebidding the project due to rising prices and contractor uncertainty
• Discussed concrete patching as alternative but rejected as insufficient to meet $250,000 reduction

City of Thomson Council

The City Council is holding a public hearing and special called meeting to discuss the 2022 millage rate. The body will hear public comment before considering the rate during the called meeting.

• Public hearing on 2022 Millage Rate

The Thomson City Council held a public hearing and called meeting on August 31, 2022. After discussion, the Council voted 5-0 to approve the same millage rate as the previous year (6.890), which will generate an additional $78,276 in revenue due to increased property assessments. No public comments were made.

• Approved 2022 millage rate of 6.890 (same as last year) by 5-0 vote

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to conduct a public hearing regarding the 2022 millage rate. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Public hearing on 2022 Millage Rate

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting with a public hearing on the proposed FY22 millage rate. Chairman Newton stated the board is considering leaving the rate at 7.809 mil, which would result in a small savings for citizens due to the school board's rollback and an increase in the tax digest. No vote was taken on the millage rate; the meeting adjourned after the hearing.

• Held public hearing on proposed FY22 millage rate of 7.809 mil
• No decision made on millage rate; only discussed and heard public comments
• Adjourned meeting at 10:30 am (motion passed unanimously)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting to conduct a public hearing regarding the 2022 millage rate. No other substantive business is listed on the agenda.

• Public hearing on 2022 Millage Rate

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting for a public hearing on the proposed FY22 millage rate. The board considered leaving the rate at the current 7.809 mills. No vote or decision was made; the hearing was for public comment only.

• No decisions made; public hearing only on 2022 millage rate

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the millage rate and review monthly budget and financial reports. The body is also considering appointments to the DFAC Board and a special event alcohol permit.

• Discussion concerning millage rate
• Consideration to appoint members to DFAC Board
• 1 Day Special Event Alcohol Permit for Chamber Golf Tournament
• Monthly Budget and Financial Reports

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved several resolutions and permits, including a GEFA loan extension for the sewer expansion project, a public transportation grant, and a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship grant application. They also expanded the DFACS board to seven members and appointed three new members. The board approved alcohol permits for the Chamber Golf Tournament and Blind Willie Festival, and moved the September work session to September 1.

• Approved agenda with removal of item #2 (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from August 1 and August 3 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved expanding DFACS board to 7 members (unanimous)
• Appointed Angie Rogers, Nicole Beggs, and Valencia Hunt to DFACS Board (unanimous)
• Approved 1-day alcohol permit for Chamber Golf Tournament (unanimous)
• Approved 1-day alcohol permit for Blind Willie Festival (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-08 GEFA loan extension to June 2023 (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-09 public transportation grant (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing and vote on the rezoning of Kingstown Estates. The meeting includes decisions on water-sewer rates, budget amendments, and a loan request for an Urban Development Action Grant.

• Rezoning Kingstown Estates from S (Special) to R-2 (Multi-Family Residential)
• Resolution 08-2022 regarding Ordinance 580 (To-Go Cups)
• Ordinance 581 regarding fire hydrants (second reading)
• Setting of water-sewer rates
• Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG) loan request

The council approved rezoning Kingstown Estates from S (Special) to R-2 (Multi-Family) for The Retreat at Thomson, a 140-unit senior living townhome development for ages 55 and older, with conditions including an HOA and age-restrictive covenants. The council also approved a 7% sewer and 5% water rate increase effective October 1 through 2026, and a $200,000 loan to GSK Metal Works for expansion.

• Approved rezoning of Parcel 01330119 to R-2 for The Retreat at Thomson senior townhomes (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 08-2022 allowing to-go cups for beer/wine in Downtown Dining District (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved Ordinance 581 setting fire hydrant spacing requirements (5-0)
• Approved Chamber Movie Night street closure and movie showing for Sept 1 (5-0)
• Approved one-day alcohol license for Activities Council Sept 23 (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved CVB event request for street closure and banner Sept 23 (5-0)
• Approved water and sewer rate increases of 5% and 7% annually through 2026 (5-0)
• Approved $200,000 UDAG loan to GSK Metal Works (5-0)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will hold a work session to review several administrative and regulatory items. The body is considering changes to utility rates, budget amendments, and zoning recommendations.

• Kingstown Estates Rezoning recommendation
• Setting of water-sewer rates
• Mid-year budget amendments
• Fire Hydrant Ordinance second reading
• Downtown Development Authority boundary change

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss utility rates and equipment purchases. The agenda includes considerations for fuel system upgrades and lighting agreements with Georgia Power.

• Rate change for water sewer
• Equipment purchase for Commissioners
• Fuel system upgrades
• Lighting agreements with Georgia Power
• Appointments for DFAC Board

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a 5% increase for water rates and a 7% increase for sewer rates, effective October 1 bills. The board also approved several other items including Chromebook purchases for commissioners, fuel system upgrades, and a lighting agreement with Georgia Power. Appointments to the DFAC Board were postponed to the next meeting.

• Approved 5% water and 7% sewer rate increase (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Chromebooks at $200 each for commissioners (unanimous)
• Approved Vice Chairman Wilson as voting delegate for ACCG Legislative Conference (unanimous)
• Approved fuel system upgrades costing $55,356.70 plus $6,200 for tank cleaning (unanimous)
• Approved lighting agreement with Georgia Power for LED lights at Boys and Girls Club (unanimous)
• Approved ACO Report for July 2022 (unanimous)
• Tabled DFAC Board appointments to next meeting (3-1)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners and city mayors are holding a joint meeting. The session is focused on a discussion regarding increases to water and sewer rates.

• Discussion concerning water/sewer rate increase

The joint meeting of the McDuffie County Commission, City Council, and Town of Dearing Council was held for discussion only, with no formal votes or decisions. Officials discussed a proposed water and sewer rate increase to fund infrastructure needs over the next 5–10 years and maintain reserve funds. They informally agreed to consider a 5% water rate increase and 7% sewer rate increase starting October 1, 2022, but no action was taken.

• No formal decisions made; all agenda items were discussion only
• Discussed proposed 5% water rate increase and 7% sewer rate increase (no vote)
• Informally agreed to consider rate increases effective October 1, 2022 (no action)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet for a work session to discuss several administrative and operational items. The meeting includes a presentation on the budget and discussions regarding county infrastructure and appointments.

• Budget presentation
• Fuel system upgrades
• New tablets for Commissioners
• Appointments for DFAC Board
• Voting delegate for Legislative Conference

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on August 1, 2022, for discussion only; no formal action was taken. Items discussed included purchasing new tablets for commissioners, appointments to the DFAC Board, a voting delegate for the legislative conference, recreation department opportunities, fuel system upgrades, lighting agreements with Georgia Power, and a preliminary FY23 budget presentation. Several items were slated for the next meeting agenda.

• No formal decisions made; all items were discussion only
• Tablet purchase options discussed; item to be on next agenda
• DFAC Board appointments discussed; item to be on next agenda
• Voting delegate for legislative conference discussed; item to be added to next agenda
• Recreation department opportunities discussed; no action
• Fuel system upgrades discussed; item to be added to next agenda
• Lighting agreements with Georgia Power discussed; item to be added to next agenda
• Preliminary FY23 budget presented

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and vote on two rezoning requests. They are also considering several contracts and alcohol licenses.

• Rezoning R-2 to C-1 for daycare at 163 Viola Avery Street
• Rezoning R-2 to R-3 for Eagle’s Landing townhomes on Noble Street
• Alcohol license for Sprint Foods at 2093 Washington Road
• FY23 UGA Extension Contract
• RFP for Broadband

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning request for a townhome development (Eagle's Landing) on Noble Street, changing the zoning from R-2 to R-3 for 84 for-sale units. The board also approved several contracts, including a broadband RFP with Comcast, and continued a daycare rezoning request at 163 Viola Avery Street. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved rezoning R-2 to R-3 for Eagle's Landing townhomes on Noble Street (unanimous)
• Continued rezoning request for daycare at 163 Viola Avery Street (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol license for Sprint Foods at 2093 Washington Road (unanimous)
• Approved one-day alcohol license for charity golf tournament (unanimous)
• Approved FY23 UGA Extension contract (unanimous)
• Approved client management contract for Probate Court (unanimous)
• Approved FY23 5311 transit operating contract with $139,840 federal and local match (unanimous)
• Approved RFP from Comcast for broadband at $10,475,475 (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will meet to discuss a garbage rate increase and a fire hydrant ordinance. The body is also reviewing an alcohol license application and a downtown dining to-go-cup policy.

• Alcohol license application for Sprint at 101 East Hill Street
• Garbage rate increase
• Fire hydrant ordinance
• Chamber request for Downtown Dining To-Go-Cup Policy
• Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Preparation Timeline

The Thomson City Council approved a garbage rate increase proposed by Waste Management, with the new rates taking effect September 1, 2022, instead of the originally proposed August 1. The council also approved an alcohol license for Sprint at 101 East Hill Street, a downtown dining to-go cup event request, and a new Land Bank Authority appointment. A first reading of a fire hydrant ordinance was presented with no action required.

• Approved garbage rate increase effective Sept. 1, 2022 (5-0)
• Approved alcohol license for Sprint at 101 East Hill Street (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved Chamber request for downtown dining to-go cup policy and street closure on July 19 (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Appointed Marion Culpepper to Land Bank Authority (5-0)
• Approved agenda as amended (5-0)
• Approved June 9, 2022 council minutes (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will meet to review and potentially approve three contracts and reports. These include agreements for the UGA Extension and Probate Court client management.

• FY23 UGA Extension Contract
• Client Management Contract for Probate Court
• ACO Report for June 2022

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and vote on three land-use variance requests. Members will also consider approving the FY23 Budget Policy and the purchase of vehicles and utility carts.

• Signage variance request for Second Chance Independent Church at 1152 Hillcrest Drive
• Subdivision review and variance for sidewalks, curb, gutter, and lights at Cobbham Road
• Permitted use variance for an accessory building on Huff’s Bridge Road
• Approval of FY23 Budget Policy
• Purchase of vehicle and utility carts

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the FY23 budget policy, a variance for 1152 Hillcrest Drive, a subdivision review for Cobbham Road with conditions, a variance for Huffs Bridge Road with a condition, an alcohol license for 1965 Washington Road, and the purchase of a van and utility carts. All votes were unanimous. No items were denied or tabled.

• Approved FY23 Budget Policy (unanimous)
• Approved variance request for 1152 Hillcrest Drive (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision review for Cobbham Road with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved variance request for Huffs Bridge Road with condition (unanimous)
• Approved alcohol license for 1965 Washington Road (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of Dodge City Van ($33,265) and 2 used utility carts ($16,345 with trade-in) (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The City Council will consider a resolution for a multi-year hazard mitigation plan and the sale of non-repairable vehicles. The body will also discuss a memorandum of understanding with Archway for FY2023 and requests from the Chamber of Commerce and Freedom Blast.

• Resolution 07-2022: Hazard Mitigation Plan 2022-2026
• Sale of Non-Economically Feasibly Repairable Vehicles
• Archway Memorandum of Understanding FY2023
• Freedom Blast/Chamber of Commerce Requests

The Thomson City Council approved a resolution adopting the 2022-2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan, authorized the sale of ten vehicles and two trailers at public auction, approved the Archway Memorandum of Understanding for FY2023, and approved the Chamber of Commerce's request to close Railroad Street for the Freedom Blast event. All votes were 4-0. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved Resolution 07-2022 adopting the Hazard Mitigation Plan 2022-2026 (4-0)
• Approved sale of ten vehicles and two trailers at public auction (4-0)
• Approved Archway Memorandum of Understanding FY2023 with $15,000 city contribution (4-0)
• Approved closing Railroad Street between Greenway and O'Neal Streets on July 2, 6-9:30pm, and open container rule for Freedom Blast (4-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to review several funding requests and administrative approvals. Key items include a property transfer for the Board of Education and a pre-disaster hazard mitigation resolution.

• Approval of FY23 Drug Court Grant
• Resolution 22-07 regarding Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation
• Selection of lowest bidder for FY22 Road Striping
• Approval of BOE Property Transfer
• Funding support for Freedom Blast

The board unanimously approved the FY23 Drug Court Grant with a $20,350 local match, Resolution 22-07 for pre-disaster hazard mitigation, and Peek Pavement as the lowest bidder for FY22 road striping at $98,085. They also approved a property transfer from the Board of Education, up to $5,000 for Freedom Blast, closing county offices on July 1, and the May 2022 ACO report. Kay Lord was reappointed to the Regional EMS Council.

• Approved FY23 Drug Court Grant with $20,350 local match (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-07 Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation (unanimous)
• Approved Peek Pavement as lowest bidder for FY22 road striping at $98,085 (unanimous)
• Approved BOE property transfer via quit claim deed for elections building (unanimous)
• Approved funding support up to $5,000 for Freedom Blast (unanimous)
• Approved closing county offices on July 1 (unanimous)
• Approved ACO Report for May 2022 (unanimous)
• Reappointed Kay Lord to Regional EMS Council (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The McDuffie County Planning Commission is meeting to consider several land use requests. The board will review a rezoning request for Eagle’s Landing and multiple variance applications.

• Rezoning from R-2 to R-3 for Eagle’s Landing on Noble Street
• Subdivision review with variances for Montgomery Place on Cobbham Road
• Sign variance request for Second Chance Independent Church at 1152 Hillcrest Drive
• Variance to permitted uses for an accessory building on Huff’s Bridge Road

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners is meeting for a work session to discuss several grant opportunities and administrative items. The session focuses on funding for drug courts, fire services, and the Government Center Park.

• FY23 Drug Court Grant
• USDA Grant for Fire
• FY22 Road Striping Bid
• Resolution 22-07 regarding Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation
• BOE Property Transfer

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on June 6, 2022, with all agenda items for discussion only and no formal action taken. They discussed the FY23 Drug Court Grant, a USDA grant for new fire SCBA equipment, LOST distribution renewal, a government center park grant, an EMS Council appointment, a hazard mitigation resolution, a road striping bid, a BOE property transfer, Freedom Blast funding, and office closures. Several items were slated for future meeting agendas.

• Agreed to move forward with USDA grant process for new SCBA systems
• Agreed to cancel July 4 and July 6 meetings, with special meetings possible for urgent matters
• Discussed FY23 Drug Court Grant; to be added to next agenda
• Discussed LOST distribution renewal; continued until further information
• Discussed Government Center Park Grant; continued until further information
• Discussed EMS Council appointment; to be on next agenda
• Discussed Resolution 22-07; to be on next agenda
• Discussed FY22 Road Striping bid; to be added to next agenda

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold public hearings and consider planning board recommendations on rezoning and conditional use requests, including two rezoning requests on Wire Road. They will also vote on a resolution to acquire Bohler Road, approve a bid for FY22 LMIG resurfacing projects, and consider a contract renewal with Liberty Tire. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and monthly financial reports.

• Rezone 201 Wire Road from I-2 to R-2
• Rezone 229 Wire Road from I-2 to R-2
• Conditional use requests for 3170 Ponderosa Lane and 5552 Lincolnton Highway
• Resolution 22-07: Acquisition of Bohler Road
• Approve lowest bidder for FY22 LMIG resurfacing projects

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved rezoning requests for 201 and 229 Wire Road from I-2 (Heavy Industrial) to R-2 (Medium Density Residential), following the planning board's recommendation. They also approved a conditional use for an RV and boat storage facility at 5552 Lincolnton Highway with conditions, and denied a conditional use for a dog kennel at 3170 Ponderosa Lane. Other actions included approving an insurance renewal with Humana, awarding a resurfacing contract to Reeves Construction, and renewing a contract with Liberty Tire.

• Approved rezoning of 201 Wire Road from I-2 to R-2 (unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of 229 Wire Road from I-2 to R-2 (unanimous)
• Denied conditional use for dog kennel at 3170 Ponderosa Lane (3-2)
• Approved conditional use for RV/boat storage at 5552 Lincolnton Highway with conditions (unanimous)
• Approved insurance renewal with Humana, option 1 (unanimous)
• Approved Reeves Construction for FY22 LMIG resurfacing, bid $1,170,247.15 (unanimous)
• Approved 5-year contract renewal with Liberty Tire (unanimous)
• Continued Resolution 22-07 for Bohler Road acquisition

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will hold a public hearing and regular meeting to consider a zoning committee recommendation to rezone 117 Greenway Street from B-2 (Central Business) to S (Special). The council will also vote on a resolution for a GDOT utility/contract agreement and discuss requests involving Borders Street and Church Street.

• Public hearing on rezoning 117 Greenway Street from B-2 to S
• Resolution 06-2022: GDOT PI 13258 Utility/Contract Agreement
• Borders Street and Church Street request discussion
• Approval of minutes from April 14, 2022 council meeting

The Thomson City Council voted 3-0 (with one abstention) to deny a zoning change from B-2 to S for the property at 117 Greenway Street, following the Planning Board's unanimous recommendation. The council also approved a GDOT utility contract, deeded Borders Street and part of Church Street to First Baptist Church, and discussed new development projects.

• Denied zoning change for 117 Greenway Street (3-0, Corley abstained)
• Approved Resolution 06-2022 for GDOT utility work at Washington Road and Dallas Drive (4-0)
• Approved deeding Borders Street and part of Church Street to First Baptist Church (4-0)
• Approved agenda as written (4-0)
• Approved minutes of April 14, 2022 meeting (4-0)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is holding a work session to discuss several business items, including a rezoning recommendation for 117 Greenway Street, a utility/contract agreement with GDOT, requests regarding Borders and Church Streets, speed cameras in school zones, and blight abatement. No formal votes are scheduled; these are discussion items ahead of the regular meeting.

• Rezoning recommendation for 117 Greenway Street
• Resolution 06-2022: GDOT PI 13258 Utility/Contract Agreement
• Borders Street and Church Street request
• Speed cameras in school zones
• Blight abatement

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is meeting to approve the agenda and minutes, hear announcements, and consider four new business items. The most consequential item is a proposal to approve easement condemnations for the Wrightsboro Road sewer project. Other items include purchasing replacement chairs, a salary adjustment for the UGA Extension Office, and the Animal Control Officer's April 2022 report. The board may also enter executive session for pending litigation and personnel matters.

• Easement condemnations for Wrightsboro Road sewer project
• Purchase of replacement chairs for downstairs meeting room
• Salary adjustment for UGA Extension Office
• ACO report for April 2022

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the list of property owners and the resolutions/orders for easement condemnations related to the Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project. They also approved purchasing 14 replacement chairs for the downstairs meeting room, salary increases for two UGA Extension employees, the April 2022 ACO report, and acceptance of the withdrawal of the Cooper Place subdivision application. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved easement condemnations for Wrightsboro Road Sewer Project (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of 14 replacement chairs for downstairs meeting room (unanimous)
• Approved salary increases for UGA Extension employees (unanimous)
• Approved ACO report for April 2022 (unanimous)
• Approved acceptance of Cooper Place withdrawal (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is holding a work session to discuss several items, including Bohler Road, easements for the Wrightsboro Road sewer project, meeting room chairs, agency expenditures, and the Extension Office. The meeting also includes an executive session for pending litigation. No formal votes are scheduled; these are discussion items only.

• Discussion concerning Bohler Road
• Discussion concerning easements for Wrightsboro Road sewer project
• Discussion concerning chairs for meeting room
• Discussion concerning agency expenditures
• Discussion concerning Extension Office

The Board of Commissioners held a work session on May 2, 2022, for discussion only; no formal action was taken. Staff proposed abandoning Bohler Road, moving forward with condemnation for the Wrightsboro Road sewer project, replacing meeting room chairs at $265 each, and addressing concerns about DFACS expenditures. The board also discussed salary increases for UGA Extension employees and a 5% decrease in Humana insurance renewal, saving $75,000. Several items were continued or added to the next meeting agenda.

• No formal action taken; all items were discussion only
• Continued discussion on abandoning Bohler Road until further information
• Wrightsboro Road sewer easement condemnation to be on next meeting agenda
• Meeting room chair replacement (14 at a time, $265 each) to be on next meeting agenda
• Continued discussion on DFACS agency expenditures until further information
• UGA Extension salary increases to be added to next meeting agenda
• Continued discussion on Humana insurance renewal until further information

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider several land-use requests, including a variance for a car wash, a rezoning on Wrens Highway, and a subdivision review on Cobbham Road. They will also vote on an ordinance amendment and various contracts and purchases.

• Variance for car wash at 1640 Washington Road
• Rezoning of Parcel 00420081 on Wrens Highway from R-2 to I-1
• Subdivision review for Cooper Place on Cobbham Road with variances
• 2nd reading of Ordinance Amendment 22-01 (Subdivision Hydrant Requirement)
• Approval of Resolution 22-06 for 2022 CSRA Unified Development Authority

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will consider several items, including the second reading of an ordinance to allow outside alcohol consumption in a downtown dining district, and resolutions related to a Community Development Block Grant application and engineering contract. The council will also discuss a request to close a block of Journal Street for an event and a GDOT memorandum of understanding.

• Ordinance 580: Outside Consumption of Alcohol/Downtown Dining District (second reading)
• Resolution 05-2022: Community Development Block Grant 2022 Application
• 2022 CDBG Engineering Contract Award to Civil Design
• Adoption of 2022 CDBG Housing Policies and Procedures
• Highrail request to close one block of Journal Street on 4/21/2022

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to consider a resolution authorizing an annual ad valorem tax to pay principal and interest on $19 million in school district general obligation bonds. This is the only substantive item on the agenda.

• Resolution 22-05: Levy of ad valorem tax for $19,000,000 in Series 2022 school bonds

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting and unanimously approved Resolution 22-05, which provides for an annual ad valorem tax levy to pay principal and interest on $19,000,000 in school district general obligation bonds, Series 2022. The resolution is a backup measure in case ESPLOST fails and the school cannot repay its bonds. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved current agenda as written (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-05 for school bond tax levy (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The Thomson-McDuffie Planning Commission will review three new land-use requests. The agenda includes a variance for a carwash, a request to rezone a Wrens Highway property from residential to industrial, and a subdivision review with variances for Cooper Place. No old business or announcements are listed.

• Variance request for Shine On Carwash at 1640 Washington Road
• Request to rezone Wrens Highway property from R-2 to I-1 for C&H Paving
• Subdivision review with lot size and setback variances for Cooper Place on Cobbham Road (PIN 00510006)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a rezoning request for 8109 Highway 221, Dearing, from C-2 to R-1, along with the first reading of an ordinance amendment on subdivision hydrant requirements. They will also consider several new business items, including a parking lot re-stripe list, a work authorization for the Senior Center, an amendment to solid waste fees, and engineering for an inert waste cell. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and announcements.

• Public hearing: Rezoning from C-2 to R-1 at 8109 Highway 221, Dearing
• 1st reading: Ordinance Amendment 22-01 (Subdivision Hydrant Requirement)
• Consider approval of Parking Lot Re-Stripe List
• Consider approval of Work Authorization for Senior Center
• Consider approval of Amendment to Solid Waste Fees

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will consider several business items, including a special event permit for Pitt Street Park, water and sewer tap and meter fees, water-sewer bond refinancing, a resolution opposing state bills HB 1093 and SB 494, an ordinance to create a downtown dining district, and requests from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. The meeting also includes citizen input, approval of minutes, and discussion items.

• Special Event Permit request: Pitt Street Park
• Water and Sewer: Tap and Meter Fees
• Water-Sewer Bond Refinancing
• Resolution 03-2022: Opposing HB 1093 and SB 494
• Ordinance Establishing a Downtown Dining District

The Thomson City Council approved revised water and sewer tap and meter fees, including increases for most tap sizes, and authorized the mayor and city administrator to refinance the remaining $7.57M of a 2012 bond when rates are lower. The council also approved a special event permit for Pitt Street Park, adopted a resolution opposing state bills limiting local zoning authority, and approved requests for the Braves trophy event.

• Approved special event permit for Pitt Street Park on June 19, 2022, contingent on finalized security arrangements (5-0)
• Approved revised water/sewer tap and meter fees, including $1,300 for 3/4-inch water tap (increase of $300) and $800 for 4-inch sewer tap (increase of $200) (5-0)
• Authorized mayor and city administrator to refinance remaining $7,570,000 of 2012 bond when rates are lower (5-0)
• Adopted Resolution 03-2002 opposing House Bill 1093 and Senate Bill 494, to be forwarded to House and Senate (5-0)
• Approved requests for Braves National Championship Trophy event: closing Railroad Street, placing a sign, and temporary alcohol license (5-0)
• Approved agenda as written (5-0)
• Approved minutes of February 10, 2021 meeting (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will consider and likely vote on several items, including approving spring trash amnesty day, a camera system agreement, an ARPA grant coordinator service agreement, a grant award package, budget amendments, road resurfacing and restriping projects, an ambulance purchase, broadband infrastructure award terms, and changing April meeting dates. The meeting also includes routine approvals of minutes and announcements about local events.

• Spring Trash Amnesty Day approval
• 1Accord Agreement for Camera System
• ARPA Grant Coordinator Service Agreement
• FY22 Road Resurfacing and Restriping Projects
• Ambulance Purchase

The Board of Commissioners approved several items, including the FY22 road resurfacing and restriping projects totaling $975,378.77, an ambulance purchase with power lift system for $274,953.00, and the refinancing of water/sewer loans. All votes were unanimous. The board also approved a trash amnesty day, a camera system for the solid waste facility, ARPA grant agreements, budget amendments, and the February ACO report.

• Approved FY22 road resurfacing and restriping projects totaling $975,378.77 (unanimous)
• Approved ambulance purchase (Ford F450) and power lift system for $274,953.00 (unanimous)
• Approved refinancing of water/sewer loan (unanimous)
• Approved spring trash amnesty day on March 26 (unanimous)
• Approved 1Accord camera system for solid waste facility at $7,659.00 (unanimous)
• Approved ARPA Grant Coordinator Agreement and Toombs Circuit Grant Award Package (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendments for audit balancing (unanimous)
• Approved February 2022 ACO Report (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The McDuffie County Planning Commission will consider a request to rezone a property at 8109 Highway 221 in Dearing from C-2 (commercial) to R-1 (residential). The meeting also includes approval of minutes from January and February 2022. No other business is listed.

• Rezoning request: 8109 Hwy 221, Dearing, GA 30808 (C-2 to R-1)
• Approval of minutes from January 4, 2022 and February 1, 2022

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss several items, including a spring trash amnesty, a camera system agreement with 1Accord, an ARPA grant coordinator service agreement, budget amendments, road resurfacing projects, a capital improvement project update, a Toombs Circuit award package, and a GRPA award. No formal votes are scheduled; these are discussion items only.

• Spring Trash Amnesty discussion
• 1Accord Agreement for Camera System
• ARPA Grant Coordinator Service Agreement
• Budget Amendments
• Road Resurfacing Projects

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on February 28, 2022, with all items for discussion only and no formal action taken. They discussed scheduling a spring trash amnesty for the last Saturday in March, adding security cameras at the solid waste department for $7,659, and a list of road resurfacing projects totaling $844,976.90, with requests to add Radford-Gay and McCommons Street. The board also reviewed budget amendments, an ARPA grant coordinator agreement, an ambulance purchase for $225,265 (plus $48,000 for a power load system), and a broadband grant agreement, all to be placed on the next meeting agenda.

• Agreed to plan spring trash amnesty for last Saturday in March (no formal vote)
• Discussed $7,659 camera system for solid waste department (no action)
• Discussed road resurfacing list totaling $844,976.90; added Radford-Gay and McCommons Street (no action)
• Discussed budget amendments for several departments (no action)
• Discussed ARPA grant coordinator service agreement (no action)
• Discussed $225,265 ambulance purchase plus $48,000 power load system (no action)
• Discussed broadband grant agreement terms (no action)
• Noted Wrightsboro Road Sewer project $900,000 short after grant denial (informational)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider a rezoning and variance request for properties on Westwood Drive and Earle Street. They will also vote on several items including an audit engagement letter, a change order for the West Bypass Project, engineering services for the landfill, and equipment purchases. The meeting includes routine approvals of minutes and monthly financial reports.

• Public hearing and consideration of rezoning from R-2 to C-2 for 138 Westwood Dr., 1152 Earle St., and Earle St., Thomson
• Approval of audit engagement letter
• Approval of change order for West Bypass Project
• Approval of proposal for engineering services with IES for landfill
• Approval of equipment purchase and fire department purchase

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council is meeting to consider several business items, including an ordinance to repeal city ordinances related to fire service, a resolution for an airport ARPA grant, and a modification to natural gas ready-to-serve fees. They will also recognize Chuck Cumber for 20 years of service and discuss a public relations officer position. The agenda includes standard items like minutes approval and citizen input.

• Ordinance 578: Repeal City Ordinances Related to Fire Service
• Resolution 02-2022: Airport ARPA Grant
• Modify Natural Gas Ready to Serve Fees
• Chuck Cumber 20 Year Service Award
• City/County/Forward McDuffie Public Relations Officer

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will meet to approve the agenda and minutes, hear announcements, and consider three new business items: a change order for the West Bypass Project, a job description and authorization for a Public Relations position, and the January 2022 ACO report. The meeting also includes an executive session on personnel.

• Consideration to approve change order for West Bypass Project
• Consideration to approve job description and authorization of Public Relations position
• Consideration to approve ACO report for January 2022
• Tourism Spotlight Luncheon on Feb 9 at Highrail
• Chamber Gala on Mar 4 at Bordeaux

The board unanimously approved a change order for the West Bypass Project, covering only the storm drain portion, with the conduit for fiber deferred pending Augusta Tech's potential contribution. They also approved the job description and advertisement for a shared public relations position, and approved the January 2022 ACO report. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved storm drain change order for West Bypass Project (unanimous)
• Deferred conduit addition pending Augusta Tech cost-sharing discussion
• Approved job description and advertisement for shared Public Relations position (unanimous)
• Approved January 2022 ACO report (unanimous)

Planning Commission Board

The McDuffie County Planning Commission is meeting to consider a request to rezone property at Westwood Drive and Earle Street from R-2 to C-2, along with associated variances. The agenda includes routine items such as approval of minutes and determination of quorum, with no old business or announcements listed.

• Rezone request: Westwood Drive and Earle Street (R-2 to C-2)
• Variances requested for the same property

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss updates on transportation projects, capital improvement projects, and county vehicles. No votes are scheduled; the agenda consists solely of discussion items.

• Discussion on transportation projects update
• Discussion on capital improvement projects update
• Discussion concerning county vehicles

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session with no formal votes or decisions. They discussed updates on transportation projects (including a change order for the West Bypass), capital improvements, vehicle needs, and a proposed public relations position. The change order and PR job description were slated for future agendas.

• No action taken; all items were discussion only
• West Bypass change order to be added to next meeting agenda
• Public relations job description to be added to next meeting agenda

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider planning board recommendations on two land-use applications: a special exception for a satellite facility on Ellington Airline Road and a subdivision review, rezoning, and variances for a 54-acre tract at 801 White Oak Road. The board will also consider resolutions, budget amendments, and other administrative items.

• Public hearing: special exception for satellite facility, Ellington Airline Road, Parcel 00650001A00
• Public hearing: subdivision review, rezoning, variances for 54-acre tract, 801 White Oak Road, Parcel 00410031
• Resolution 22-04: HPC Grant Application for Rock House
• Budget amendments for Fire/EMS and Senior Center
• FY22 Road Resurfacing approval

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a special exception for a Viasat satellite facility on Ellington Airline Road, a subdivision review/rezoning/variances for a 144-lot development at 801 White Oak Road, and several budget amendments. They also approved a $439,775 contract with Beam Construction for a water meter upgrade, increased water/sewer connection fees for subdivisions and non-subdivisions, and a $45,000 digital advertising campaign for tourism. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved special exception for Viasat satellite facility on Ellington Airline Road (unanimous)
• Approved subdivision review, rezoning, and variances for 144-lot development at 801 White Oak Road (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-04 for HPC Grant Application for Rock House (unanimous)
• Approved $44,800 budget amendment for Fire/EMS (unanimous)
• Approved $3,784 budget amendment for Senior Center (unanimous)
• Approved FY22 road resurfacing (unanimous)
• Approved FY22 DFCS budget agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $45,000 digital advertising campaign with MediaOne for tourism (unanimous)

City of Thomson Council

The Thomson City Council will meet to approve minutes, recognize employee anniversaries, and consider several business items including accepting Oak Lane, vendor and peddler permits, a water meter installation contract, repealing fire service ordinances, and a historic preservation resolution. The meeting also includes citizen input and reports from the mayor and city administrator.

• Acceptance of Oak Lane
• Vendor and Peddler Permits
• Water Meter Installation Contract
• Ordinance 578: Repeal City Ordinances Related to Fire Service
• Resolution 01-2022: Historic Preservation Application

The Thomson City Council accepted the deed for Oak Lane, making it a city street, and approved additions to the vendor and peddler permit, including an indemnification waiver and nine responsibility points. The council also approved a resolution to apply for a historic preservation grant and discussed a water meter installation contract, which was later approved via telephone poll. Ordinance 578, repealing city fire service ordinances, had its first reading.

• Accepted Oak Lane deed, making it a city street (5-0)
• Approved vendor and peddler permit additions (4-0, Smalley abstained)
• Approved Resolution 01-2022 for Historic Preservation Fund application (5-0)
• Approved agenda as written (5-0)
• Approved minutes of December 9, 2021 meeting (5-0)
• Approved Beam Site Prep water meter installation contract via telephone poll (5-0)
• Held first reading of Ordinance 578 to repeal city fire service ordinances

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners approved all agenda items unanimously, including a GEFA loan extension for the Wrightsboro Road sewer expansion project, a resolution supporting changes to Georgia's annexation laws, and a contract with Waste Management for solid waste hauling. They also made appointments and reappointments, including Bill Hopkins to the Planning Board and Nikki Milburn as county clerk.

• Approved Resolution 22-02 for 2022 qualifying fees (unanimous)
• Approved surplus of IT equipment (unanimous)
• Approved work authorization for court clerk's office to digitize deed books (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-03 for GEFA loan extension (unanimous)
• Approved GEFA loan extension agreement for Wrightsboro Road sewer project (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 22-01 supporting changes to Georgia's annexation laws (unanimous)
• Approved ACCG Family Album ad at cost of $969.50 (unanimous)
• Approved Waste Management as lowest bidder for solid waste hauling at $51.52 per ton (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss multiple items, including the FY2022 budget for the DFAC office, a GEFA loan extension, ARPA funding for the Toombs Judicial Circuit, and road resurfacing. They will also consider a resolution supporting changes to Georgia's annexation laws, a property transfer from the Board of Education, and the reappointment of the county clerk and attorney. No formal votes are scheduled; this is a discussion-only meeting.

• Discussion of FY2022 budget for DFAC Office
• Discussion of GEFA Loan Extension Agreement
• Discussion of Resolution 22-01 supporting changes to Georgia's annexation laws
• Discussion of ARPA funding for Toombs Judicial Circuit
• Discussion of Wrightsboro Road Sewer Extension

The McDuffie County Board of Commissioners held a work session on January 3, 2022, for discussion only; no votes or formal decisions were made. Items discussed included the FY2022 DFAC budget, deed book imaging, a GEFA loan extension, annexation law support, solid waste hauling, road resurfacing, ARPA funding, and several other topics. Most items were scheduled for future agendas or continued for more information.

• No formal action taken; all items were discussion only
• DFAC budget to be revised and presented for board choice
• Deed book imaging item added to next meeting agenda
• GEFA loan extension agreement added to next meeting agenda
• Resolution 22-01 on annexation laws added to next meeting agenda
• Solid waste bid discussion added to next meeting agenda
• Road resurfacing list presented for board input
• ARPA funding item continued pending further information