Meriwether County public meetings in 2024

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding the 2024 property tax millage rate. The board intends to adopt millage rate recommendations from the Meriwether County Board of Education and approve the 2024 millage rate for Meriwether County.

• Public hearing on 2024 Property Tax Millage Rate
• Adoption of Meriwether County Board of Education 2024 Millage Rate recommendations
• Approval of 2024 Millage Rate for Meriwether County and associated Resolution

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing and unanimously adopted the 2024 property tax millage rate at the rollback rate of 12.486 mills for the General Fund, 2.334 mills for Fire District M&O, and 0.654 mills for Fire Bond debt service. They also approved the Meriwether County Board of Education's millage rate of 16.948 mills. The rollback rate means no tax increase, though total collections will rise due to growth in the tax digest.

• Adopted 2024 millage rate for Meriwether County at 12.486 mills (General Fund), 2.334 mills (Fire District M&O), 0.654 mills (Fire Bond debt service) (unanimous)
• Approved the Meriwether County Board of Education's 2024 millage rate of 16.948 mills (unanimous)
• Adopted the agenda (unanimous)
• Closed the public hearing on the millage rate with no speakers for or against (unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will set the 2024 millage rate and approve a five-year levy history. The agenda includes discussions on a courthouse roof proposal, a temporary road closure for a pumpkin patch, and TSPLOST spending recommendations.

• Set Public Hearing on August 27, 2024, for 2024 Millage Rate
• Discussion of Courthouse Roof Proposal
• Request to temporarily close Johnson Road for Wargo's Pumpkin Patch
• TSPLOST Spending Recommendation
• Discussion of Ordinance Change for Regular Meeting Times

The Board of Commissioners set a public hearing for August 27, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. to set the 2024 millage rate and approve the 5-year history of levy for the county tax digest. The board also approved several other items, including a temporary road closure for Wargo's Pumpkin Patch, an E-911 expenditure confirmation, a user agreement for the Flint River Academy football field, and a $200 flyover of the courthouse roof. The pay scale for salaried employees was tabled until the September 11 meeting, and the moratorium on animal limitation waivers was extended 90 days.

• Set public hearing for Aug. 27 at 5:30 p.m. on 2024 millage rate and 5-year levy history (unanimous)
• Approved temporary closure of Johnson Road for Wargo's Pumpkin Patch, Sept. 21–Nov. 3 (unanimous)
• Approved E-911 Confirmation Expenditure for FY24 and allowed Chair to sign (unanimous)
• Approved User Agreement for football field at Flint River Academy (unanimous)
• Approved courthouse roof flyover, not to exceed $200 (unanimous)
• Extended moratorium on Sec. 32-21 animal limitation waivers for 90 days to Nov. 12 (unanimous)
• Tabled pay scale for salaried employees until Sept. 11 meeting (unanimous)
• Released tax debt on Parcel 108 002 002 (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a referendum resolution for a 1% county sales and use tax for transportation. The board will also consider accepting a Kroger opioid settlement and discuss the county fleet program.

• Referendum Resolution for 1% County Sales & Use Tax for Transportation Purposes (TSPLOST)
• Acceptance of Kroger Opioid Settlement
• Discussion of Fleet Program

The Board of Commissioners approved a resolution to place a 1% sales tax for transportation on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The Board also agreed to participate in the Kroger Opioid Settlement. Discussions regarding a vehicle lease program were postponed.

• Approved Referendum Resolution for 1% TSPLOST sales tax for Nov. 5 ballot (All in favor)
• Approved participation in Kroger Opioid Settlement (All in favor)
• Declined to schedule a Work Session for the Enterprise fleet lease program
• Entered Executive Session for Personnel at 9:19 a.m.; no action taken

General

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the purchase of three fire engines from Coweta County Fire Department and updates to building and zoning fees. Other items include a contract for 2025 fireworks at Lake Meriwether and vehicle replacements for the Sheriff's Office.

• Purchase of 3 Fire Engines from Coweta County Fire Department
• Update Fee Schedule for Building and Zoning
• Contract with Southern Sky, LLC for July 4, 2025 fireworks at Lake Meriwether
• Vehicle Replacement for Sheriff's Office
• Appointment to Region IV EMS Council for Position 2

The Board approved a letter of commitment to purchase three used fire engines from Coweta County for $37,500, funded by SPLOST, with the right to review the trucks before final acceptance. They also approved a $9,375 change order to replace a jail annex fire exit door, a $35,500 vehicle purchase for the Sheriff's Office, and a fireworks contract for July 4, 2025. A pay scale discussion was tabled until all commissioners are present.

• Approved letter of commitment for 3 fire engines from Coweta County, $37,500 from SPLOST (all in favor)
• Approved $9,375 change order for jail annex fire exit door, funded by SPLOST (all in favor)
• Approved Sheriff's Office vehicle purchase not to exceed $35,500, using $23,553.84 insurance proceeds (all in favor)
• Approved fireworks contract with Southern Sky, LLC for July 4, 2025, at Lake Meriwether, contingent on legal review (3-1, Threadgill opposed)
• Approved fee schedule update for building and zoning to flat rates per House Bill 461 (all in favor)
• Appointed Christie Grice to Region IV EMS Council for a 3-year term (all in favor)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement for Lone Oak election, contingent on timely call (all in favor)
• Tabled pay scale for salaried employees until next meeting (all in favor)

General

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss office space allocation and other facilities. The meeting also includes an executive session to address litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters.

• Discussion of Office Space Allocation and other Facilities
• Executive session regarding litigation
• Executive session regarding personnel
• Executive session regarding real estate
• Executive session regarding tax matters

The Board held a work session to discuss relocating county offices, including moving DFACS to the former Pathways building and addressing courthouse issues. No formal votes or decisions were taken; the session was for discussion only, with direction to staff to review contracts and tour buildings.

• Adopted the agenda (unanimous)
• Entered executive session for real estate discussion (unanimous)
• No action taken in executive session
• Adjourned work session (unanimous)

General

The Board will consider intergovernmental agreements for special elections in Lone Oak and Greenville. The agenda also includes discussions on speed bumps, culvert projects, and ambulance remount awards.

• Public hearing for rezoning parcels in District 2 for a grading company yard
• Intergovernmental agreements for the 2024 municipal special elections in Lone Oak and Greenville
• Discussion of speed bumps in Chambless Village and on Odessa Road
• Awards for Type 1 Ambulance Remount and 2024 Meriwether County Patching
• Proposal discussion for four culvert projects

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners approved a rezoning for equipment storage on Todd Road/Primrose Circle with road-repair and buffering conditions, awarded a Type 1 ambulance remount to Custom Truck and Body Works for up to $131,114, and approved 2025 fireworks at Lake Meriwether not to exceed $25,000 from Lake Meriwether funds. The Board also approved additional speed bumps in Chambless Village and two sets of speed bumps on Odessa Road, and accepted an intergovernmental agreement for Greenville's 2024 municipal special election. An agreement to conduct Lone Oak's special election was tabled to July 23, 2024.

• Approved rezoning Case #24-006 for storage/lay-down use with buffering and road-repair conditions (all in favor)
• Tabled Lone Oak 2024 municipal special election agreement to July 23, 2024 (all in favor)
• Approved additional speed bumps in Chambless Village (all in favor)
• Approved two sets of speed bumps on Odessa Road (all in favor)
• Awarded Type 1 ambulance remount to Custom Truck and Body Works, not to exceed $131,114 (all in favor)
• Approved 2024 patching by ton to Piedmont Paving at $260/ton (all in favor)
• Authorized staff to seek bids for 4 LRA culvert projects (all in favor)
• Approved Greenville 2024 municipal special election agreement (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review the distribution of TSPLOST funds and discuss proposed projects. The meeting also includes discussion regarding a TSPLOST intergovernmental agreement between Meriwether County and its municipalities.

• Presentation of TSPLOST fund distribution and proposed projects
• Discussion and execution of a TSPLOST intergovernmental agreement with county municipalities
• Executive session regarding litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters

The Board of Commissioners and several municipalities approved an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) to place a TSPLOST renewal on the November 5, 2024 ballot. The proposed 1% sales tax would fund transportation projects over a 6-year period. The Board also designated July 5, 2024, as a one-time paid holiday.

• Approved TSPLOST Intergovernmental Agreement with amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved July 5, 2024, as a one-time paid holiday (Unanimous)
• City of Greenville approved IGA with amendments
• City of Luthersville approved IGA with amendments
• City of Woodbury approved IGA with amendments
• City of Gay approved IGA with amendments

General

The Board will hold a public hearing regarding rezoning parcels for a grading company's storage yard. The agenda also includes discussions on courthouse roof proposals and county building space allocation.

• Rezoning Case #24-006 for a grading company storage yard
• Courthouse roof proposals
• Adoption of employee pay scale/FLSA ruling
• Public Works surplus equipment and vehicles
• Airport entrance road discussion

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners adopted a 3% step pay scale for employees and set public meetings to discuss TSPLOST. The board also approved local matching funds for an airport entrance road project, authorized surplus vehicle bids, and increased the County Clerk's salary following certification.

• Accepted meeting agenda with amendments (Unanimous)
• Approved minutes of the June 12, 2024 regular meeting (Unanimous)
• Continued public hearing for rezoning case #24-006 to July 10, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Confirmed TSPLOST meeting with cities for July 2, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Adopted the 3% step pay scale effective July 1, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Designated 756 Woodbury Road, Suite B (western side) for elections and authorized RFP for work (Unanimous)
• Set a work session on county building allocation for July 22, 2024 (Unanimous)
• Approved $68,031.95 local match for Airport Entrance Road project, not to exceed that amount (Unanimous)

General

The Board of Commissioners will consider several 2024-2025 state agency budget requests. The agenda also includes discussions on a new meeting decorum policy and updates regarding TSPLOST road projects. Additionally, the board will review requests for equipment purchases and engine replacements.

• Review of 2024-2025 state agency budget requests
• Discussion of implementing a policy on meeting decorum
• Recommendation to change road projects from SPLOST to TSPLOST commitments
• Request for engine replacement on 2017 dump truck
• Purchase of 12 AEDs for county buildings and recreation

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners approved several 2024-2025 state agency budget requests, a $661,910 ACCG insurance renewal, a $26,869.80 purchase of 12 AEDs, and an engine replacement for a 2017 dump truck. A motion to give the City of Manchester and the Manchester MDA $10,000 for July 3 fireworks failed for lack of a second; a later motion to commit $5,000 of the County's $25,000 fireworks funds passed 3-2. The Board also moved 2023 and 2024 LMIG road project commitments from SPLOST to TSPLOST, tabled a meeting decorum policy, and rehired Robert Lovett part-time at Lake Meriwether.

• Approved 2024-2025 DFACS budget request of $28,000 and authorized Chairman to sign (all in favor)
• Approved 2024-2025 District Attorney budget request of $263,947 and authorized Chairman to sign (all in favor)
• Approved 2024-2025 Coweta Circuit Public Defender budget request of $11,135 increase, total $227,319, and authorized Chairman to sign (all in favor)
• Approved 2024-2025 Department of Public Health budget request of $152,500 with no change (all in favor; Commissioner Threadgill abstained)
• Approved 2024-2025 Pine Mountain Regional Library budget request of $138,000 (all in favor)
• Approved 2024-2025 UGA County Extension Agent budget request with $330 increase, total $53,297, contract renewal and MOU, and authorized Chairman to sign (all in favor)
• Approved 2024-2025 ACCG Renewal Contribution Worksheet of $661,910 from General Fund and authorized Chairman to sign (all in favor)
• Moved 2023 and 2024 LMIG project commitments from SPLOST to TSPLOST (all in favor)

General

The Board reviewed financial reports, including a $100,000 payment for the Flat Shoals Bridge Project. The meeting included public comments regarding courthouse maintenance, an Independence Day celebration, and a proposal for a countywide senior center.

• Payment of $100,000 for the Flat Shoals Bridge Project from TSPLOST
• Public hearing for Case #24-006 (rezoning for a grading company lay down yard) continued to June 25, 2024
• Public hearing for Case #24-007 regarding a rezoning request for a kennel on 10 acres
• Report of $3.5 million fund for Special Projects verified by the State
• Report of SPLOST account balance at -$766,369.37 and TSPLOST balance at $1.15 million

The Board approved an ordinance amendment allowing the sale of distilled spirits by the package, following a March 2024 referendum. They also approved a 245-foot Verizon wireless cell tower with conditions for county use and a $566,500 increase in employee health insurance premiums for FY25. A rezoning request for a kennel was approved, while a request for a clubhouse was denied. The board tabled road patching bids to review pricing by tonnage and approved contracts for July 4th fireworks and a new EMS billing system.

• Approved Ordinance Amendment for distilled spirits sales (5-0)
• Approved Verizon cell tower rezoning with conditions (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved rezoning for Deborah Brady's kennel (5-0)
• Denied rezoning for Chad Smith's clubhouse (5-0)
• Approved employee insurance premium increase for FY25 (4-1)
• Approved Wellness Program at $30,000 cost (5-0)
• Approved Southern Sky fireworks contract for July 6 (5-0)
• Approved switch from ELEVOS to ESO for EMS billing (5-0)

General

The Board will address several items including a fireworks proposal for Lake Meriwether and road striping. Unfinished business includes an intergovernmental agreement with the County Airport Authority and a recommended pay scale. New business involves equipment bids, bond confirmations, and the Mando Expansion Bond Project.

• Intergovernmental Agreement with Meriwether County Airport Authority
• Firework Proposal and contact establishment for Lake Meriwether event
• Award Bid for SCBA Fill Stations
• Performance and Payment Bonds for Bates Mechanical Jail Plumbing Contract
• Mando Expansion Bond Project

The Board approved a new employee pay scale effective July 1 and purchased fire department SCBA fill stations. Other actions included approving a road striping contract and an economic agreement for the Mando expansion.

• Approved Breathing Air Systems bid for SCBA fill stations at $119,616.90 (3-1)
• Approved pay scale guidelines with a July 1 effective date (All in favor)
• Approved $50,688.30 road striping contract with Two Rivers RC&D (All in favor)
• Approved $295,000 insurance cost absorption for the budget year (All in favor)
• Approved Mando Expansion Bond Project Economic Development Agreement (All in favor, 1 abstention)
• Approved $15,000 fireworks show quote from Southern Sky, LLC (All in favor)
• Approved $8,595 performance and payment bonds for Bates Mechanical (All in favor)
• Approved Intergovernmental Agreement with Airport Authority for loan repayment (All in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold discussions regarding the 2024-2025 benefit renewal and current pay scales. The meeting also includes an executive session.

• 2024-2025 Benefit Renewal Discussion
• Pay Scale Discussion

The Board held a work session to review proposed employee benefit increases and a new structured pay scale. No formal votes were taken on these items during the session, as the meeting was intended for data review and discussion.

• No substantive decisions made; session was for discussion only
• Entered Executive Session to discuss Personnel (all in favor)

General

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners will discuss infrastructure projects, equipment acquisitions, and administrative appointments. The meeting includes a public hearing and an executive session covering litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters.

• Appointment to the Planning Commission for District 4
• Purchase of a Caterpillar Motor Grader and replacement ambulance engine
• Designation of Caldwell Road as No Through Trucks
• Installation of speed bumps on Mt. Pilgrim Road
• MOA with GDOT regarding Flat Shoals Road at Flint River

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners approved a $442,150 contract with Bates Mechanical for jail plumbing repairs funded by SPLOST, and authorized up to $25,000 for a July 6, 2024 fireworks event. The Board also approved a resolution to join the Georgia Recreation Park Association, moved $3.5 million into an investment pool, and approved a 120-day moratorium on animal limit waivers. Several other items were approved, including a motor grader purchase, a grant application for road cleanup, and a bridge right-of-way agreement with GDOT.

• Approved Bates Mechanical for jail plumbing repairs at $442,150, funded by SPLOST (all in favor)
• Approved County Fireworks on July 6, 2024, not to exceed $25,000 (all in favor)
• Approved resolution to join GRPA and establish countywide recreation framework (all in favor)
• Approved 120-day moratorium on Sec. 32-21 animal limit waivers until August 8, 2024 (3-1, Worsley opposed)
• Approved purchase of Caterpillar motor grader funded by TSPLOST (all in favor)
• Approved application for EPD Better Backroads FY24 319(h) Grant (all in favor)
• Approved MOA with GDOT for Flat Shoals Road bridge right-of-way, $100,000 from TSPLOST (all in favor)
• Approved $21,000 replacement engine for ambulance from General Fund Capital Outlay (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet to discuss a Planning Commission appointment for District 4. The meeting also includes a finance report and the presentation of proclamations.

• Appointment to fill an unexpired Planning Commission term for District 4 ending 1-5-2025
• Proclamation for Bill Gregory
• Proclamation for Beverly Thomas

The Board appointed Allyson Stephens as County Clerk and designated Massengale Mill Road as a no through truck road. The Board also approved an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Warm Springs for development services and authorized matching funds for an animal shelter grant.

• Appointed Allyson Stephens as County Clerk effective April 1, 2024
• Designated Massengale Mill Road as a no through truck road
• Approved Intergovernmental Agreement with City of Warm Springs for Development Plan Review and Inspection Services
• Authorized $17,260 match from Animal Shelter Fund if $50,000 Rachel Ray Foundation grant is awarded
• Approved renewal of MOU with Evidenced Based Associates, LLC
• Approved EMA Mutual Aid Agreement
• Approved change of Empower Plan Administrator from Beverly Thomas to John Gorton
• Tabled purchase of Caterpillar Motor Grader, Planning Commission appointment, GRPA Resolution, and SCBA Fill Stations

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider an agreement to conduct the 2024 Municipal Special Election for the City of Luthersville. Members will also discuss road patch RFPs, jail roof maintenance, and the 2025 T-SPLOST.

• Intergovernmental Agreement for 2024 Luthersville Municipal Special Election
• RFP for road patch and road spray patch with 60-day bid process
• Planning Commission appointment for District 4
• Jail Roof Maintenance
• Ambulance Box and Remount

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to direct staff to prepare a request for proposals for road patching and spray patching per state guidelines, to be completed within 60 days and brought back for approval. The Board also approved a $115,306 ambulance box purchase with up to $10,000 in additional equipment, authorized a contract for Covered Bridge rehabilitation after legal review, and agreed to an intergovernmental agreement for a City of Luthersville special election. Several items were tabled or discussed without a vote, including a Planning Commission appointment and the 2025 T-SPLOST renewal process.

• Approved RFP for road patching and spray patching per state guidelines, due in 60 days (3-2; King, Worsley, Collins in favor; Threadgill, Plant opposed)
• Approved purchase of ambulance box for $115,306 plus up to $10,000 for chassis equipment (all in favor)
• Approved creating a contract for Covered Bridge rehabilitation after legal review, to return to Board (all in favor)
• Approved intergovernmental agreement with City of Luthersville for 2024 municipal special election (all in favor)
• Approved GRPA membership for recreation program (all in favor)
• Approved Jail Roof Maintenance Agreement with ACR at $1,750 twice yearly, first year free (all in favor)
• Tabled appointment to Planning Commission for unexpired term ending 1-5-2025, District 4 (all in favor)
• Approved adding County Administrator Jarrod McCarthy to bank signature cards on day 91 of employment (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss a proposed recreation agreement with the City of Manchester. The meeting also includes an executive session to address litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters.

• Proposed Recreation Agreement with the City of Manchester

The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners held a joint work session with the City of Manchester to discuss whether to continue their Recreation Intergovernmental Agreement. Interim County Administrator Theron Gay said the original 2015 agreement was extended in 2019 and expired in November 2023, and that Manchester's initial feedback on a further extension was that it would require renegotiation with a substantial increase in the County's contribution and all programs run out of Manchester. Chairman Gene King said the session was not about the future of recreation but about whether to continue the agreement while future recreation planning proceeds, with work sessions planned with all municipalities. The minutes excerpt records no vote or decision on the agreement.

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing regarding a rezoning request for a parcel on Charlie Fuller Road. The body will also consider fee increases for food permits and the movement of ARPA funds to the General Fund.

• Public hearing for Case #2024-003: rezone 10.5 acres on Charlie Fuller Road from RD to R-1
• Proposed increase of Temporary Food Service Permits to $50
• Request to move ARPA Funds to General Fund
• Request to increase County Credit Card limit
• Grant Agreements for the Probate Court and Tax Assessor’s Office

The Board approved a rezoning request for 10.74 acres on Charlie Fuller Road for a 7-home development, pending driveway approval. Commissioners also voted to move $3,516,436.69 in ARPA funds to a tracked General Fund account. Additionally, the county credit card limit was increased to $25,000.

• Approved rezoning of 10.74 acres on Charlie Fuller Road from RD to R-1 pending Public Works driveway approval
• Approved moving $3,516,436.69 in ARPA funds to a tracked General Fund account
• Increased County Credit Card limit from $12,000 to $25,000
• Approved increase of Temporary Food Service Permits from $30 to $50
• Approved ACCG Georgia County Internship Program Grant Agreements for Probate Court and Tax Assessor’s Office
• Approved support letter for Development Authority of Harris County EDGE Application
• Tabled Appointment to the Planning Commission for District 4
• Accepted February 14, 2024, meeting minutes (4-0, 1 abstention)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will consider several infrastructure and safety items, including jail facility replacements and fire inspection agreements. The meeting also includes appointments to various county boards and discussions on capital projects for 2024.

• Replacement of jail locks, doors, door frames, and hinges at the MC Jail
• Inmate housing contractual agreement between City of Woodbury and Meriwether County Jail
• Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Gay for fire inspections
• Discussion of SUVs for the Sheriff’s Office and road patching
• Authorization for the Chairman to sign a Hazard Mitigation Grant

The Board approved a contract for jail security upgrades and a three-party inmate housing agreement with the City of Woodbury. Commissioners authorized a $10.4 million RAISE grant application for transportation improvements and approved several board appointments.

• Approved $408,700 contract with C.A. Owens for jail locks, doors, and frames
• Approved 3-party inmate housing agreement with City of Woodbury at $40/day
• Authorized submission of $10.4M RAISE grant for culverts and roadwork
• Approved $115,000 for two K9 SUVs in exchange for three Sheriff's Office trucks
• Approved Hazard Mitigation Grant update for FEMA ($30,000 project)
• Approved ESPLOST VII Resolution for Board of Education
• Approved fire inspection agreement with Town of Gay
• Appointed Joann Lynch (DFACS), Larry Dunaway (Public Facilities), and Dora Terry (Lake Meriwether)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings regarding land use and a road closure. The meeting also includes discussions on a T-SPLOST referendum and a recreation agreement with the City of Manchester.

• Case #2023-0017: Rezoning request for 8.11 acres from NHC to R-1 by John Knight, Chisel Mill Homes
• Case #2024-001: Special use request from Patrick Dell for a family cemetery on .28 of an acre
• Case #2024-002: Request to close a section of Weaver Road, District 1
• Call for the Referendum on T-SPLOST
• Discussion of the Recreation Agreement Addendum with the City of Manchester

The Board approved a rezone request from John Knight of Chisel Mill Homes to change 8.11 acres from NHC to R-1 for five residential lots, conditioned on erosion and stormwater plans being approved before permitting. It also approved a special use request for the Macey Dell Family Cemetery, agreed to abandon a section of Weaver Road, and amended the Recreation Advisory Board from nine members to five. A motion to extend the county's recreation contract with the City of Manchester failed 2-3, and the Board instead voted 3-2 to set up a group and bring the issue back on February 27, 2024.

• Approved rezone of 8.11 acres from NHC to R-1 for five residential lots (all in favor), with runoff/engineering conditions before permitting
• Approved special use request for Macey Dell Family Cemetery on .28 acre (all in favor)
• Approved abandoning Weaver Road from the Railroad tracks to Beaver Lake Road (all in favor)
• Amended Chapter 20, Article IV to make the Recreation Advisory Board five members with staggered terms and quarterly meetings (all in favor)
• Reappointed Robin Wilkinson to the Lake Meriwether Advisory Board, term expiring January 28, 2026 (all in favor)
• Tabled appointments to the DFACS Board, Planning Commission, Public Facility Authority, and Lake Meriwether Advisory Board District 2 (all in favor)
• Motion to extend the City of Manchester recreation contract for eleven months failed (2-3: Threadgill and Worsley in favor; King, Plant, Collins opposed)
• Approved authorizing refund of $51,229.99 in excess property sale funds to the State of Georgia (all in favor)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will review 2023 accomplishments and discuss non-transportation projects. The meeting includes an executive session to discuss litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters.

• Review of 2023 accomplishments
• Discussion of non-transportation projects
• Executive session on litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters

The Board held a work session to review 2023 accomplishments and discuss capital projects for the courthouse, jail, and office spaces. No formal votes were taken, but the Board reached a consensus to contact a consulting firm for grant writing assistance.

• Consensus reached to contact Debra Smith of Allen Smith Consulting for grant writing help

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will appoint a Chairman, Vice Chairman, and other key county officials. The body will also consider a resolution for the Joint Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043 and discuss several infrastructure and operational items.

• Resolution for Meriwether County Joint Comprehensive Plan 2023-2043
• Request to close Covered Bridge Road for filming from February 5 to February 27, 2024
• Discussion of property lease at the Red Oak Bridge
• Appointments for Planning Commission, Industrial Development Authority, and Water and Sewerage Authority
• Review of quotes for Wrightsville Road and an ambulance chassis

The Board adopted the 2023-2043 Meriwether County Joint Comprehensive Plan and approved the purchase of two F450 diesel chassis for EMS ambulances. Commissioners also approved filming permits at the Red Oak Covered Bridge and appointed Gene King as Chairman. A motion to add Wrightsville Road to the LMIG bid package was denied, though a separate quote was requested.

• Adopted 2023-2043 Joint Comprehensive Plan (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of two F450 diesel chassis from John Megal Ford (unanimous)
• Approved filming at Red Oak Covered Bridge with road closures (unanimous)
• Appointed Gene King as Chairman (3-2)
• Appointed Adam Worsley as Vice Chairman (3-2)
• Denied motion to add Wrightsville Road to LMIG bid package (2-3)
• Approved closing out current Emergency Declarations (unanimous)
• Tabled appointments to DFACS, Planning Commission, and Public Facilities Authority

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will hold a work session to discuss staffing and retention. The meeting includes an executive session to address litigation, personnel, real estate, and tax matters.

• Discussion of staffing and retention
• Executive session on litigation
• Executive session on personnel
• Executive session on real estate
• Executive session on tax matters

The Board of Commissioners reached a consensus for staff to develop a formal pay scale to improve employee retention. Staff presented a rough draft estimating a one-time cost of $195,912.27 to implement. The Board also discussed potential benefit enhancements, including increased life insurance and additional holidays.

• Consensus reached to pursue a formal employee pay scale
• Staff directed to update job descriptions and grading for pay scale implementation