Morgan, GA

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting to consider a text amendment to Chapter 7.26 (Telecommunications Towers) of the Zoning Ordinance. The agenda also includes acceptance of minutes and a staff report on past zoning decisions. A previously scheduled text amendment to the Development Regulations has been withdrawn.

• Text amendment to Chapter 7.26 Telecommunications Towers of the Zoning Ordinance
• Withdrawn text amendment to Morgan County Development Regulations
• Acceptance of minutes from July 31 and August 6 meetings
• Staff report on past zoning decisions

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors will review the July 2026 production report and confirm the level of assessment at 38.90%. The board will approve the collection order for the 2026 tax year, noting that tax bills were mailed on August 13. Additionally, the board will hear the first round of Board of Equalization appeals and receive a briefing on solar panel values.

• Level of assessment set at 38.90% overall, with residential at 38.81% and commercial at 38.14%
• Collection order approved for AY2026; tax bills mailed August 13 and posted to QPublic August 17
• First round of Board of Equalization hearings scheduled for September 1, 2026
• Briefing on solar panel values and 2026 mileage rate changes
• Department of Audits issued a ratio of 39.41% and public utilities assessed at 40%

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider several planning and zoning text amendments recommended by the Planning Commission, including a new tree ordinance for major subdivisions, changes to event facility regulations, and updates to the permitted uses table. They will also vote on establishing a Recreation Advisory Board, a Motorola radio system agreement, and other administrative items. The agenda includes a presentation of the CVB annual report and discussion of draft legislation re-establishing the Board of Commissioners.

• Text amendment to add tree ordinance requiring 100 caliper inches of trees per acre for subdivisions over 5 lots
• Text amendment to remove non-profit exemption from Chapter 7.32 Event Facilities
• Text amendment to remove 'Data Management and Data Processing Facility' from Table 4.1 and allow metal siding with 26 gauge or heavier
• Resolution to establish Morgan County Recreation Advisory Board
• Motorola Solutions Customer Agreement and intergovernmental agreement for Oconee Areawide Radio System

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will hold a regular meeting on August 6, 2026, to consider four text amendments to the county's development regulations and zoning ordinance. These include adding a tree ordinance, reorganizing development regulations, modifying event facility rules, and updating the permitted and conditional uses table. The meeting will also include approval of prior minutes and a staff report.

• Text amendment to add a tree ordinance to the Morgan County Development Regulations
• Text amendment to modify language and organization of the development regulations
• Text amendment to modify Chapter 7.32 Event Facilities in the zoning ordinance
• Text amendment to Table 4.1 Permitted and Conditional Uses of the zoning ordinance

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider new information on a complete public safety radio system and an assurance contract for property tax collection. The agenda also includes approval of minutes from prior meetings and public comment periods. Several items are procedural, including approval of previous meeting minutes and consent agenda items.

• New information on a Complete Public Safety Radio System discussion
• Assurance Contract for property tax contract
• PSC Roof Replacement (change order up to $25,000 from SPLOST)
• Discussion of Recreation Commission and Advisory Board
• Approval of minutes from July 2026 meetings including three millage rate public hearings

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors will consider approval of June 2026 minutes and a production/activity report. New business includes a briefing by Chief Appraiser Robert Bailey on the GAAO conference, a report from Julie McCart on 2026 personal property tax assessment notices mailed June 10 (appeal deadline July 25), a voluntary CUVA removal for parcel 021-161, and presentation of the 2nd through 5th rounds of 2026 appeals. The meeting is scheduled for July 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the 2nd floor Board Room.

• 2026 personal property tax assessment notices mailed June 10; appeal deadline July 25
• Voluntary CUVA removal for parcel 021-161 to be briefed by Chief Appraiser Robert Bailey
• 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th rounds of 2026 appeals to be presented to the board
• Level of assessment reported at 38.86% (residential 38.68%, agricultural 40.04%, commercial 38.16%, industrial 38.65%)
• Chief Appraiser Robert Bailey to brief board on GAAO conference attendance July 19-22 in Jekyll Island

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Commission is holding its third public hearing to set the 2026 millage rate. This is a procedural step in the property tax rate-setting process.

• Third public hearing on the 2026 millage rate

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners held the third of three public hearings for the 2026 millage rate. No members of the public spoke. The hearing was adjourned after two minutes.

• Held third public hearing for 2026 millage rate (no public comment)
• Adjourned at 4:32 p.m. (motion passed unanimously)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners will decide on a conditional use permit for a 295-foot telecommunications tower on Brownwood Road, despite a nearby existing tower and a planning commission recommendation for denial. They will also vote on a resolution to levy 2027 property taxes and consider extending the moratorium on Planned Unit Developments and Community Mixed Use Zoning Districts. Other items include a roof replacement for the Public Safety Complex and a discussion on the Recreation Commission and Advisory Board.

• Tillman Infrastructure seeks conditional use for a 295-foot tower on 33.69 acres at Brownwood Road (parcel 030-030B); planning commission recommended denial due to insufficient economic hardship evidence
• Resolution to levy taxes for fiscal year 2027 and tax year 2026
• Consideration of a 120-day extension to the moratorium on all PUDs under the 1999 Zoning Ordinance and all MXD3s under the existing Zoning Ordinance
• Approval of PSC Roof Replacement (Public Safety Complex)
• Discussion of Recreation Commission and Advisory Board

The Board of Commissioners approved a 2026 millage rate of 9.466 mills, a 4.07% increase, in a 3-2 vote. They also unanimously approved a 120-day moratorium on data center applications and extended a moratorium on Planned Unit Developments for another 120 days. Additionally, the board directed the county attorney to prepare resolutions dissolving the Recreation Commission and creating a Recreation Advisory Board.

• Approved Resolution 2026-RES-005 establishing a 120-day moratorium on data center applications (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution RES-2026-007 levying taxes for FY2027 at 9.466 mills, a 0.370 mill increase (3-2)
• Approved 120-day extension of moratorium on Planned Unit Developments under 1999 zoning and MXD-3 district (unanimous)
• Approved placing on consent agenda up to $25,000 in SPLOST funds for roof change orders at Public Safety Complex (unanimous)
• Directed county attorney to prepare resolutions dissolving Recreation Commission and establishing Recreation Advisory Board (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners is holding the second public hearing to set the 2026 millage rate. This is the only item on the agenda. No other business is scheduled.

• Second public hearing to set the 2026 millage rate

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners held the second of three public hearings for setting the 2026 millage rate. Assistant County Manager Mark Williams presented an overview of the millage rate-setting process. One resident spoke in opposition to the proposed rate. No decision was made; the hearing was adjourned without a vote on the millage rate.

• Adjourned public hearing at 10:16 a.m. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Commission is holding the first of two required public hearings to set the 2026 millage rate. No other business is listed on this agenda. The meeting is procedural and limited to this single item.

• 1st Public Hearing - Setting the 2026 Millage Rate

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners held the first of three public hearings for setting the 2026 millage rate. County Manager Adam Mestres presented information on the proposed rate and the rate-setting process. Two residents spoke in opposition to the proposed millage rate. The hearing adjourned at 6:25 p.m. with no decisions made.

• No decisions were made; the hearing was procedural only

Parks & Recreation Commission

The Morgan County Parks & Recreation Services Commission will discuss the FY 2027 adopted budget, year-end budget report, and approved capital projects. Other updates include participation numbers, tournament season, and infield turf. The meeting also includes a discussion on the Recreation Commission/Advisory Board status.

• FY 2027 adopted budget review
• 2026 year-end budget report
• Approved capital projects
• Shelter at Miracle Field
• Infield turf update

The meeting was largely procedural, with no binding votes on substantive matters. The main discussion item was a proposal for the Recreation Commission to dissolve and be reconstituted as an Advisory Board, presented by Commissioner Liaison Park. The board approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes unanimously. No public comments were made, and the meeting adjourned after a brief update from the director.

• Approved agenda (unanimous)
• Approved April 9, 2026 meeting minutes (unanimous)
• Discussed dissolving commission to form Advisory Board (no vote taken)
• Adjourned at 12:50 p.m. (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners and Building Authority will consider a temporary moratorium on data centers, updates to the film policy and fee schedule, and a contract for the FY27 Georgia Foods program. The meeting also includes approval of prior meeting minutes and a consent agenda item on travel policy updates.

• Temporary Moratorium of Data Centers (New Business item 8)
• Film Policy and Fees Updates (Unfinished Business item 6)
• FY27 GA Foods contract (New Business item 7)
• Travel Policy Update (Consent Agenda item 5)
• Approval of minutes from June 2, 8, and 16, 2026 meetings

The Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 120-day temporary moratorium on data center applications to allow time for new regulations. They also unanimously approved updates to the county's film permitting policy and fee schedule, and a FY27 contract with GA Food Services for senior center meals. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 2, June 8, and June 16 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved Film Policy and Fees Update (unanimous)
• Approved FY27 contract with GA Food Services (unanimous)
• Approved 120-day temporary moratorium on data centers (unanimous)
• Adjourned at 10:28 a.m. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a conditional use request for a telecommunications tower on Brownwood Road, and several text amendments to the Rutledge, Buckhead, and Bostwick zoning ordinances regarding advertising times and procedural rules. A request for a family burial plot on Holstein Road has been withdrawn.

• Tillman Infrastructure, LLC seeks conditional use for a telecommunications tower on 33.69 acres on Brownwood Road (Tax Parcel 030-030B)
• Text amendments to Rutledge Zoning Ordinance Articles 20, 21, and 22 regarding advertising times for amendments, variances, and conditional uses
• Text amendment to Buckhead Zoning Ordinance Article XIV on Planning Commission and Zoning Actions
• Text amendments to Bostwick Zoning Ordinance Articles XI and XII on Conditional Uses/Variances and Amendments
• Richard Massey's request for a family burial plot on 313.2 acres at 1300 Holstein Road has been withdrawn

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors will hold its monthly meeting to approve prior minutes, review production reports, and discuss new business. Key items include a briefing on personal property audits, review of 2027 homestead applications, a CUVA error for parcel 029-001-C, and the first round of 2026 tax appeals. The meeting also notes that 2026 tax assessment notices have been mailed with appeal deadlines in July.

• First round of 2026 tax appeals to be presented by Chief Appraiser Robert Bailey
• Personal property audits briefing by Mrs. Julie McCart
• CUVA error for parcel 029-001-C to be briefed by Chief Appraiser
• 2027 homestead applications presented for board review and chairman signature
• 2026 tax assessment notices mailed: real property (June 5, appeal deadline July 20) and personal property (June 10, appeal deadline July 25)

The Morgan County Board of Assessors approved a CUVA error correction for parcel 029-001C and the first round of 2026 property appeals, including three parcels for Board of Equalization hearings and 14 parcels sent 30-day notices. The board also approved the May 2026 minutes and received updates on personal property audits and training schedules. No public comments or executive session were held.

• Approved May 2026 minutes (unanimous)
• Approved CUVA error correction for parcel 029-001C (unanimous)
• Approved list of submitted Homestead Applications (Jan 1 to date)
• Approved first round of 2026 Real Property Appeals: 3 parcels for BOE hearing, 14 parcels for 30-day notice, 15 resolved appeals

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Board of Commissioners will vote on the FY27 general fund budget of $32,587,080 and a total all-funds budget of $55,457,496. They will also discuss a proposed Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST) that would create a homestead exemption funded by a new 1% sales tax, subject to voter approval. Other items include updates to the film policy and fees, a travel policy update, and a public safety radio system item.

• Adoption of FY27 budget: $32,587,080 general fund, $55,457,496 all funds
• LHOST local legislation: proposed homestead exemption funded by new 1% sales tax, subject to referendum
• Film policy and fees update: revised permit conditions, notification requirements, and fee increases
• Travel policy update
• Public safety radio system item

The Board of Commissioners adopted the FY2027 budget using Option C by a 3-2 vote, with Chairman McCormack casting the tie-breaking vote. They also approved a new penalty for unpermitted work: $500 or three times the permit fee, whichever is greater, retroactive to October 2025. The board tabled a film policy update for further research and approved a Motorola public safety radio system upgrade. Other actions included requesting local legislation for a homestead option sales tax and reappointing Adam Bedgood to the EMS advisory council.

• Adopted FY2027 budget (Option C) 3-2
• Approved permit-failure fine: $500 or 3x fee, whichever greater, retroactive to Oct 2025
• Tabled film policy and fee updates for further research on drone language
• Approved Motorola ASTRO 25 public safety radio system project
• Requested local legislation for Local Homestead Option Sales Tax (LHOST)
• Reappointed Adam Bedgood to Region 10 EMS Advisory Council for 3-year term
• Placed travel policy updates on consent agenda for July 7 meeting

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting to adopt the FY2027 budget. The proposed $32.6 million general fund budget was made available for public review on May 19, 2026, and a public hearing was held on June 2, 2026. The budget adoption is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

• FY2027 general fund budget totals $32,587,080 with largest appropriations for Law Enforcement ($4.6M), Jail Operations ($3.6M), and Parks Administration ($2.1M)
• Total budget across all funds is $55,457,496 including SPLOST 8 ($10M), TSPLOST 2 ($7.3M), and Solid Waste Enterprise Fund ($2.4M)
• Budget adoption resolution (2026-RES-004) sets departmental-level control; salary transfers require board approval
• Public hearing was held June 2, 2026; final adoption set for June 16, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Creamery

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting to review the proposed FY2027 budget. No action was taken; the board directed the county manager to prepare two budget options for consideration at the June 16 work session, where adoption will occur.

• Approved agenda as presented (unanimous)
• Adjourned meeting at 11:01 a.m. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will consider three text amendments to the Rutledge Zoning Ordinance regarding advertising times for zoning amendments, variance applications, and conditional use applications. A previously proposed tree ordinance amendment has been withdrawn.

• Text amendment to Article 20 of the Rutledge Zoning Ordinance regarding advertising times for zoning amendments
• Text amendment to Article 21 of the Rutledge Zoning Ordinance regarding advertising times for variance applications
• Text amendment to Article 22 of the Rutledge Zoning Ordinance regarding advertising times for conditional use applications
• Proposed tree ordinance amendment withdrawn

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider three text amendments to align zoning advertisement timelines with state law and remove a mailed-notice requirement. They will also vote on a text amendment to update house form standards and move them from the Code of Ordinances to the Zoning Ordinance. The FY 2027 proposed budget and a solid waste discussion are on the agenda as unfinished business.

• Text amendments to reduce advertising period for zoning, variance, and conditional use hearings from 30-45 days to 15-45 days, and remove mailed notice requirement
• Text amendment to modify house form standards and relocate them to the Zoning Ordinance
• Discussion of FY 2027 Proposed Budget
• Solid Waste Discussion
• Morgan County Emergency Operations Plan Update

The Board of Commissioners approved three solid waste recommendations: closure of the Apalachee and Williams Rd. compactor sites; construction of manned collection sites at Godfrey Fire Station and Seven Islands Road/Interstate 20; and an increase in the tipping fee for construction and demolition debris from $65 to $125 per ton. The board also unanimously approved a text amendment to zoning ordinances modifying house form standards, eliminated a $500 failure-to-obtain-a-permit fee, and tabled the FY2027 budget discussion to a special meeting on June 8, 2026.

• Approved closure of Apalachee and Williams Rd. compactor sites, construction of manned collection sites at Godfrey Fire Station and Seven Islands Road/I-20, and tipping fee increase to $125/ton (unanimous)
• Approved text amendment to zoning ordinance modifying house form standards and moving them to zoning ordinance (unanimous)
• Eliminated $500 failure-to-obtain-a-permit fee (unanimous)
• Tabled FY2027 proposed budget to special called meeting June 8, 2026 (unanimous)
• Approved Morgan County Emergency Operations Plan update (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including board appointments and zoning advertisement text amendments (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from May 5 and May 19, 2026 meetings (unanimous)
• Removed Item No. 17, Discussion of Recreation Commission, from agenda (3-1)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners and Building Authority will hold a public hearing on the proposed FY 2027 General Fund budget of $31,918,796, up from $30,770,857 in FY 2026. The total budget across all funds is proposed at $55,325,636. The hearing is the first opportunity for residents to comment on the spending plan before adoption.

• Proposed General Fund budget of $31,918,796, a 3.7% increase over FY 2026
• Law Enforcement budget proposed at $4,612,019, up from $4,236,342
• Roads & Bridges budget proposed at $1,383,141, up from $1,360,521
• Economic Development line item reduced to $0 from $50,000
• Total budget across all funds proposed at $55,325,636

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed FY2027 budget. County Manager Adam Mestres presented an overview of anticipated revenues and expenditures. Seven residents spoke during the public comment period. No vote or decision was made on the budget at this hearing.

Board of Assessors

The Morgan County Board of Assessors will meet to approve April minutes, review the monthly production/activity report, and discuss current assessment levels (39.32% overall). Members are scheduled to attend the CAVEAT conference May 19-21 either in person or virtually. A briefing on denied CUVA/FLPA expirations is also on the agenda.

• Assessment level report: 39.32% overall, with residential at 39.09%, commercial 38.63%, industrial 39.45%
• Chief Appraiser Robert Bailey and Board Vice Chairman Chris Sides to attend CAVEAT in person May 19-21
• Board Chairman Nicole Wasendorf to attend CAVEAT virtually May 19-21
• Briefing on denied CUVA/FLPA expirations

The Morgan County Board of Assessors approved the AY2026 Freeport Digest and the AY2026 Personal Property Digest, both unanimously. The board also signed an ACO to remove Utility Tract U-005-003 from the digest and noted the list of denied parcels for 2026 CUVA/FLPA applications. No public comments or executive session were held.

• Approved AY2026 Freeport Digest (unanimous)
• Approved AY2026 Personal Property Digest (unanimous)
• Signed ACO to remove Utility Tract U-005-003 from the digest
• Noted denied parcels for 2026 CUVA/FLPA applications (14 parcels listed)

Board of Commissioners & Bldg. Authority

The Morgan County Board of Commissioners will consider four text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, including changes to advertising timelines for public hearings and modifications to house form standards. The board will also receive the FY 2027 Budget Presentation and discuss solid waste and the Recreation Commission. Additionally, the board will hear an appeal from Richard Jefferies regarding a Planning Director's decision on Tax Parcel 035-047D.

• Text amendment to modify house form standards and move them from the Code of Ordinances to the Zoning Ordinance
• Three text amendments to align advertising timelines for zoning amendments, variances, and conditional uses with state law (changing from 30-45 days back to 15-45 days)
• Richard Jefferies appeal of the Planning Director's decision on Tax Parcel 035-047D
• FY 2027 Budget Presentation
• Discussion of Morgan County Planning and Development Fees and Fines

The Board of Commissioners unanimously denied Richard Jefferies' appeal of a building permit denial for Tax Parcel 035-047D. They also voted to place several board reappointments and proposed zoning ordinance amendments (reducing public notice periods from 30 to 15 days) on the consent agenda. Discussions on solid waste collection changes, house form standards, and planning fees were moved to the next meeting for further consideration.

• Denied Richard Jefferies' appeal of building permit denial for Tax Parcel 035-047D (unanimous)
• Placed reappointments of Weyman Hunt and Lorrie Swanson to Ag Center Authority Board on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Placed appointment of Dianne O'Donnell McNamara to Council on Aging on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Placed reappointment of Sheree Evans to DFCS Board on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Placed reappointment of Jamie Waldrip to East Central Mental Health Board on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Placed reappointments of Sherry Terrell-Alexander, John Moore, and Huey Atkins to Hospital Board on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Placed reappointment of Melissa Sikorski to Library Board on consent agenda (unanimous)
• Added three zoning text amendments (reducing public notice from 30 to 15 days) to consent agenda (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Morgan County Planning Commission will consider a text amendment to modify house form standards and move them from the county code to the zoning ordinance. Two other proposed amendments—a tree ordinance and battery energy storage regulations—have been withdrawn. The commission will also discuss advertisement requirements for zoning, variance, and conditional use procedures.

• Text amendment to modify house form standards and relocate them to the zoning ordinance
• Tree ordinance amendment withdrawn
• Battery energy storage system regulations withdrawn
• Text amendment on advertisement requirements for zoning amendment procedures
• Text amendment on advertisement requirements for variance procedures