Newton County, GA

Board of Commissioners

Board of Zoning Appeals

The Newton County Board of Zoning Appeals will hold a public hearing on August 27, 2026, to consider one variance application. The applicant seeks permission to build a garage in the front yard of a 2.29-acre residential property in District 3. The meeting is scheduled for 7:00 PM at the Historic Courthouse, 1124 Clark Street, 3rd Floor Boardroom.

• Variance application VAR26-000004 to build a garage in the front yard at 15 Haynes Creek Cir, Oxford, GA 30054
• Property is zoned A-R (Agricultural Residential) with a Future Land Use Map designation of RR (Rural Residential)
• Applicant: Haley Henry

Board of Zoning Appeals

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on four development petitions, including a rezoning for a family subdivision, a conditional use permit for a Verizon cell tower, an administrative use permit for a church, and a future land use map amendment for an EMC expansion. The commission will make recommendations on these items, which will then go to the Board of Commissioners on September 1, 2026.

• Rezone 14.75 acres at 1042 Woodlawn Rd from A to A-R for family conveyance (REZ26-000005)
• Conditional use permit for 150-ft Verizon monopole at 3325 Hwy 162 (NTL26-000002)
• Administrative use permit for church at 279 Flat Rock Rd (AUP26-000004)
• FLUM amendment and rezoning to CG for Snapping Shoals EMC expansion on Hwy 20 (FLU26-000002)

Planning Commission

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will consider a $159 million amendment to a design-build agreement for the Cornish Creek Water Treatment Plant upgrades, funded by ARPA. The board will also vote on two rezoning appeals, a convenience store moratorium termination, and a residential development moratorium extension.

• Third Amendment to Reeves Young, LLC for Cornish Creek Water Treatment Plant upgrades, $159,031,405.20 (ARPA funded)
• Environmental Resource Analysts, Inc. FY2027 Drinking Water Submission to State, $23,426.00
• Rezoning request REZ26-000004 for 3.63 acres on Highway 81 from R-2 to CG for multi-tenant retail (tabled 06/16/26)
• Resolution to terminate moratorium on convenience store development applications (tabled 06/16/26)
• Appeal of Planning Commission denial of preliminary plat for Sherod Farms, 310 single-family homes on 399.3 acres on Dinah Pace Road

Solid Waste Authority

The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority will meet to discuss financing options for landfill cell construction, review tonnage reports, and consider changing the September meeting date. The agenda also includes updates on equipment and hang tag sales, plus approval of the FY 2027 holiday schedule.

• Cell Construction Financing Options
• July Landfill Tonnage Reports
• Hang Tag Sales Update
• SWMA Meeting Schedule—Change Date for September Regular Meeting
• FY 2027 Holiday Schedule

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission are holding a joint work session to discuss the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update. The meeting is open to the public and is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at the Historic Courthouse in Covington. No specific decisions or proposals are listed on the agenda.

• Joint work session of Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission
• Discussion of Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update
• Public invited to attend

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing to discuss the proposed 2026 millage rate, which determines property tax levies. No other business is listed on this agenda.

• Public hearing on the 2026 millage rate at the Historic Courthouse, 1124 Clark Street, Covington

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate, which would increase property taxes by 2.16%. The hearing included public comments and the reading of the Notice of Property Tax Increase. No final decision was made; the board only adopted the agenda and adjourned.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (motion by Mason, second by Edwards)
• Adjourned the public hearing (motion by Edwards, second by Cooper)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will discuss the 2026 millage rate and a public hearing regarding the Comprehensive Plan amendment. The body is also deciding on several service contracts and a rezoning request for a convenience store.

• Estimated 2026 millage rate of 8.567 mills
• Rezoning request for 3711 Salem Road to CG for a convenience store with gas pumps
• Landscape maintenance agreement with Five Fields Lawn Care, LLC for $217,486.20 annually
• RSAT FY24 Grant Application for Newton County Sheriff’s Office for $266,318.00
• View Point Health contractor agreement for treatment services up to $222,247.72

The Newton County Board of Commissioners approved the 2026 millage rate of 8.567 mills, with Commissioner Henderson opposed. The board also denied a rezoning request for a convenience store with gas pumps at 3711 Salem Road, despite the applicant's support. Several other items were approved, including consent agenda items, a grant application, and various agreements and licenses.

• Adopted 2026 millage rate of 8.567 mills (4-1)
• Denied rezoning REZ26-000003 for convenience store with gas pumps at 3711 Salem Road (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including settlement agreement and fire gear donation (4-1)
• Approved Sheriff's Office substance abuse treatment grant application of $266,318 (5-0)
• Approved Five Fields Lawn Care landscape maintenance services agreement at $217,486.20 annually (5-0)
• Approved MOU with City of Covington for GIS software (5-0)
• Approved Phoenix Personnel staffing services agreement for Public Works/Roads Dept. (5-0)
• Approved two new alcoholic beverage licenses for T's Event Center and Sabores Del Alma LLC (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold a special called meeting with an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters. The public is invited to attend the meeting but will not be allowed during the executive session portion.

The Newton County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on August 4, 2026, with three commissioners present. They adopted the agenda and then voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss personnel and litigation. After reconvening, the board adjourned without taking any substantive public decisions.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (3-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss personnel and litigation (3-0)
• Reconvened open session and adjourned (3-0)

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission reviewed several land use requests, including a preliminary plat for a large residential development and a rezoning request for a convenience store. The commission denied the residential plat and the final plat for a two-home subdivision, and recommended denial for the convenience store rezoning.

• Denied preliminary plat for Easthampton Development on Harold Dobbs Road (222 single-family detached houses)
• Denied final plat to subdivide 2.29 acres on Cook Road into two single-family home parcels
• Recommended denial of rezoning to CG for a convenience store with gas pumps at 3711 Salem Rd
• Approved withdrawal request for a conditional use permit for farm wedding ceremonies at 13793 Hwy 36

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate (property tax rate) at 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on July 28, 2026. This is the only item on the agenda; no other decisions or discussions are listed.

• Public hearing on the 2026 millage rate

The Board of Commissioners held the first public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate, which would raise property taxes by 2.16 percent. The hearing was informational, with no vote taken on the rate. Public comments were received from three residents. Additional hearings are scheduled for August 4, 2026.

• Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
• Heard public comments on proposed 2026 millage rate increase
• Adjourned meeting at 10:22 a.m. (unanimous)

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission will consider a rezoning request for a convenience store with gas pumps at 3711 Salem Rd, tabled from a previous meeting, and review a preliminary plat for 222 single-family homes on Harold Dobbs Road. Also on the agenda is a final plat to subdivide a Cook Road parcel into two lots; a conditional use permit for farm weddings has been withdrawn by the applicant.

• Rezoning request (REZ26-000003) for 1.93 acres at 3711 Salem Rd to CG for a convenience store with gas pumps, tabled in May.
• Preliminary plat (PP26-000004) for 89 acres on Harold Dobbs Rd for 222 single-family houses (Easthampton Development).
• Final plat (FP26-000001) to subdivide 2.29 acres on Cook Rd into two single-family lots.
• Conditional use permit (CUP26-000003) for farm wedding ceremonies at 13793 Hwy 36 withdrawn by applicant.

Board of Commissioners

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will hold two public hearings (11:00 AM and 6:00 PM) to discuss and receive public input on the proposed 2026 millage rate. The hearings will take place at the Historic Courthouse, 1124 Clark Street, Covington.

• Public hearing on the 2026 millage rate for property taxes

The Board of Commissioners held a public hearing on the proposed 2026 millage rate, which would increase property taxes by 2.16 percent. The hearing included reading the notice of the tax increase and receiving public comments. No vote was taken on the millage rate; the board only adjourned.

• Held public hearing on proposed 2026 millage rate (no vote)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:14 p.m. (motion by Edwards, second by Henderson, approved)

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission will convene a work session on July 23, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Admin Building, 1st Floor Large Conference Room, 113 Usher Street, Covington, GA. The session is designated to provide an update on the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). No specific decisions or votes are indicated in the agenda.

• Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) update

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will consider a resolution to transfer county-owned real property to the City of Covington. Other agenda items include several grant‑funded professional services contracts for the juvenile and resource courts, a fire‑department fee schedule revision, and the repeal and replacement of an ordinance on motion‑picture productions. The board will also hold first‑reading hearings for on‑premise consumption licenses and review two zoning appeal cases.

• Resolution to convey county real property to the City of Covington (Resolution R-072126a)
• Fire Services proposed fee schedule revisions (presented by Chief Royce Turner)
• Break the Cycle Counseling & Consulting, LLC services contract $91,352 (July 1 2026‑June 30 2027)
• Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant award $96,217 for FY27 (CJCC grant)
• First‑reading on‑premise consumption license for T’s Event Center, 3281 Salem Road

The Newton County Board of Commissioners tabled two zoning appeals for 60 days: the Riverstone Grove mixed-use development and the Towns at Yellow River preliminary plat extension. The board also approved the consent agenda, which included several juvenile court grants and service agreements, and approved various contracts and resolutions, including a new fee schedule for film productions.

• Tabled Riverstone Grove preliminary plat appeal for 60 days (5-0)
• Tabled Towns at Yellow River preliminary plat extension appeal for 60 days (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda including juvenile court grants and service agreements (5-0)
• Approved TrueRoll software service agreement for Tax Assessors Office, $143,400 (5-0)
• Approved Deen's LLC appraisal services agreement, $138,852 (5-0)
• Approved abandonment of Paty Drive right-of-way (5-0)
• Approved fire services fee schedule revisions (5-0)
• Approved film production fee schedule and repealed old ordinance (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Board of Commissioners will meet in a special called executive session. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss litigation. This session is not open to the public.

• Executive session to discuss litigation

The Newton County Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on July 21, 2026. The board adopted the agenda and voted unanimously to enter executive session to discuss litigation, then reconvened and adjourned. No substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss litigation (4-0)
• Reconvened and adjourned the meeting

Solid Waste Authority

The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority will meet to review monthly landfill tonnage reports and financial status for June 2026, discuss a landfill permit update, and consider a request for proposals (RFP 26-07) for a waste excavation screen purchase. The meeting includes public comment periods and approval of previous meeting minutes.

• Approval of minutes from the June 11, 2026 regular meeting
• Review of June 2026 landfill tonnage reports
• Financial status report for month 12 (June) of fiscal year 2026
• Newton County Landfill Permit Update
• Waste Excavation Screen Purchase RFP 26-07

The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority approved the purchase of a Titan 2300 Powerscreen for $435,000, as recommended by Solid Waste Manager Matt Dolan and Chairman Kent Campbell. The board also approved the agenda and the minutes from the June 11, 2026 meeting. No other substantive decisions were made; the meeting included reports on landfill tonnage, permit updates, and equipment status.

• Approved purchase of Titan 2300 Powerscreen for $435,000 (unanimous)
• Approved agenda as amended (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from June 11, 2026 meeting (unanimous)

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will consider several action items including a $2.3 million contract amendment for the Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility, a $285,331 grant for the Adult Drug Court, and a $256,890 legal services agreement for Juvenile Court. Other items include a new Staff Attorney position for Probate Court ($126,000), a budget transfer for the Historic Jail Project ($187,312), and a zoning request at 1042 Woodlawn Rd for a family conveyance. The meeting also includes consent agenda items and public comment periods.

• Consideration of $2,326,380 amendment to Carter & Sloope contract for next phase of Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility construction
• Consideration of $285,331 grant acceptance for Newton County Superior Court/Adult Drug Court from Criminal Justice Coordinating Council
• Consideration of annual legal services agreements for Juvenile Court appointed attorneys, not to exceed $256,890
• Consideration of budget transfer of $187,312 to complete the Historic Jail Project
• Future land use and rezoning request at 1042 Woodlawn Rd: change FLUM from AF to RR and zoning from A to A-R for family conveyance

The Board of Commissioners approved several high-cost infrastructure and legal agreements, including a major water treatment facility phase and a new Probate Court attorney. They also approved a zoning change for a family conveyance on Woodlawn Road and various court-related grants.

• Approved $2.3M agreement with Carter & Sloope, Inc. for Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility (5-0)
• Approved $187,312 budget transfer to complete the Historic Jail Project (4-1)
• Approved zoning case FLU26-000001 to rezone 14.75 acres at 1042 Woodlawn Rd to Agricultural Residential (5-0)
• Approved $174,000 agreement with Ascension Program Management, LLC for Westside Youth Facility & Park (5-0)
• Approved $126,000 for a new Probate Court Staff Attorney position (5-0)
• Approved $207,700 USGS hydraulic monitoring agreement for water systems (5-0)
• Approved $256,890 for Juvenile Court appointed attorneys and $12,000 for court reporting (5-0)
• Reduced Newton County Economic Development appropriation from $350,000 to $275,000 (5-0)

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will conduct routine procedural items, including a call to order, a pledge and invocation, and adoption of the agenda. The only substantive action is entering an executive session to discuss litigation. The meeting will then adjourn.

• Enter executive session to discuss litigation (closed session)

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on July 7, 2026. The board entered an executive session to discuss litigation and then adjourned. No substantive public decisions were recorded.

• Adopted the agenda (4-0)
• Entered executive session to discuss litigation (4-0)

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission meeting on June 23, 2026 will review two petitions. One is a future‑land‑use map amendment (FLU26‑000001) to change a 14.75‑acre parcel at 1042 Woodlawn Rd from Agriculture/Forestry to Rural Residential and then to Rural Estate zoning. The other is a preliminary plat (PP26‑000003) for the Sherod Farms Development on 10287 Dinah Pace Rd, proposing 310 single‑family detached houses on about 399.3 acres.

• FLU26‑000001: Amend future land use map from AF to RR and rezone 1042 Woodlawn Rd to RE (14.75 ac)
• PP26‑000003: Preliminary plat for Sherod Farms Development, 310 single‑family homes on 10287 Dinah Pace Rd (≈399.3 ac)
• Review of rezoning and conditional use permit petitions
• Meeting scheduled for June 23, 2026, 7:00 PM, 3rd Floor Boardroom, Historic Courthouse

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission voted on two petitions. They recommended approval (5-0) of a future land use map amendment and rezoning at 1042 Woodlawn Rd for a family conveyance. They denied (5-0) a preliminary plat for the Sherod Farms Development, a 310-home subdivision on 399.3 acres along Dinah Pace Rd.

• FLU26-000001: Future land use map amendment from AF to RR and rezoning from A to A-R at 1042 Woodlawn Rd (14.75 acres) for family conveyance – recommended approval 5-0.
• PP26-000003: Preliminary plat for Sherod Farms Development, 310 single-family detached houses on 399.3 acres at 10287 Dinah Pace Rd – denied 5-0.

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners is holding a special called meeting for an executive session to discuss litigation. Executive sessions are not open to the public. No other business is on the agenda.

• Executive session for litigation discussion (closed to public)

The Board of Commissioners held a special called meeting on June 16, 2026. The board entered into an executive session to discuss litigation and reconvened for the regular session before adjourning.

• Adopted the agenda (5-0)
• Entered into executive session to discuss litigation (5-0)
• Adjourned meeting

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners will consider adopting the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and appropriations, along with a multijurisdictional solid waste management plan. The agenda includes several contracts, including a $2.3 million construction agreement for the Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility.

• Adoption of FY2027 Budget Resolution
• FY2027 External Appropriations Resolution
• Multijurisdictional Solid Waste Management Plan
• Construction agreement for Cornish Creek Water Treatment Facility ($2,326,380)
• Repeal and replace Chapter 12 regarding motion picture productions

The Board of Commissioners adopted the Fiscal Year 2027 annual budget and approved a major modification to the county landfill's solid waste permit. Additionally, the board tabled a rezoning request for a retail building on Highway 81 and a resolution regarding a convenience store moratorium.

• Approved agenda amendments (5-0)
• Approved consent agenda (5-0)
• Adopted Fiscal Year 2027 annual budget (4-1)
• Tabled rezoning case REZ26-000004 for Highway 81 (5-0)
• Approved FY25 Capital Improvements Element Update (5-0)
• Tabled resolution regarding convenience store moratorium (5-0)
• Approved modification of the County Landfill solid waste permit

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission met for a special called meeting to review land use petitions. The commission voted on one rezoning request for a property on Hwy 81.

• REZ26-000004: Recommended denial (5-0 vote) to rezone 3.63 acres on Hwy 81 from R-2 to CG for a multi-tenant retail building

Planning Commission

The Newton County Planning Commission will hold a special called meeting on June 15, 2026, to consider a previously tabled rezoning request. The petition seeks to rezone 3.63 acres at Hwy 81 from R-2 (Single-Family Residential) to CG (Commercial) for a multi-tenant retail building. The commission will then forward a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners on June 16.

• Rezone parcel 0016-030 (3.63 ac) on Hwy 81 from R-2 to CG for a multi-tenant retail building
• Application by Hayley Todd (PEC+); tabled from May 26, 2026 Planning Commission meeting
• Future Land Use Map designation is Commercial (COM)

Solid Waste Authority

The Newton County Solid Waste Management Authority will discuss the latest landfill permit status and the county's solid waste management plan. It will also review May landfill tonnage reports, the month‑11 financial status for FY 2026, and engineering and monitoring services for FY 2027. The meeting includes updates on equipment and department operations before closing.

• May Landfill Tonnage Reports
• Financial Status for Solid Waste for Month 11 (May) of FY 2026
• ACC FY 27 Engineering and Monitoring Services
• Newton County Solid Waste Management Plan
• Newton County Landfill Permit Update

The Newton County Solid Waste Authority ratified the FY 2027 Solid Waste Budget and approved two engineering task orders for landfill monitoring and well abandonment. It also approved the Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan 2026-2035 and discussed preparations for a public hearing on a landfill permit modification. No citizen comments were offered.

• Ratified FY 2027 Solid Waste Budget (all in favor)
• Approved ACC Task Order 2026-04 for $160,375 (all in favor)
• Approved ACC Task Order 2026-05 for $93,000 (all in favor)
• Approved Newton County Ten-Year Solid Waste Management Plan 2026-2035 and resolution (all in favor)
• Approved May 14 meeting minutes (Commissioner Edwards abstained)

Board of Commissioners

The Newton County Board of Commissioners is holding a public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget. No other business is listed on the agenda. The meeting is scheduled for June 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Historic Courthouse.

• Public hearing on proposed FY27 budget

The Board of Commissioners conducted a special called meeting to present the Fiscal Year 2027 proposed budget. A public hearing was held where two individuals spoke. Budget adoption is scheduled for June 16, 2026.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (5-0)