Atkinson County

The emergency called meeting was held to discuss Water/Sewer Grant funding. Key actions included rescinding a prior motion from the November 13, 2025 meeting regarding turning the Water/Sewer Operation back to the City of Pearson. The Board subsequently accepted a $1,000,000.00 Emergency Grant from GEFA for the Lift Station Project and declared the project an Emergency Project. Additionally, the Board accepted the bid from GoForth Williamson, Inc. for the project amount of $949,510.00. Discussion also touched upon immediate work needed at the Water Treatment Plant, which was noted as not being covered by the specific GEFA application for Lift Stations.

The meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of the 2025 Millage Rate Resolution. Concerns were raised regarding the closure of Fender Bay Road, leading to a motion to initiate the legal process for public notice and a public hearing. The reappointment of Neal Gillis to the DFACS Board for a four-year term was approved. The Board reviewed an updated alcohol ordinance proposal, which will include wine and be adopted in January. A significant decision was made to return Water Operations to the City of Pearson on January 31st, based on concerns that the funding reported as grants were actually loans and 50-50 grants. The Board agreed to maintain employee incentives at $250 and approved the 2026 meeting schedule, which includes no regular meeting in December. They also approved the 2026 holiday schedule, adding Columbus Day, and approved closing offices at noon the day before Thanksgiving. The financial report included a recommended transfer of $206,000 from Capital Projects back to the general fund, which was approved. The EMS report detailed October call statistics. The EMA/Fire Chief reported on the ongoing ISO audit and necessary equipment needs. Following an Executive Session, actions included assigning the Fire Department to perform building inspections, setting a weekly payment for Kayla Wise for Water and Sewer Operations, adjusting EMS scheduling to reduce overtime, and continuing the employment of Wade Carver as a full-time Administrative Assistant for the Fire Department.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding the Alcohol Ordinance, which was subsequently adopted after updates that increased the annual fee from $250 to $500 and specified wine. The Board addressed public comments concerning Financial Disclosure submissions and scheduling constraints for school system related services. A home construction project's compliance was confirmed based on presented images. Decisions were made regarding a phone poll to approve a $153,180.00 grant for Fire Department turn out gear and opposition to the closure of Fender Bay Road. Qualifying fees for the 2026 Election were accepted, and a motion passed to rename a bridge on Fiddler Green Rd. after Talisa Hope Durrance. Discussions were tabled for future meetings regarding the ISO rating improvement (possibly needing a ladder truck) and establishing regulations for residents living in portable buildings. The Board was informed that the landfill expansion would be discussed further in February. Approval was granted for tax office cabinets, and Commissioner Farrell was appointed as the 2026 Vice-Chairman. Financial and EMS reports were presented, and engine repairs for the fire department were noted.

Key discussions included remodeling quotes for the Tax Commissioner/Tax Assessor Offices, with a motion passed to move forward with remodeling and hiring Eric Jordan. Decisions were made regarding the Lease of the Old Extension Office, postponing the start until January. The Board approved an increase in the rate for the Board of Equalization from $48.00 to $75.00 per meeting. There was consensus to implement EMS driver training. Reports were presented for Finance, EMS (noting 78 total calls in August), and EMA/Fire (mentioning grant awards totaling $148,520.00). Following an executive session, the Board hired Ashley McKinnon as the County building inspector, approved a weekly payment for Kayla Wise related to Water and Sewer Operations starting October 15, 2025, decided to move the EMS scheduling start day to Mondays in November to reduce overtime, and approved the continuation of employment for Wade Carver as full-time Administrative Assistant for the Fire Department effective October 17, 2025.

The meeting included a presentation from Satilla Riverkeepers regarding concerns about a proposed poultry facility and its potential impact on water quality. The board discussed renaming Stump Creek Bridge to Quill James Bridge. They reviewed information on repairs to the Old Courthouse due to Hurricane Helene and considered bids for Health Department road repairs, ultimately accepting the quote from Douglas Asphalt Materials, LLC. The board also discussed the Health Department A/C unit. An EMS report and EMA/Fire report were presented, and the board was updated on the new courthouse and old Extension office fire marshal report, followed by lease approval for the Old Extension Office building.