Banks County

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and minutes from the September 4th regular monthly meeting and the September 15th Special Called Meeting. Old business addressed the unanimous approval of a proposal outlining procedures for public comments. The Elections Director reported on obtaining a quote for a security button, and a debriefing on poll worker training indicated success with positive feedback on hands-on and situational training. The Chairman planned to solicit advice on office window lettering, and board members organized efforts to secure food for election day workers. The Director's Report covered upcoming event calendars, absentee ballot procedures for city and county elections, optimization of the voting room layout, coordination with movers, and details regarding an upcoming Political Forum hosted by the Banks County Republican Party Chairman. A member of the public commented on the appearance of election flyers and suggested an addition to the public speaker sign-in sheet.

The meeting agenda was accepted after the addition of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the town of Homer. A resolution was presented and accepted to call and conduct a special election concerning the approval or rejection of a floating homestead local option sales tax. Furthermore, the Board passed a motion to enter into an IGA with the town of Homer, agreeing to conduct the town's elections, with cost allocation depending on whether county, state, or federal elections are also taking place.

The Board of Elections convened for precertification and certification of the Special Election held on November 4, 2025. During the precertification session, the review of the Ballot Cast and Voter Credit Reconciliation Report confirmed all tabulations matched, resolving an initial issue with poll pad syncing. In the certification session, the Board voted to certify the results of the Municipal General/Countywide Special/Public Service Commissioner Election. Discussions included scheduling an audit for the Public Service Commissioner Primary Runoff for November 13, 2025. Furthermore, the Board agreed to meet for a work session on November 10, 2025, to develop a 5-year Capital Improvement Plan for the Elections Department and complete the yearly evaluation for the Election Director. Public comments included positive feedback regarding Election Day setup, the use of signage, and inquiries about scanner backups and hourly vote counts.

The meeting commenced with the acceptance of the agenda. Old business included agreement to present the need for a gutter over the office entrance to the Board of Commissioners again, and an update on the search for a suitable panic button system, which involved suggestions to contact the Sheriff's office. New business focused on a draft Public Comment Policy which was sent to the County Attorney for review, to be revisited next month. The Director's Report covered qualifying candidates for District 4 Board of Commissioner and Town of Homer positions, the status of the FLOST proposal requiring a signature for a special election call, EPLOST ballot wording received from the Board of Education, and scheduling Poll Worker Training and a Regional Meeting. Public comments included reaffirmation of training details and notification of a change in County Republican Party leadership, including plans for a Candidate Forum.

The key discussion topics for this meeting include the approval of the agenda and plats, specifically the Rodgers Plat on Bennett Rd. The meeting featured a public hearing for several zoning applications (Z-26-01, Z-26-02, Z-26-03), which involve rezoning properties for agricultural, residential, and conditional uses such as a commercial egg operation and short-term rentals. Another public hearing addressed a recommendation to amend Chapter 74 regarding required improvements for minor subdivisions, specifically concerning the three-year waiting period exception. The agenda also included a roundtable discussion.