Brooks County

The board discussed preparations for the upcoming General Primary election, confirming that early voting hours have been adjusted to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm with state approval. The board also addressed questions regarding candidate residency requirements, noting that individuals must be permanent residents of their district for at least six months but are not required to own property. Additionally, it was clarified that SPLOST questions will appear on a separate ballot to be voted on during the same day as the General Primary.

The meeting included discussions on a John Deere motor grader maintenance agreement, a Transportation Investment Act meeting summary, and a budget retreat. The board addressed legal engagement regarding litigation, a proposed car show on county property, and grant applications for fiscal year 2026 for LMIG safety action plans and LRA funds distribution. Other items included courthouse flag displays by the VFW, review of outstanding county debt, and a presentation on land use and transportation engineering. Formal action was taken regarding an opioid settlement, legal engagement, a fire precinct lease, and the tabling of a camera system project. The session also included department reports and a review of the upcoming regular business meeting agenda.

The meeting included a presentation on Mental Health Awareness Month. Formal action requests were addressed, including a special exception for surface mining, an agreement for technical assistance services regarding a joint comprehensive plan, a board appointment to the Planning Commission, an extension of the moratorium on data center facilities, an official declaration of a state of emergency due to wildfire threats, and the approval of a safety action plan project list. New business items included a discussion regarding an Airport Authority Board vacancy. Public comments were heard concerning concerns about drought conditions and fire safety.

The meeting focused on the finalization of the intergovernmental agreement and resolution for the 2026 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax in preparation for an upcoming referendum. Key topics included the adjustment of project lists to incorporate standardized emergency language, the clarification of percentage allocations for various municipalities based on census data, and the setting of the election date for the referendum. Following confirmation from municipal representatives regarding allocation agreements, the board formally approved the intergovernmental agreement and the resolution calling for the tax election.

The board discussed motor grader warranty and maintenance agreements, TIA transportation project updates, and plans for a budget retreat. They addressed an engagement letter for legal counsel in a litigation case, authorized a car show event on county property, and reviewed applications for LRA and LMIG safety funds. The board also discussed the ongoing placement of VFW flags at the courthouse, deferred collection of landfill debt owed by the City of Quitman, and potential recreation management changes involving the Boys & Girls Club. Departmental reports were provided for finance, 911/EMA, fire, and public works. Formal actions included participating in a new opioid settlement, approving a facility lease for a fire and polling precinct, and authorizing the purchase of a camera system.