Adam Flakes

Key discussions during the meeting involved reviewing and adopting millage rates for the upcoming period, resulting in an adopted motion that set rates for unincorporated areas at 3.478, incorporated areas at 3.639, the school district at 10.50, and the fire district at 2.00. The board also discussed the county's broadband network vision presented by Planters Telephone, including the recommendation to establish specialized long-term positions. Furthermore, the board approved authorizing the posting and hiring for a new broadband position. The commissioners reviewed the job description for the County Manager position due to the current manager's upcoming retirement and voted to approve posting the position for applications. Finally, the need for a dedicated facility management position at the Burke County Airport to oversee fuel systems, grounds maintenance, and leasing was addressed, and the board approved advertising this position.

The meeting commenced with the unanimous approval of the agenda and the selection of board officers for 2026. Key discussions included public opposition to the renaming of Murphy Street, a request for matching grant approval from the Downtown Development Authority for a public restrooms project, and approval for closing McManus Road for an annual dirt bike race, pending an updated insurance agreement. Bids were awarded for the Ball Field Infield Renovation to Turfwell Athletic Fields and for culvert pipe to Cherokee Culvert. A conditional use permit for a Battery Energy Storage System on Parcel 047-006 was approved with stipulations. A Class "B" Beer & Wine license was approved for Neelam Patel. The Board approved the 2026 Qualifying Fee notice and ratified a Change Order for the Animal Shelter addition. Adjustments were made to Transit's ADA Compliance Policy and fare structure, including increased fares for most passenger categories. Approvals were granted to fill several vacant positions across Facilities Maintenance, Clerk of Court, and the Road Department. The Board also approved the sale of old Avaya phones to Douglas County and made reappointments and new appointments to the Library Board. Following an executive session to discuss litigation matters, the Board authorized the County Attorney to initiate the removal of an abandoned airplane from airport property.

The Finance Committee meeting involved the review of three bid openings. For the Solid Waste Transfer and Disposal Services RFP, the Committee voted to extend the RFP period by thirty (30) days. The Committee also reviewed the bids received for the Ball Field Infield Renovation project and the Culvert Pip project. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the check runs for the month of December and received an overview of the current Utility Digest and Millage Rate scenarios.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda with two late bid awards for a mini excavator and a backhoe loader. The minutes from the November 6th, 11th, and 20th meetings were approved. Several bid awards were processed: one for a network refresh project awarded to One Accord Technologies, and another for 10 LPropane tanks awarded to the local supplier MD Jones. The board also addressed the bid for a backhoe loader, recommending the low bid from Yansy Brothers, despite it exceeding the budget. Further discussion involved approving a library service agreement with the Eastern Regional Library System, effective January 1st through June 30th, to facilitate the county forming its own library region. Simultaneously, a notice of intent to terminate the contract with the Eastern Regional Library System effective July 1st, 2026, was approved. A request from the Sheriff to hire conflict counsel for a sexual harassment suit settlement was discussed, focusing on the authority to settle claims, and the motion to approve was denied. Information reports included updates on roadwork, specifically mentioning Cobb Road, Madison Circle, Glisten Road, and concerns regarding power pole relocation costs for Lawson and Utley roads.

The Finance Committee meeting focused on bid reviews for the Network Refresh Project and LP/Propane Tanks for the Broadband Project; the bids were forwarded to the Board of Commissioners for review on December 9, 2025. The Committee unanimously approved a Purchase Order to Samaritan's Fund for $45,000.00 and reviewed the check runs for November. The Chief Appraiser reported that tax bills are projected to be issued by the end of January 2026 due to a delay from the State regarding the tax digest.