Ben Brooks

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the invocation. The Board addressed reports and pending items. The Chief Appraiser provided updates, including upcoming dates for GMASS handling mapping services starting in April following an employee's retirement, a scheduled hearing for an appeal, and the completion of all 2025 Board of Equalization hearings. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of various Accountable Change Orders (ACOs) for Mobile Home, Personal Property, and Real Property, as well as approvals for Motor Vehicle Appeals and Conservation Use Applications (CUVA). In New Business, the Board addressed a review request concerning the 2025 assessment for Personal Property Account #96967 (Blended Elementz LLC) and motioned to conduct an audit on this account according to policy F-3, instructing the supervisor to notify the owner and the auditing firm. The meeting concluded with adjournment.

The meeting began with an executive session to discuss property acquisition, litigation, and/or personnel matters. Key agenda items included special recognition for Floyd County Police Department Officers of the Quarter and Officers of the Year, as well as recognition for the H.E.A.T. Unit and Merit Board appointments. A proclamation for Arbor Day was issued. The board considered first readings for two rezoning requests (Z26-02-01 and Z26-02-02). Resolutions included ending the moratorium on gas stations and convenience stores, and amending Mechanical Fees for Building Inspection. Chairman's reports involved appointments to the Rome-Floyd Land Bank Authority and the Floyd County Development Authority. The Manager's Report included various committee meeting schedules. The Consent Agenda involved ratifying the HEAT grant application, applying for the 2026 HIDTA grant, and approving upfitting expenses for two Sheriff's Office vehicles, as well as awarding a contract for T-Shirts and Sweatshirts for Parks and Recreation and a GIS mapping contract with GMASS, Inc. New Business included considering a budget increase for a Squeeze Forklift for the Recycling Center and approving a Single Season Use Agreement for AdventHealth Stadium.

The meeting addressed several items, including the County Attorney's report confirming the withdrawal of an appeal notice concerning the Garland 2021 case across all Georgia counties, with no allegations involving Floyd County. For the 2026 elections, the Elections Office is focusing on recruiting poll workers and reviewing current staff. A public hearing was held regarding a proposed precinct adjustment where voters on Melody Lane, currently assigned to the Garden Lakes precinct, might be reassigned to the Alto Park precinct or have their votes suppressed; a final vote on this adjustment is scheduled for January 2026.

The key discussion topics included the financial report for November 2025, which detailed a net income of -$7,503.79 against a balance sheet total of $17,959,127.72. The activity report noted four new prospect inquiries and two site visits since the last meeting, confirmed that all PILOT fees were collected, and mentioned the Clean Up Grant preparation for Spring demolition. Development authority training was scheduled for January 20, 2026. The board also discussed the marketing update showing over 60,000 digital impressions since November. Under new business, the board approved the budget for 2026.

The meeting included the introduction of Spencer Hogg as the new President of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority. Key discussions centered on the Lavendar Mountain Senior Living project, where the board approved amending the agenda to vote on a bond resolution to refinance current debt and fund the construction of seven new independent living cottages. The board also addressed the upcoming term expiration of a member, discussed the annual Board Member Training scheduled for January 2026, and reviewed recent activity, including 14 RFIs received and ongoing marketing initiatives. In new business, the board approved a 90-day short-term lease agreement with Georgia Power for a laydown yard in the North Floyd Industrial Park, contingent upon an amendment naming Spencer Hogg as the landlord representative.