Destin Coley

The Board of Commissioners conducted a public hearing concerning road closures and zoning recommendations, followed by their monthly meeting. Key actions included the authorization of a millage increase proposal for economic development to be placed on the primary ballot, the approval of closures for Powerhouse Drive and Emmaus Drive, and the denial of the closure for Oak Grove Road. Zoning changes were approved for property on Lexington Hwy, Ernest Brown Road, and for a new cell tower installation. Additionally, the Board authorized placing a hold on the purchase of a refurbished defibrillator for the EMS department, reviewed recommendations from the Grand Jury regarding District Attorney staffing, and received a finance report detailing budget expenditures and SPLOST revenue.

The Board received an update from the Friends of Bobby Brown Park regarding past and upcoming events. Discussions included a grant application to the Appalachian Regional Commission for a new park master plan, and the approval of a $2,500 donation from the Hotel/Motel tax fund to the Jim Ree Museum for their annual festival. The Board authorized the initiation of a new bid process for a riding mower and approved the purchase of a 2016 Ford F350 truck for the Road Department. Additionally, the Board authorized the Volunteer Fire Department to proceed with advertising for bids for a new fire station at Centerville. The session concluded with a discussion on the potential relocation of the Chamber of Commerce to the Civic Center and a review of the monthly financial report.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding a Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan. During the meeting, officials received an update from the Cooperative Extension Program and 4-H. Financial contributions were approved from the Hotel/Motel fund for the Downtown Square Summer Concert series and the July 4th Fireworks Celebration. A contract for obstruction removal and airfield maintenance at the Elbert County Airport was authorized. The board approved a new Drug and Alcohol Zero Tolerance Policy for Elbert Transit and granted a release to the Elbert County Historical Society regarding their lease of the Seaboard-Airline Railroad Depot building. A Memorandum of Understanding was approved to develop a tourist viewing platform at a quarry. The board also selected a local bank for a Tax Anticipation Note and authorized the Sheriff's Office to utilize firearm sales auction funds for vehicle repairs. The finance report indicated favorable revenue trends, and an executive session was held to discuss litigation with no actions taken.

The board discussed and approved several items, including a resolution to request Georgia DOT assistance for rail connections and a request from the Development Authority to clear property for a Greenfield site. The future of the Civic Center was evaluated, with the board concluding that further study is required. Additionally, the board approved the use of proceeds from a gun sale for various sheriff department equipment, authorized the purchase of a bush hog for the road department, and approved a bid from Fire-Line, Inc. for fire department equipment. Proposed rules and regulations for the opening of Bobby Brown Park were also adopted. The meeting included a finance report update and public comments regarding the Civic Center and proposed state legislation on 911 account revenues.

The board discussed and approved two rezoning requests for properties on Ruckersville Road and Brewers Mill Road. Additionally, a beer and wine renewal application was approved. The board awarded a solid waste disposal services contract to Waste Management at a reduced rate and authorized the solicitation of bids for a motor-grader lease to support road maintenance efforts. A finance report was presented, detailing the current budget status for the General Fund and various special tax funds, alongside an update on the receipt of road project funding.