Ezell Brown

The key discussion during this special called meeting involved entering into an executive session for the purpose of discussing litigation. The board adopted the agenda and adjourned the meeting upon returning to open session.

The agenda for the meeting included several key items. Chairman reports featured employee commendations for Fire Services personnel. The consent agenda included the approval of the February 3, 2026 minutes from the Special Called Meeting, Executive Session, and Regular Session; acceptance of a $750.00 Publix Community Grant for Fire Safety Education materials; and consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Covington for a Winter Warming Shelter, which had been previously agreed upon by the Board. New business involved authorizing the Public Defender's Office to receive funding for a law student intern, the January 2026 Financial Presentation, and consideration of a budget transfer for new positions within Facilities Management, Recreation, Finance, and Human Resources funded by the Contingency line item. Further new business included consideration of resolutions enacting moratoriums on the development of data centers and convenience stores within Newton County, and consideration of a Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting for engineering services related to water infrastructure improvements at the Williams Street Water Treatment Plant. Public comments and Board comments sessions were also scheduled.

The meeting commenced with administrative items, including the adoption of the agenda, which was amended to include two grant renewals from the Sheriff's Department (HAT grant and GoHen grant). Public comments focused on praising the Fire Chief for pursuing grants, noting that grant funding relieves pressure on property taxes. The Chair and County Manager acknowledged and thanked staff for their tireless work during recent severe weather events. Key new business items involved the approval of multiple grant applications for the Fire Services, including renewals and applications for HAT, GoHen, Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, Congressional Directed Spending, Assistance to Firefighters, and Firehouse Subs grants, as well as a Walmart community grant for a life jacket loaner station. Approvals were also granted for the purchase of a heavy rescue apparatus. The board approved applications for the Newton County Adult Felony Drug Court and Newton County Resource Court grant funding. Further items included the execution of agreements concerning a $75,000 contribution to the Henderson Mill Road Bridge Replacement Project and the 2025 bridge maintenance and repair project phase one. Engineering services for water infrastructure improvements at the William Street Water Treatment Plant and construction management services for its demolition project were also considered. The meeting concluded with zoning hearings, specifically a petition to change the zoning tier for a property on Riverfield Lane to facilitate an agro-tourism special events facility, following community concerns raised in the prior year regarding noise, alcohol service, and overall neighborhood integrity.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Discussion items included adding a letter of support for Salem Campground's grant application to preserve and restore the site. The agenda was subsequently adopted. Public comments focused heavily on infrastructure, environmental concerns, and development, specifically urging the board to enact a data center moratorium to allow for comprehensive zoning ordinance development to address impacts like noise, light, water usage, and air quality. Another public comment requested a moratorium on convenience stores to encourage healthier food options. Fire Service employee commendations were presented to OIC Jared Pettit, FAO John McCarthy, and firefighter Thomas Ramirez for exceptional service during a non-emergency assistance situation. The County Manager provided a report summarizing recent departmental visits covering animal services, parks and recreation (including the Spring Hill facility), GIS, human resources, and the coroner's office. The Board also discussed weather event preparedness and communication between departments during recent ice storms. New business involved authorizing the Newton County Public Defenders Office to receive funding from a university for a law student intern, which involves running the grant money through the county without additional liability or match.

The Board of Commissioners adopted the agenda and addressed public comments. Key actions included approving several ratification items for grant applications by the Sheriff's Office. New business heavily featured grant applications for the Fire Services department, including the FY27 Accountability Grant for the Adult Felony Drug Court, the Sutphen Corporation apparatus purchase, and applications for various grants such as the Home Sprinkler Coalition Grant, TEN Grant, Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG), Firehouse Subs Grant, Walmart Community Grant, and FEMA Fire Prevention and Safety Grant. The Board also approved an FY27 State Accountability Operating Grant application for the Resource Court. Agreements approved involved an MOU with the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, a contribution to the Henderson Mill Road Bridge Replacement Project, a construction services agreement with Comanche Construction of Georgia, LLC for the 2025 Bridge Maintenance and Repair Project, and a contract for Construction Manager at Risk Services (CMaR) for the Williams Street Water Treatment Plant Demolition Project. Stantec Consulting Services, Inc. was considered for engineering services for water infrastructure improvements, but no action was taken. The Zoning Agenda included public hearings on five cases. The Board denied Case OTC25-0002 regarding an agritourism special events facility. Case REZ25-000010 to rezone properties for a convenience store with gas pumps was approved with conditions. Case CUP25-000014 for a Special Events Facility and alcohol sales was approved with conditions. Case FLU25-000009 related to a family conveyance subdivision was approved for the FLUM request on one tract. Case REZ25-000011 to assign RMF zoning to deannexed properties was approved with conditions. The meeting concluded after additional public comments and board comments.