Geri Dicker

The document references minutes from two distinct meetings: the Appling BOC Regular Meeting on November 4, 2025, and the Appling BOC Called Meeting on November 18, 2025. Since specific content for discussion topics is not provided beyond the meeting titles, the summary reflects the existence of these two scheduled meetings for the Appling BOC.

The discussions primarily focused on the approval of previous meeting minutes, including amendments for the June 3rd, 2025, and May 8th, 2025 meetings. A significant portion of the meeting addressed the approval of a resolution concerning the timber tax relief for property owners damaged in Hurricane Helen, in accordance with state house bill requirements. Furthermore, the body extensively reviewed and discussed the proposal to adopt an "EMA App" for county-wide communication, emergency alerts, power outage updates, damage reporting, and general government information dissemination. The proposed app development costs, annual subscription fees, and potential for inter-city participation and cost-sharing were detailed. Other items included a motion regarding the transfer of a building on county property to the City of Baxley via a quitclaim deed.

The meeting involved the adoption of the agenda and approval of minutes from previous meetings held on November 4th and 18th. Key discussions included adopting Resolution 2026 for countywide school maintenance tax relief, setting the millage rate at 10.943 mills, which represents a rollback, and approving the county fire and rescue millage rate at 0.047 mills, which remains unchanged. The commission also discussed advertising for a new Emergency Management Director position due to a scheduled retirement, and addressed plans for dropping the lake level for dock work in December. Appling County Parks and Recreation provided an update on their activities, including receiving the 2025 Georgia Recreation and Park Association Agency of the Year award. The County Healthcare School presented their financial update, noting a profit of approximately $327,000, the first since 2017. Finally, the board addressed setting qualifications and fees for upcoming county elections.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The agenda was approved with additions, including setting dates for a millage rate approval meeting and county shop bids approval. A public hearing was conducted regarding the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awarded to Appling County, detailing the $1 million grant for essential storm drainage and street improvements in four specific areas, which is conditional on adhering to various federal compliance requirements like NEPA and civil rights laws. There was a presentation on the community efforts of the Appan Hope Center, highlighting feeding statistics and partnerships for humanitarian aid. New business included the renewal of the annual partnership agreement with University of Georgia Extension Services and the approval of the annual audit agreement with Harrison Company. The board also discussed and approved modifications to the 2026 board monthly meeting schedule to avoid conflicts such as spring break and election day, and approved holiday schedules and Christmas bonus amounts for county staff.

The meeting included discussions and presentations on various topics. There was a presentation about the 4 program, including information about the program's mission, activities, and impact. The board discussed and approved a document related to the Department Services budget. The board discussed LMIG funding for 2026 and considered recommendations for road projects to be included in the LMIG application. The board discussed the condition of the recreation complex parking lot and the need for resurfacing.