James A. Owens

The combined proceedings covered election of officers for 2026 and the approval of the agenda. Old Business items included seeking an extension for the Solar Moratorium by 90 days, awarding the bid for the Recreation Department Batting Cage Cover, canceling the second BOC December meeting, and correcting a previous Recreation Advisory Board appointment. New Business involved adopting the 2026 County Fee Schedule Resolution, approving Transfer Station Christmas Holiday Hours, handling numerous renewals and denials for Beer and Wine Licenses (Class A and B) and Distilled Spirits Licenses, approving the UGA Extension Service Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), and moving the City of Hartwell Annexation request for parcels C70B 096 and C70B 095 to arbitration. The Board also addressed the 2026 Election Qualifying Fees, approved the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) Policy, and reviewed a setback variance request from His Vision Inc. for a property at 60 Melody Point Road, opting to enforce strict compliance for one property while considering the variance for the other due to high relocation costs. Discussions also included road paving plans for Orchard Road and Walters Road, preparing a preliminary list of roads for FY26 LMIG funds, and a GMRC Agreement for 2026 aerial photography/LiDAR services. The Chairman provided reports recognizing recent paramedic exam successes and the retirement of the Solid Waste Superintendent.

The meeting agenda was amended to include several re-approvals concerning Millage Rollback Rates and the Total Millage (PT-35), as well as an approval for the Chairman to sign a Letter of Intent for 2026 Aerial Photography. A guest speaker from KCI Technologies, Inc. provided data analysis on road conditions, which led to a failed motion to rebid the Road Study. The County Administrator reported on the temporary closure of the Transfer Station for maintenance. Old Business included awarding the bid for the Transfer Station Building to Charles Black Construction, Inc., and objecting to the Town of Bowersville Annexation of Parcel C16 034 due to density and strain on EMS services. The Chamber of Commerce announced details for the upcoming Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony honoring Chuck Cawthon. New Business involved appointing Chris Calloway to the Library Board and adopting a proclamation designating the week of November 11, 2025, as Veteran's Week. A discussion regarding an Annexation Moratorium, intended to encourage the Hartwell City Council to implement one, did not receive a second. The session concluded with an Executive Session covering Litigation, Personnel, and Real Estate matters.

The Hart County Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The agenda was amended to remove an item regarding the City of Hartwell's annexation of a parcel and to move the Oglethorpe Prisoner Housing Jail Contract to the report section. The Oglethorpe Prisoner Housing Jail Contract was approved with a 90-day cancellation clause. The Transfer Station will be closed for maintenance in November. The Public Works Director job description was approved with changes, and the County Administrator was authorized to advertise the position. Bids for the Project Manager at Risk Transfer Station Building were turned over to the County Administrator for review, and the Fire Department Tanker bid was extended for 30 days. Preliminary approval was granted for the Patrick Guarnella Level III Subdivision. The Board approved a request from the John Benson Chapter DAR to name a tree in front of the Nancy Hart monument as Hart County's Liberty Tree. An executive session was held to discuss litigation, personnel, and real estate matters. The Addressing/Permitting/Road Department Scheduler job description was changed, and the position was moved to a pay grade 18.

The Hart County Board of Commissioners discussed color selections for the new Governmental Campus roof and brick, agreeing on specific choices and locking in metal prices. They reviewed updates to the Tax Assessors office map update plan and discussed funding a contract revaluation, considering options such as postponing a millage increase or borrowing funds. The board also addressed the rising cost of tipping fees, voting to raise the fee per ton. They discussed the economic development fund, DDA funding, and transit system usage. Additionally, they addressed the Hart County Health Department budget, discussing staffing levels and funding needs.

The Hart County Board of Commissioners convened to discuss several key issues. They adopted a Manufacturing Week Proclamation, received updates on workforce development and potential projects from the Hart IBA, and addressed an appeal withdrawal in a statewide elections challenge case. The board also discussed the Tattoo and Body Piercing Ordinance, authorized bidding for a Fire Department tanker, and approved credit for experience for EMS, Jail, and SO Dispatch personnel. Additionally, they authorized the Chairman and Administrator to sign the Auditor's Engagement Letter for Budget Year 2025 and addressed a payroll error in an executive session.