Jason Rubenbauer

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda. Financial reports for January 31, 2026, were approved, noting positive status regarding GATX bonds and the sale of Victory Drive property, with SPLOST funds designated for land development. Community reports included updates from Coastal Pines Technical College, noting a 4.4% enrollment increase and a 99.8% placement rate, and South Georgia State College, reporting a 16% enrollment increase in Waycross. The Ware County Board of Education announced an upcoming Mock Interview Day. Under Old Business, the Board confirmed receiving a $161,500 GRAD Scholarship for required renewal surveys, enabling future application for a substantial Rural Development Grant. Proposals for annual audit services were reviewed, resulting in the selection of the lowest bid contingent upon extending the contract term to five years. New Business included discussion regarding the replacement of the 2017 Ford Explorer for better group travel efficiency, and the unanimous motion to proceed with repairs for a failed backflow preventer. Legal items covered the need to form an investment review committee and the addition of authorized signers for the DCA scholarship grant. The Board entered an executive session to discuss land/lease and acquisition matters, reconvening to finalize instructions for staff to return with purchase and lease options for a larger vehicle replacement.

The meeting included a presentation, discussion, and request for action on the nomination of Brian Jackson to the City Seat 2 Board. The election of officers for the Development Authority for FY2026 was held. The Fraud Prevention Policy and Awareness Policy for FY2026, as well as the 2026 Employee Handbook, were presented, discussed, and approved. An update on the bond validation hearing with GATX was provided. The board recognized the dedicated service of Candice Moody-Rice. The meeting also included an executive session for discussion of land/lease and acquisition matters, as well as personnel matters.

The meeting included updates from the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Waycross Development Authority, Waycross Convention & Visitors Bureau, Coastal Pines Technical College, South Ga. State College, and Ware County Board of Education. There was discussion regarding the land clearing project for Gus Karle Parkway. The board discussed and took action on the application to establish a Revolving Loan Fund, the application to the Rural Site Development Initiative grant program, and the application to be considered for approval of the State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) Grant Program. The attorney updated the board on an ongoing acquisition. The president presented highlights of his previous month's work and announced a local legislative representative luncheon. The meeting also included an executive session for discussion of land/lease and acquisition matters.

The meeting included discussions and actions regarding recruitment travel with the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in February 2025, authorization of an easement across the rail spur between properties owned by Carolina Skiff, amendments to the FY2024 budget, and the presentation of the 2023 finalized audit report. The board also discussed and approved the purchase of property on Scapa Drive. Additionally, there was an update on the Right of Way deed on Gus Karle Parkway and a recommendation to follow up on the Memorandum of Understanding with Samsung. The board also discussed land/lease and acquisition matters and personnel matters in an executive session.

The meeting included community reports from various organizations such as the Waycross-Ware County Chamber of Commerce, Coastal Pines Technical College, South Ga. State College, and Ware County Board of Education. The board discussed and came to a consensus to move forward with the Economic Development Retreat plans, including the cost associated with Hodge Consulting. The board approved a one-year extension of the engagement agreement with Mauldin & Jenkins CPA's & Advisors for the preparation of the 2024 Audit. Updates were provided on the ballfield property and the Quit Claim Deed. The board entered an executive session for discussion of land/lease and acquisition matters.