Justin H. Cox

The Board meeting included several agenda items, such as the adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and the review of county financial accounts. Key discussion items included the approval of an invoice for the Georgia First Responder PTSD Program, a bid for crushed concrete for Howell Road, and a rezoning request on Ga Hwy 133 South. Additionally, the Board discussed the construction of a new livestock complex, inmate tablet usage, and approved an amendment to the inmate phone contract with PayTel. The Board also approved various annual contracts, amendments to Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank agreements, and a contract for inmate food services with Trinity Food Services. A significant portion of the meeting involved debating the approval of a forensic audit proposal for the Airport Authority, ultimately voting to approve the eight-year forensic audit scope.

The Board approved the payment of a list of unpaid invoices. Additionally, the Board took action on several consent agenda items, which included the approval of a capacity agreement with the Georgia Department of Corrections for housing state inmates, the appointment of a representative to the DBHDD Region 7 Advisory Council, and the approval of an invoice for property and liability insurance coverage for the upcoming term.

The work session involved a review of financial indicators and a preview of upcoming agenda items, including a contract renewal with the Georgia Department of Corrections for inmate housing and property insurance invoicing. The Board approved a 120-day moratorium on data centers. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussing Airport Authority expenditures, the use of T-SPLOST funds, and the potential necessity for a forensic audit regarding these financial matters. Additionally, the Board approved an extended warranty for roads and bridges equipment, declared heavy equipment as surplus, and ratified the salary and benefit contract for Cooperative Extension personnel.

The meeting was a public hearing conducted to gather public comments regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget. The session was opened by the Chairman, and after finding that no public comments were provided, the hearing was subsequently closed.

The Board discussed a request to designate a tree on the Courthouse Square as a Liberty Tree and received a presentation on the fiscal year 2025 audit results. Updates were provided on upcoming agenda items, including a resolution regarding mobile home decals, employee health plan coverage for weight loss medication, and the scheduling of a joint public hearing for the comprehensive plan. Action items approved by the Board included the purchase of a fuel truck, road resurfacing improvements for both the Local Maintenance and Improvement Grant (LMIG) and Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank (GTIB) programs, an amendment to an inmate phone services contract, payment of invoices for audit services, and the procurement of crushed concrete for Christmas Road.