Kent Benson

The meeting addressed zoning requests, specifically focusing on a request by JAD LLC and Adam Levit to rezone 251 acres on Lake Kathy Road from General Agriculture (GA) to Rural Residential R5 to develop a major subdivision. Staff analysis recommended against the R5 rezoning due to concerns about density, the allowance of duplexes and manufactured homes, and negative impact on property values. Staff proposed an alternative approval for R3 medium density zoning, which would permit the same number of single-family dwellings as R5 but restrict development to site-built single-family homes, better protecting the surrounding rural residential character. The discussion included required infrastructure improvements, such as a 4,100-foot sewer line extension at the developer's expense, and concerns about road capacity (Reed Road) and school overcrowding if the higher density R5 were approved. The representative for JAD LLC confirmed their intention to pursue the R3 zoning with lot sizes ranging from 7,500 to 10,000 square feet for single-family homes priced between \$280,000 and \$350,000. Public comment raised significant concerns regarding increased traffic volume on Reed Road, environmental impact from tree removal, strain on sewage and water systems, and the resulting burden on school systems and property taxes.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge, confirming a quorum was present. The agenda was approved, followed by the approval of minutes from the previous December regular meeting and one special called meeting. Key activities included issuing a proclamation declaring January 12th, 2026, as Bobby Earwood Day in recognition of his service maintaining county cleanliness. The Commissioners reviewed the 2026 strategic objectives focusing on citizen involvement, government modernization, job growth, property tax management, and inter-county cooperation. Updates were provided regarding the upcoming special election for a congressional open seat and the qualifying dates for the primary election. A public hearing was held regarding alcohol beverage licenses for Sam's Tobacco and Quality Convenience. Finance reports for November showed total revenue collections of $14.1 million in sales tax and $5.3 million in vehicle tax, resulting in a $3 million surplus as of November 30th, though this is expected to adjust due to year-end true-ups. The board approved the finance report, ratified emergency replacement of the 911 center HVAC system for $9,900, approved the annual interpreter contract for juvenile courts ($103,750), accepted a $30,426 state grant for the District Attorney's office investigator salary, approved applying for a Bureau of Justice Assistance grant, approved a $48,414.00 purchase of radios via SPLOST funds, and approved committee nominations, including re-electing Barry Robbins as Vice Chairman. Finally, resolutions for subdivisions A through F, previously approved by the planning commission, were addressed.

The Regular Business Meeting included several key discussions and actions. Public hearings were held regarding an Alcohol Beverage License Application and the CDBG-CV Project Closeout, which detailed completed activities such as property acquisition, building construction, and Food Bank operations support. Key agenda items addressed during the business portion included a first reading of a Unified Zoning Ordinance amendment concerning definitions for hazardous waste, data centers, and establishing a Greenspace Courtyard Subdivision Option. New business involved approvals for an Alcohol Beverage License Application, ratification of a District Attorney MOA for VOCA Grant Acceptance, and consideration of a Senior Center Hunger Grant Application. Furthermore, the Board addressed agreements for Tax Assessor Office webpage/parcel maintenance and new software subscriptions, purchase requests for trucks for the Animal Shelter and Sheriff's Office, annual bids for Public Works, a Hazard Mitigation Grant Planning Contract for EMA, and multiple grant applications for Transit, Juvenile Court, and EMA (including radio purchases). Several rezoning recommendations were considered and acted upon, along with appointments to the Trade Center County. Engineering matters included a Construction Change Order and ratification of Architectural Services Contract. The meeting concluded after discussions during Executive Session regarding Personnel Matters.

The meeting involved several significant discussions and decisions. Key items included reviewing two 2026 Alcohol Applications for changes of ownership. The Board discussed strategic objectives for 2026, qualifying fees for upcoming elections, and setting fees for County Commissioners and the County School Board. Financial discussions covered the November 2025 Finance Report, including YTD Revenue and Expenses, and an update on LOST and TAVT revenues. Action items included approving the Finance report, approving the change of ownership alcohol beverage licenses, nominations for Vice Chairman, and appointments to various committees and authorities such as the Solid Waste Authority, Convention and Visitor Bureau, and the Dalton-Whitfield Joint Development Authority. Furthermore, the Board approved the Qualifying Fees Resolution for 2026 offices. Contract approvals included the Superior Court Interpreter Contract and Juvenile Court Attorney contracts for Guardian Ad Litem and Indigent Defense. Grant actions included accepting a State ARPA grant for the DA's Office and approving an application for a Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) State Crisis Intervention Program grant. Operational approvals covered the purchase of portable radios for Public Works, ratification of an emergency HVAC purchase for the EOC, budget amendments for the Fire Department, including gas monitoring equipment purchase, purchasing a generator for WCFD Station 5, and purchasing new firefighter protective equipment totaling $603,000.00. A significant portion of the meeting involved multiple rezoning requests (A through K) covering changes from Suburban Agriculture, Rural Residential, Low Density Single Family Residential, General Agriculture, General Commercial, and Medium Density Single Family Residential zoning classifications across various parcels. The meeting concluded with a motion to enter an Executive Session for Personnel Matters.

The meeting addressed the scheduling of future events for 2026, including the next Board Meeting scheduled for February 12th, 2026. Key discussions centered on upcoming Special Elections, specifically the US House, District 14 Special Election and a City of Dalton, City Council Special Election, both scheduled for March 10th, 2026. Detailed timelines for early voting, including extended hours, were reviewed. Logic and Accuracy Testing was scheduled to commence on February 2nd.