Kirk Evans

The meeting agenda was modified to include a standing item for Board of Assessors (BOA) members' comments. Key discussions centered on addressing the vacant Commercial Appraiser position. The Board debated contracting GMASS for commercial appraisal work for a three-year term, noting costs associated with handling LIHTC properties and directing research into GMASS handling residential appraisal services and agricultural valuations for AY2027 budgeting. The Organizational Chart was approved with a minor correction. Numerous approvals were processed under New Business, including January Homestead Exemptions, a CUVA Release, January Public Utilities for Tax Year 2025 Notice of Assessments, January 2026 Veteran Exemptions, and various ACO corrections (without appeal) related to exemptions, name changes, property addresses, and tax districts. Several January 2026 Appeals were also approved, including those with no value change forwarded to the Board of Equalization (BOE) and those with value changes requiring a 30-day notice. Discussion regarding potential FLPA Breach for a specific parcel was tabled pending review by the County Attorney and calculation of an estimated Breach Penalty. Information regarding previous BOE Decisions was presented.

The regular meeting commenced with the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key agenda items included the adoption of the agenda, which required a correction to move pending litigation to executive session. The body discussed and corrected the approval of minutes from the regular meeting of October 6, 2025, and the called meeting of October 20, 2025, specifically concerning salary details for appraisal positions. Old business involved tabling the appointment for the Public Facilities Authority District 4 position due to no applicants, and tabling a resolution concerning House Bill 85. New business featured the consideration and approval of additional funding for the LAG/SAP road striping contract, prioritizing the most severe roads within the budgeted amount of $320,100. The commission also addressed a change order for a transit metal building, adjusting the total cost to $19,736.20 to exclude tax and include a porch and extra windows. Additionally, the commission discussed selling 73 acres on Highway 301, ultimately deciding to readvertise the property with a reduced minimum bid of $17,500 (half of the initial $35,000 asking price) after receiving only a bid equal to the back taxes owed. Finally, the commission reviewed and approved a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Georgia to swap an educator position into a 4-H agent role due to the value of the current employee. The administrator also introduced an ordinance regarding data centers for review ahead of future discussions, noting that neighboring counties have issued moratoriums.

The meeting began with opening formalities, including a prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Key actions included the adoption of the agenda with a modification to shift an old business item concerning mobile home/manufactured home ordinances to be considered in conjunction with the RV park discussion. The commission elected Kevin McCreary as chairman and Mike Gordon as vice chairman. The minutes for the December 1, 2025, regular meeting and the December 9, 2025, work session were approved. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation by Bright Knight regarding the Pepper Hammock Solar Project, a utility-scale solar project proposed for development in Wayne and Brantley County, covering approximately 2,000 acres. The presentation detailed the project layout, which avoids jurisdictional wetlands, and highlighted project benefits, including an estimated 300 to 400 construction jobs and at least $11 million in property taxes over the 30-plus year life cycle, even with potential abatements. Discussions also covered ongoing FEMA funding related to Hurricane Helen and the status of Hurricane Debbie claims.

The meeting involved several key discussions and approvals. A presentation was given regarding health insurance matters, noting a decrease in claims, an improved loss ratio, and an increase in membership enrollment. Significant savings were reported through the Health Choice chronic conditions manager. The commission also reviewed new health insurance renewal options, resulting in a proposed rate increase of 3.55% by changing reinsurance carriers, substantially lower than the national average increase of 12%. Discussions included the preliminary approval of the Sandalwood subdivision, which consists of approximately 155 lots, with specific details on water and septic systems. Additionally, the commission approved setting minimum bids for three parcels of delinquent property. The closure of Lake Grace for the annual boat races in April 2026 was approved. Finally, the commission approved a new phone system proposal with the lowest bidder, Centric, resulting in monthly savings, and approved the purchase of a John Deere excavator using budgeted funds, which also secured a favorable trade-in value for the old equipment.

Key discussions during the meeting included the election of new officers, confirming Mr. Trapnell as Chairman, Ms. Johnson as Vice-Chair, and Mr. Griffin as Secretary. The board voted to accept the Contingency Plan, which had been tabled from the previous meeting. New business focused on the May Primary Ballot including a special election for Odum, and the appointment of Supervisor Smart and Beth Thompson as voting delegates for a conference. Supervisor Smart also discussed potential by-law changes from GAVERO, including dues structure changes, and proposed producing a pamphlet to inform voters of election dates and district representatives. Personnel matters were discussed in Executive Session. The Supervisor also provided updates on an upcoming conference and a regional meeting scheduled for February 26, 2026.