Lonnie Joyce

The meeting agenda included two public hearings regarding applications for Beer and Wine Package Sales Licenses for "Mill Stop LLC DBA Mill Store" and "Kelly Grocery 786 LLC DBA Kelly Korner." Under Old Business, the Board was scheduled to discuss the rezoning request (REZ2024-06) of 30 acres from A-R to R-1 for a subdivision development. The Consent Agenda contained approvals for re-appointments and appointments to the Board of Assessors, as well as the purchase of a Fire Alarm System for the Civic Center. New Business focused heavily on discussions and considerations for exemptions from the existing moratorium on subdivisions of real property at various specified locations, and the purchase of a vehicle for the Tax Assessors Office.

The Upson County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting where they discussed several key issues. These included the consideration of a beer and wine package sales license for Phillips 91, LLC, which was ultimately denied due to the applicant's absence. The board also reviewed a presentation on the circuit operating agreement and employee salaries, which they decided to discuss further at the next meeting. Additionally, they considered multiple requests for exemptions from the moratorium on subdivisions of real property in Upson County, and discussed the Pobiddy Road Bridge Project, approving the execution of the contract for the project. The meeting also included a discussion on a potential data center and a declaration of intent to convey real estate to the State of Georgia for use by the Georgia State Patrol Post 26. The session concluded with an executive session regarding personnel matters.

The meeting centered on FLOST negotiations, with the county requesting a 74% county and 26% city split, based on a formula tied to the tax digest, while the city proposed a 64% county and 36% city split, citing the impact of additional sales tax on renters. A motion for the county's request passed unanimously, as did a motion for the city's request, but ultimately no agreement was reached. Also, there was a potential consideration of an Intergovernmental Agreement and a Resolution Calling for an Election.

The meeting included a public hearing for a special exception request for temporary housing during construction and a rezoning request for a residential subdivision. The board discussed and approved a proclamation for Senior Hunger Awareness Month and the resurfacing of additional roads in the Country Village Subdivision. Commissioners commented on road paving decision-making, the new 911 system rollout, and the timeline for reviewing rezoning information. There were also discussions about town hall meetings for FLOST and concerns related to Brightmark.

The meeting included discussions and potential consideration to hire a County Manager. The board also discussed the Records Advisory Board Bylaws, employee health insurance options, updates on road safety grants, the Pobiddy Road Bridge, and the Thruston Well project. They also discussed the Beer and Wine Ordinance and a Master Plan for the Baseball Fields. An executive session was held to discuss real estate matters.