Mark Hawkins

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which included an item for surplus items from the Sheriff's Department. Discussions were held regarding the Miller County Collaborative Family Connection, focusing on resource sharing, needs assessment, and health initiatives, including physical activity and healthy eating. A significant portion of the meeting involved addressing concerns related to senior services, specifically the closure of senior centers, the need for alternative meal distribution locations during funerals, and ensuring healthcare access. There was a lengthy discussion concerning property tax relief requests for Cook Redlands related to late penalties and interest from 2019 and 2020, ultimately resulting in a motion to decline the relief. Finally, the board addressed water damage in the Commissioner's office, tabling the decision until further pricing for mold remediation could be obtained.

The meeting agenda included the election of officers and committee appointments, covering the selection of the Chairman and Vice Chairman, and appointments to Committees, Board, and County Attorney. Key discussion items involved old business regarding the Mayhaw Shooting Range and new business concerning the 2026 TANS note. Other topics included departmental reports, IT/Network Services, and the adoption of the 2024 ICC Building codes via resolution. There were no items scheduled for Executive Session.

The agenda for this session included a Welcome and Call to Order, Invocation and Pledge, and approval of the Agenda and Financial Reports. Key discussion items involved Old Business concerning the Emergency Water Shed Protection Program appearance with Phillip Slater, and New Business topics such as a Millage Rate meeting and matters related to the FLOST bank account. Department Reports included a Fueling Center Report.

The meeting included procedural items such as adding an item to the agenda and approving the meeting minutes and financial reports. Key discussions involved an update on appeals and notice assessments, including technical difficulties being resolved to mail out notices. The commission discussed the 2025 notice of assessments timeline. A community presentation focused on three areas related to recovery from addiction and mental health: hosting the Georgia Recovers Bus Tour, funding a new community mural inspired by local themes to raise awareness, and establishing the Stronger Together recovery community organization. The commission approved a resolution authorizing a referendum question regarding a 1% sales and use tax for five years, exclusively designated to reduce property tax. Further items included a review of ordinance changes for a solar project, approval of an Intergovernmental Agreement concerning the P25 radio system, approval for the renewal of the helicopter lease agreement with Survival Flight, and updates on department activities like the fueling station awning and in-car computer installations. The meeting concluded with discussions in executive session regarding real estate and personnel matters, resulting in a motion to sell the current county commission building to the hospital authority.

The primary discussion and action involved the reading and adoption of Resolution number 25-1217.0, which set and adopted the millage rates for the fiscal year 2025-2026 for both unincorporated and incorporated areas of Miller County, Georgia. The resolution detailed specific millage rates for Countywide Maintenance and Operations, Recreation, and Emergency Services Fire Maintenance and Operation, as well as the library millage rate to be distributed to the Southwest Georgia Regional Library Sanctioned for the Miller County Library Board. The resolution was passed and made effective immediately following the meeting proceedings.