Melissa A. Howard

The board meeting included the introduction of new Pierce County Extension personnel, the approval of an intergovernmental agreement for the purchase of a fire apparatus from the City of Blackshear, the selection of a vendor for fire alarm system replacements at the NFC Building and Gym, and the adoption of an ordinance amending business license and occupation tax fees. Additionally, the board set employee benefits for the upcoming fiscal year, approved bidding processes for road resurfacing projects, passed a resolution requesting legislative authorization for a court technology fee, and approved a relocation agreement with Georgia Power for a road project. The meeting concluded with reports from the County Manager, Sheriff, Fire Chief, Planning and Facilities Director, and Recreation Department regarding departmental activities and performance metrics.

The board approved a rezoning request for parcel #036-028 from Agricultural/Forestry to Single-Family residential. Bids were evaluated for street and drainage improvements, and the contract was awarded to Thrift Brothers, LLC. The County Manager and various department heads provided updates, including road infrastructure projects, disaster grant employment, E911 call statistics, EMS billing and collection data, Sheriff's office activity, fire department incident reports, and facility maintenance. The board also reviewed planning and building code inspections, public works operations, recreation program updates for spring sports, tax assessment and collection timelines, and election preparation for the upcoming General Primary.

The board conducted a public hearing to discuss a request from Allen & Griffis Construction to rezone a 43.59-acre parcel on Dean Still Road from Agriculture/Forestry (AF) to Single-Family (SF) for residential development. The meeting provided an opportunity for public input, although no attendees spoke for or against the proposal.

The board discussed and approved ordinances establishing standards for tiny home developments and recreational vehicle parks. Key financial and administrative actions included addressing a potential conflict of interest regarding a Community Development Block Grant, authorizing a resolution for state road improvement contracts, and managing equipment assets, including the trade-in of a backhoe loader and dump trucks alongside the purchase of new vehicles. Additionally, the board approved moving the date of a future monthly meeting to accommodate a bid opening process.

The board discussed a Conditional Use request for a wireless communication tower facility and approved the surplus of a 2019 road grader to facilitate the purchase of a 2025 model. The meeting also included departmental reports covering financial updates, facilities maintenance, public works statistics, fire department activity, and sheriff office dispatch volumes. Additionally, the County Manager highlighted the high costs associated with replacing road signs and proposed public outreach to address the issue.