Nathan Fountain

The meeting included the approval of the agenda with amendments to add the 2025 SAP LMIG Bid and the 2026 Comprehensive Plan discussion items. Key actions included the reappointment of Thelma Graham to the Board of Elections. New business involved ratifying the Qualifying Fees for County Offices for the 2026 Elections. The Commission approved a resolution authorizing the Volunteer Fire Department to apply for funding to purchase two Fire Engines. Additionally, the Public Adjuster Contract was approved, and both the original and alternate bids for the 2025 SAP LMIG Bid were approved. The Commission also adopted the Resolution to Adopt the 2026 Joint Ben Hill County Comprehensive Plan Update. The County Manager reported on HB 581 concerning homestead goals and the creation of a new sales tax, noting the budget will require a 3% increase.

This comprehensive plan for Ben Hill County and the City of Fitzgerald provides a roadmap for future development and improved quality of life. It focuses on nine key areas: conserving natural resources, protecting cultural resources, ensuring quality land use, promoting economic development, providing diverse housing options, enhancing community facilities and services, fostering intergovernmental coordination, expanding broadband access, and improving transportation infrastructure.

The meeting included a public hearing regarding a Special Exception request for a Temporary Telecommunication Tower for up to 24 months at 267 Nora Morris Road, which was subsequently approved. The Commission also reviewed and transmitted the Joint 2026 Ben Hill County and City of Fitzgerald Comprehensive Plan Update to the Southern Georgia Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Required annual actions included reappointing the County Manager, County Clerk, County Attorney, and Auditing Firm, as well as nominating a Vice-Chair. The Tax Commissioner provided updates, noting 2024 property tax collections at 98.79% and the deposit of the TREES Act Grant funds. Department Head reports covered completed fall sports seasons and the start of the first Flag Football Season. Appointments included Vice-Chair Hope Harmon to the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill Library Board and Warren Elder to the Ben Hill Planning & Zoning Commission. New business actions included approving resolutions related to Tax Commissioner authority to waive penalties and interest, accept payments, and declaring county property as surplus for disposal. Quotes for the 2026 purchase of fleet vehicles for the Sheriff Office were also approved.

This document outlines the 2026 Ben Hill County and City of Fitzgerald Comprehensive Plan, serving as a roadmap for the region's long-term direction. It is structured around key elements, including Community Goals (Natural Resources, Cultural Resources, Land Use, Economic Development, Housing, Community Facilities and Services, Intergovernmental Coordination, Broadband, Transportation), an analysis of Needs and Opportunities, and a detailed Community Work Program. The plan aims to guide future development, enhance the quality of life, and address specific community needs through various initiatives from 2026 to 2030.

The meeting commenced with agenda approval. Key discussions and actions focused on the County Manager's report concerning the near completion of the Flint Road project contingent upon vegetation establishment. New Business items included the adoption of the FY2026 Proposed Budget, the adoption of the FY2025 Budget Amendment Resolution for Fund 100 Expenditures, and approval of Christmas bonuses for eligible employees ($100.00 for full-time, $50.00 for part-time, excluding Elected Officials and County Manager). The Commission also approved the 2026 holiday calendar, the ACCG Workers Compensation proposal, a resolution declaring specific county real property as surplus for disposal, and authorized a partial guaranty of $2,000,000 for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) loan for the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. Furthermore, a quote for a new tractor purchase for the Road Department was approved, as was a memorandum of option and ground lease agreement with Crown Towers.