Pam Hawkins

Key discussions centered on the relocation of the Trackrock Polling location, including justification for the move (abandoned building, disrepair) and the selection of a new site (Gym #3). The Board addressed new business concerning preparations for the May Election, which requires a detailed inventory of election equipment (BMDs, tabulators, Poll Pads) with serial and Seal numbers, due by April 1st. Information regarding local election qualifying fees ($153) and the positions up for re-election (three School Board positions) was noted. The SPLOST measure will appear on the ballot.

The meeting commenced with the approval of minutes from previous meetings held in December 2025, January 2026, and February 2026. Key discussions focused on providing answers regarding SPLOST funds and projects, including a financial update as of December 31, 2025, noting projected revenues and Union County's share after the City of Blair's portion. Specific commitments for 2026 projects included allocations for the City of Blair's intergovernmental agreement, administration facilities (courthouse roof replacement and transportation office construction), public safety (new 911 center construction and technology, SCBAs, and sheriff's office vehicles), roads and bridges (several bridge replacements, paving matches, roundabout construction, and routine road expenses), and parks and recreation equipment. The body adopted the FTA procurement policy for Union County Transportation. Agreements were accepted for materials testing for the Canada Creek Bridge by Yo Hydro Engineers Incorporated and a five-year subscription service agreement with Motorola Solutions for the RAV mobile safety mass notification system, which is replacing the compromised Code Red system. Further actions included approving business licenses, accepting a commitment letter for local care funding for the Senior Center, accepting a contract for the courthouse roof replacement, accepting a grant award for the digital accountability court, rescheduling a future meeting, reappointing several individuals to various boards and commissions, and concluding with county updates from the County Manager regarding road department activities (cleanup after storms and ongoing bridge/roundabout work) and recreation department news (youth basketball success and upcoming spring sports registration numbers).

The agenda for the meeting included a presentation on SPLOST funds and projects. Key new business items involved the approval of several agreements, including one with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. for materials testing related to the Canada Creek Bridge construction, and a subscription agreement with Motorola Solutions for RAVE Mobile Safety services. The Commission planned to address the approval of Business Licenses issued for Short-term Rentals. Several resolutions involved re-appointments and appointments to various boards and agencies, such as the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Addictive Diseases Advisory Council, the Urban Redevelopment Agency of Union County, the Union County Governmental Finance Corporation, and the Union County Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals. A County Operations Update was also scheduled.

The meeting included a presentation from the SPLOST Program Manager providing an overview of projected revenues, actual collections, fund distribution to the county and City of Blairsville, and expense categories as of December 31, 2025. The Board adopted the FTA Procurement Policy for the Union County Transit System, effective February 11, 2026. Agreements were accepted, including one with Geo-Hydro Engineers, Inc. for materials testing for the Canada Creek Bridge construction, and a subscription agreement with Motorola Solutions for the RAVE Mobile Safety mass notification system, replacing the previous Code Red system due to a data breach. Business licenses for short-term rentals issued between January 19, 2026, and February 15, 2026, were approved. Other accepted items included a Commitment Letter for the Area Agency on Aging local share and a contract for the Union County Courthouse roof replacement. An Accountability Courts Grant for Enotah Judicial Accountability Court was also accepted. Several individuals were re-appointed or appointed to various boards, including the Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities & Addictive Diseases Advisory Council, the Urban Redevelopment Agency, the Governmental Finance Corporation, the Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals, the Short-term Rental Board, and the Development Authority. The County Manager provided updates on Road Department activities, including salt usage; Recreation Department success in spring sports registration and basketball championships; and progress on Canada Creek Bridge construction and the new courthouse roof replacement, with delays anticipated for the new roundabout construction. A future County Meeting date was announced.

This emergency meeting was convened due to delays caused by snowstorm preparation and weekend weather events. The primary action taken was the adoption of Resolution R-2026-07 to establish the qualifying fees for the 2026 school board election. The resolution sets the qualifying fee for each of the three open Board of Education seats at $153 and authorizes the publication of these fees in the North Georgia news, including instructions for qualification.