Ramsey Bennett

The main discussion point involved the selection of engineering services for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant. Following a presentation of the top three engineering services, there was a discussion regarding the scoring methodology used, noting that the internal scoring chart was intended to enhance future evaluations. A motion was made and seconded to select Statewide Engineering for the services, which passed by a 3-2 vote.

The meeting commenced with standard procedures including the invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions centered on the agenda approval and the approval of minutes from previous meetings in December 2025. The board recognized the Employee of the Month and introduced the 2025 8U State Football Champions. A significant portion of the meeting involved public comments concerning the proposed bypass/perimeter road, with Chairman Bennett clarifying the existing resolution and noting the County Manager's limited insight on the project. The board also discussed updates from the Area Agency on Aging and the Youth Legacy Leadership program. A motion was passed to adopt the qualifying fees for candidates in the 2026 May primary election. Furthermore, a critical infrastructure report detailing necessary repairs for ten transportation structures (five bridges and five box culverts) was presented, outlining structural, hydraulic, and safety deficiencies and recommending prioritized action. Other items included a discussion of the FY 2025 beaver report, the appointment of a representative to the Region 9 EMS Advisory Council, and the County Manager's report.

The primary discussions during this called meeting centered on personnel and budgetary matters. The board acted to appoint Mr. Thomas Sauls as the Interim County Manager. Additionally, the board resumed consideration of the FY 2026 Budget, taking it off the table, and subsequently approved the FY 2026 Budget with a total amount of $16,449,347.40. The E911 section of the budget detailed revenue projections and expenditures for regular employees, overtime, insurance, and various maintenance/operational costs for the coming fiscal year.

Key discussions centered on the approval of engineering services for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant. Multiple motions regarding vendor selection (Roberts Civil Engineering, Statewide Engineering, TR Long Engineering) resulted in tie votes (2-2), leading to debate over the Chairman's right to vote in a tie situation according to the enabling act. The board ultimately set a follow-up called meeting for January 26 to resolve the CDBG engineering selection. Additionally, the board voted to rescind a prior resolution supporting the construction of a perimeter road involving Brantley, Pierce, and Ware Counties.

The proceedings included a Public Hearing focused on a Conditional Use request for the development and equipment installation of a wireless communication tower facility on Parcel #045-112 on Knox Rd. The subsequent Regular Meeting agenda covered the discussion and action regarding the approval of the Conditional Use request, as well as discussion and action concerning the trade of a 2019 road grader for a 2025 road grader, with an estimated net cost of $248,969. The meeting also included a County Manager's Report and Financials.