Samantha Bennett

The Wear County Board of Commission meeting included a presentation on pickle ball, America's fastest-growing sport. The discussion covered the need for a new pickle ball facility with first-rate courts and nets, highlighting the sport's economic benefits through tournaments and increased property values. A representative from Lo and Design suggested a new master plan for the complex, including pickle ball court placement. The commission expressed overall support for the project, with plans to pursue grants and visit other pickle ball facilities to gather ideas.

The meeting includes discussion around alcohol delivery services, focusing on regulations, age verification, and the differences between city and county rules regarding on-premise and off-premise sales. Also, the approval of wear county safety incentive pay.

The meeting included discussions on a request to rezone a property on 840 McKinley Road from R75 to R75 mobile home, with considerations for allowing single-wide mobile homes. The intent is to provide affordable living without maximizing property usage, potentially accommodating up to six mobile homes. The discussion involved the applicant, Don Gre Johnson, and addressed concerns about the potential for a mobile home park, community objections, and the availability of sewer access. Options were explored to rezone only a portion of the property to satisfy community concerns while enabling the applicant to proceed with their plans.

The meeting addressed several key items, including approving a quick claim deed for Redhead Hills Red Hill Cemetery and a request from the Sheriff to purchase five Chevrolet Tahoe pursuit vehicles. The board also discussed and approved an award for the generator maintenance bid to Coward Electric and a resolution to authorize filing the section 5311 transit application with the Georgia Department of Transportation for the rural transit program. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding a message about Congressman Buddy Carter and the need for a permanent fire station, as well as Halloween safety, Jamestown ABC, and possible litigation.

The Board of Commission work session included a presentation by District Attorney George Barnhill regarding the victim assistance program and funding challenges due to changes in state policies related to fine collection from felons. The discussion covered the program's funding structure, the impact of reduced fine collection, and potential future funding needs. The possibility of adjusting the distribution of the 5% victim fund, which currently supports the Child Advocacy Center and Magnolia House, was also discussed.