Tamara Epps

The meeting addressed several key items, including the approval of minutes from a prior pre-commission meeting. A primary discussion involved an ordinance to authorize the appointment of the Chief Information Officer for Mcmib County, which was approved unanimously following a national search process supported by the Knight Foundation. Additionally, the commission approved a resolution authorizing the execution of an agreement for resurfacing and repair of pickleball courts at Tacel Pickle Ball Center using 2018 fund balance. A change order for $60,000 was approved for A1 monitoring services related to electronic monitoring, with discussion clarifying that this covered costs beyond the initial budget, including tracking and alcohol sensors. Another resolution authorized an amendment to the construction manager risk agreement with Chris R. Sheridan and Company for additional renovations to the Mcm City Auditorium, involving main corridor upgrades, installation of new restrooms, and replacement of the sound and lighting systems, funded partly by 2018 SPLOST interest. Significant discussion occurred regarding accessibility improvements, including a new elevator for handicap access to the basement, and requests for voice indicators in the elevator for visually impaired persons. Finally, a supplemental appropriation of $22,000 to the probate court contract labor contractual services line item was approved, followed by a move into executive session to discuss potential litigation, and subsequent action on an alcohol beverage license application, which resulted in a final recommendation to deny a license to Lanita Hunt for 478 Lounge LLC.

The meeting agenda included new business items regarding the final approval for moving polling locations for Vineville 2 and a proposal to move Godfrey 5. Other business involved staff reports detailing registered voter numbers as of February 9, 2026, including DDS and OLVR application statistics, and a mention of the upcoming March 17, 2026, County Commission Special Election. The agenda also included sections for legal reports and public comments.

The pre-commission meeting included the consideration and approval of three alcohol beverage license denials for Tiende Bernab, Tom's Food Mark, and Jack 2022 LLC. Key discussions centered on appointments to boards, commissions, and authorities, including the reappointing of Dr. White Monique Davis Smith to the River Edge Behavioral Health board of directors and the submission of a slate of nominees (Dr. Mark Gnicl, Dr. Bill Tiff, and Mr. Steve Krueger) for a seat on the Make Bib County Hospital Authority Board. Significant time was dedicated to two pension-related ordinances: the first proposes amending the county charter to create a one-time $50,000 death benefit for active employees who vest in a lifetime pension but die before retirement, and the second proposes a one-time 3% cost of living adjustment (in lieu of the standard 1.5%) for all retirees and beneficiaries of the various pension plans, effective January 1, 2026. The second pension ordinance also adjusts the calculation for retired superior court judges' benefits to maintain their current benefit level despite changes in state salary structures.

The proceedings began with a call to order, prayer led by Pastor Brenda Howard, and the pledge of allegiance. The meeting addressed items from a preceding pre-commission session that were placed on the consent agenda (Items A through J). A specific item, 7B (previously 3B), concerning the final recommendation on an alcohol license denial for Tom's Food Mart, was pulled for separate discussion and subsequently approved unanimously. The board also acknowledged one non-agenda public comment.

The pre-commission meeting included discussions and approvals on several items. Key discussions involved the appointment of Lewis Frank Tommpkins to the MBI County Fire Civil Service Board. The Commission addressed the renewal of three alcohol beverage licenses for Tesco Food Mart, Making Drinks, and Barefoot Tavern, all of which received legal recommendation for approval. Additionally, resolutions were passed to establish qualifying fees for the upcoming 2026 elections based on 3% of the base salary, and to set qualifying fees for a special election to fill the unexpired term of Seth Clark, District 5 Commissioner. Further discussion clarified voter district boundary issues raised by a Commissioner. Contract authorizations included an agreement with Maroy, Inc. for asphalt resurfacing services at Carolyn Craven Park (referred to as Central City Park from 2018 funds) and an agreement with Whole Property Group LLC for facility repair project management services.