Lamar County

The meeting focused on the approval of a variance application for a mother-in-law suite at 102 Liberty Hill Street and the approval of a rezoning application from Agricultural-Residential to Residential 2 for 137 Ennis Road. Additionally, the commission reviewed and discussed proposed changes to commercial and industrial zoning regulations.

The board meeting focused on the introduction of the new Industrial Development Director and a preliminary review of agenda items slated for the upcoming Regular Meeting.

The agenda for the regular business meeting includes several key items. Discussion topics involve a Certificate of Appreciation for Bill Christopher, a presentation from the Lamar County Department of Health by Sherry Farr, and Board Appointments, specifically to the Recreation Board. New Business items are scheduled, including two Rezoning Applications (Ordinance 2025-20 and Ordinance 2025-21), a Special Exception Application for T-Mobile (Resolution 2025-22), Beer and Wine License Renewal, and a Probation Services Agreement with Judicial Alternatives of Georgia (JAG). The agenda also lists items for Courthouse Windows, the Administrator's Report, Public Comment, and Round Table discussions. The session is scheduled to conclude with an Executive Session covering Real Estate, Litigation, and Personnel matters.

The public hearing addressed several agenda items pertaining to land use and zoning matters. Key discussions included a rezoning application from AR to M2 for a 9-acre tract on High Falls Road, requested to develop a cross-docking warehouse, intermodal support area, and maintenance shop, which received conditional approval from the Planning Commission. Another rezoning request, from AR to R2, involved splitting 2 acres from a 10-acre tract on Barnesville Road to build a home in an area zoned as Rural Residential. A variance application was heard for Majik Market concerning sign regulations, requesting a height of 24' and an area of 150 sq' exceeding the established limits. A Special Exception and Variance application was reviewed for Verizon Wireless to construct a 225' wireless tower on Silver Dollar Road, exceeding the 150' height maximum to address coverage gaps. Additionally, a variance application from Amos and Robin Surrett regarding road frontage and building site width requirements for splitting an Agriculture-Residential parcel on Rock Springs Road was discussed.

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation, followed by the proclamation celebrating Black History Month. Old business included the approval of the Automatic Aid Agreement with the City of Barnesville. New business involved several approved items: quotes for a light package for Fire and Code Enforcement awarded to Priority Lighting, authorization for the chairman to sign a land purchase contract, acceptance of bids from Blount Construction for the re-routing of Atlanta Street, an agreement with UGA for Extension Services, approval of the first reader for changes to the Lamar County Zoning Code for Commercial and Industrial Development, and the approval of a Meeting Room Public Use Policy. Additionally, a request for the position of EMS Deputy Chief, along with a corresponding budget amendment, was approved. The request from Vulcan Materials for an exemption from the Moratorium was denied. The board also approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with Butts County concerning the Hillwood Development.