Morgan County

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, during which Item #8, the BOE Tax Levy Resolution, was removed and deferred to a subsequent Special Called Meeting. Scheduled public comments addressed concerns regarding the Madison Lakes PUD, citizen safety, land-use classification for Burnt Pine Farms, and support for the continued operation of Burnt Pine Plantation. Key presentations included an overview of the Madison-Morgan Conservancy's Farmland Protection Program, prompting discussion on funding structure and resolution wording. Several text amendments to the Morgan County Zoning Ordinance were reviewed and placed on the consent agenda: one to update Planning Commission meeting dates and times (Article 18), and another to align Development of Regional Impacts (DRI) thresholds with Georgia Department of Community Affairs regulations (Article 2). The Board also reviewed a request to purchase four new mowing tractors, recommending John Deere units funded through TSPLOST. Further discussions involved proposed updates to Articles 1 and 2 of the Development Regulations, the introduction of proposed language for a new Tree Ordinance to discourage clear-cutting, and feedback on proposed language for House Form Standards, including discussions on metal siding for residential structures.

Key discussions included the approval of an amended agenda, which incorporated a resolution to establish a temporary moratorium on commercial and industrial properties to allow time for the development of updated design standards. The Board also received a presentation from TSW regarding the kickoff for the joint 2027-2047 Comprehensive Plan, which covers growth, land use, infrastructure, housing, economic development, and public safety for Morgan County and its municipalities. A resolution proposing a temporary moratorium on development applications, intended to last approximately 90 days, was discussed extensively regarding its scope and timing; ultimately, a motion to table the resolution until the subsequent work session passed unanimously. The Board approved acceptance of a Georgia Environmental Protection Division grant award for the purchase of a recycling baler and construction of an accompanying storage building, authorizing local matching funds and project expenditure up to $496,557.

The Board of County Commissioners convened for a Special Called Meeting. The primary agenda item involved the consideration and adoption of Resolution 2026-RES-002, which pertains to the second series of bonds to be issued by the Board of Education. Adoption of this resolution commits the Commissioners to levy the necessary millage rate required by the Board of Education to cover the principal and interest on these general obligation bonds.

The agenda for the meeting included the pledge, invocation, and presentations, notably a proclamation honoring Janice Knight as the 2026 Distinguished Older Georgian Award recipient. Key items for discussion or action involved the approval of text amendments to the Morgan County Zoning Ordinance regarding Planning Commission meetings and Developments of Regional Impacts (DRIs), and the approval for the purchase of tractors for the Public Works Department. Unfinished business included proposed updates to Articles 1 and 2 of the Development Regulations, proposed language for a Tree Ordinance, and proposed language for House Form Standards. New business items covered the Animal Services Gate Project and PSC Kitchen Flooring.

The regular meeting included administrative business and public hearings. New business focused on three main items: a request by Madison Methodist Church for conditional use approval for a private school, which was tabled until the April meeting to allow time for a text amendment regarding Childcare Learning Centers in the R1 zoning district. Additionally, the Commission recommended approval for two text amendments to the Morgan County Zoning Ordinance: one concerning the language related to Planning Commission meeting dates and times (Article 18), and another concerning Developments of Regional Impacts (Article 2) to align with new DCA guidance.