Worth County

The public hearing was held to discuss the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget. Key topics included staff requirements for Public Works, position title and salary structure changes within the Fire Department, Sheriff's Office, and Landfill management. The discussion also covered an increase in the Tax Assessor's budget for reassessment assistance, uncertainty surrounding first-year jail operation costs, and strategies to utilize carry-over funds to pay down jail bond debt rather than increasing property taxes.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various infrastructure and maintenance concerns including road striping, potholes, building property identification, courthouse parking, and restoration of historical portraits. Key actions taken included accepting a proposal for a new evidence building, naming the new jail as the Worth County Sheriff's Office & Detention Center, approving a revised project list for local road assistance, moving funds to the Georgia Fund 1 account, reappointing a member to the Building Authority, and appointing a new member to the Board of Tax Assessors. Additionally, the Board reviewed needs for parking lot repaving and roof repairs at the library.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various topics including bids for a new evidence building, naming and signage specifications for the new jail, and revisions to the Local Road Assistance project list. They also reviewed a right-of-way easement for Mitchell Electric Membership Corporation, evaluated investment options for maturing certificates of deposit, and addressed appointments to the Worth County Building Authority and the Board of Tax Assessors to ensure a quorum for assessment operations.

The board discussed upcoming tax reform meetings with local stakeholders and received a financial report from the County Administrator. Key actions included granting authority to prosecute individuals in Magistrate Court to specific county officials, awarding a flooring installation project for the Health Department to the lowest bidder, and awarding the Local Maintenance Improvement Grant project to East Coast Asphalt. Furthermore, the board approved specific applications for solid waste fee waivers and solid waste property exemptions based on recommendations from the Code Enforcement Officer.

The meeting included a public request regarding road maintenance on Happy Valley Lane and progress updates on the new jail construction project and public works construction projects. The Board also reviewed the recognition of the local EMS service, re-hired the County Attorney, appointed a Vice-Chair for the year, and approved amendments to the Unified Land Development Code. Additionally, the Board addressed solid waste fee waivers and property exemptions, established qualifying fees for the Solicitor-General and Judge of State Court, and authorized requests for proposals for roof replacements at the fire station and future improvements to the public works shop.