Meeting Minutes

County Commissioner Meeting – Regular Meeting
Bleckley County JC Building
July 18, 2024

Present: County Commissioner Mike Davis, Brian Arnold, Sheriff Cape, Candace Summerall, Andy Lucas, Cheryl Ates, Randy Thompson, Richard Newbern, Chief Simpson, Derrick Bowen, Cindy Newman, Freida Dykes

County Attorney Brian Arnold opened in prayer.

Commissioner Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed all to the meeting.

All attendees received the following:
Minutes – June 20, 2024, County Commissioner Meeting
There were no questions or concerns. The Minutes were approved.

Topics discussed from Commissioner Davis
Mrs. Sue Phillips was reappointed to the Bleckley County DFCS Board. Her term will begin on July 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2029. Dr. Robert Heath was appointed to the Bleckley County Health Department. His term will begin September 10, 2024 and go through September 9, 2029.

The paving of Pecan Orchard Road will start in October. This is the 2024 LMIG Project.

The property assessments mailed out by the Tax Assessors office has the incorrect Mileage Rate posted. This will not affect taxes as the mileage rate has not been sent yet.

The County Commissioner Meeting for August 15, 2024 will be postponed to September 19, 2024.

Officials, Directors, Citizens
Sheriff Cape stated the Sheriff’s Office and the Bleckley County Sportsman Club is hosting a Ladies Handgun Class. The class will begin on August 12th and shooting range practice on August 17th. If interested contact Sgt. Sanders at the Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office is fully staffed with one officer out on workman’s comp. The School Resource Officers will report back to the school soon.

Paige Baggs, Tax Commissioner, stated the appeal deadline for tax assessments is August 26, 2024.

Randy Thompson, MGSU, stated the airport operation is up and running with several students and instructors. He shared information regarding the new part-time internship program and if anyone is interested in learning more to contact him.

County Agent Derek Bowen reported the 4-H program had many activities this summer. A 4-H Agent/Director position remains open for the program. The Ag Department held a Meet and Greet at the office and shared updates on crops and grants.

Candace Summerall, Chamber of Commerce, shared upcoming activities planned and stated many people attended Bingo night at the Extension Office.

Richard Newburn, City Manager stated the City plans to repave Mac Thompson Road from the County Line to GCRR.

Cheryl Ates, Chief Registrar reported the staff continue to work on the upcoming election.

Andy Lucas, IDA Director, reported the group is currently working on infrastructure improvements. Scruggs will start building and paving two short roads into the park which will help divide the land into smaller tracts. The IDA continues to get closer to having prospects come into the area.

With no further questions or comments, the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________ _________________________
Mike Davis, County Commissioner Date

Bleckley County Commissioner Meeting – Regular Meeting
And Millage Rate Hearing
County Commissioner Office
October 17, 2024

Present: County Commissioner Mike Davis, Brian Arnold, Derrick Bowen, Jayme Phelps, Alan Curtis, Paige Baggs, Cindy Newman

Mike Davis opened in prayer.

Commissioner Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed all to the meeting.

All attendees received the following:
Minutes – September 19, 2024 County Commissioner Meeting
2024 Current Property Tax Digest and 5 Year History of Levy

Topics discussed from Commissioner Davis
The Heart of Altamaha Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging Amendment was signed.
The City annexed three land lots off Mac Thompson Road owned by Casey Paulk.
Due to the recent storms Porter Road and Rebie Road was washed out. Porter Road has been repaired and contact was made to GDOT for assistance on repairing Rebie Road.
Bleckley County Digest and Millage Rate Hearing
The Bleckley County Millage Rate was set at 12.597 by Commissioner Davis. He asked for any comments or questions. There were no comments. All required forms were signed and forwarded to the State for approval. This will be the only hearing as required.
With no other business the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________ _________________________
Mike Davis, County Commissioner Date

THE COUNTY COMMISSIONER MEETING

WILL BE HELD IN

UPSTAIRS IN THE TRAVERSE JURY ROOM

11/21/24 AT 10:00 AM

County Commissioner Meeting – Regular Meeting
Bleckley County JC Building
September 19, 2024

Present: County Commissioner Mike Davis, Melissa Barker, Candace Summerall, Ronnie Smith, Randy Thompson, Jayme Kelley, Michael Francis, Richard Newbern, Hannah McCranie, David Hall, Cindy Newman, Freida Dykes

Randy Thompson opened in prayer.

Commissioner Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance, and welcomed all to the meeting.

All attendees received the following:
Minutes – July 18, 2024, County Commissioner Meeting
There were no questions or concerns. The Minutes were approved.
August 15, County Commissioner Meeting was postponed until September 19, 2024

Topics discussed from Commissioner Davis
The update of Title VI policy, which is required by GDOT, was approved.

Paulk investment annexed five lots located on Mac Thompson Road into the City limits.

The fees for the DPH Environmental Health Service was adopted and approved. This is a requirement each year that the fees are adopted by the Board of Health and the County Commissioner.

The ACCG Bond Coverage Agreement was signed by Probate Judge Jonathan Fordham.

The Oconee Circuit Public Defender Contract was signed. There was no increase in fee.

The School Resource Officer Agreement between the Bleckley County School System and the Bleckley County Sheriff’s Office was signed.

Topics discussed in today’s meeting
Jayme Kelley, Permit Clerk, stated she continues to issue permits for new builds.

Michael Francis updated all in attendance on the trainings and certifications provided by the County Fire Department for fire fighters, rescue divers, and new volunteers. The County currently has 40 volunteers.

Melissa Barker, Director Chamber of Commerce, updated all on the upcoming activities and the CountryFest which will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

Mary Brooks, IDA member, said hopefully by the end of October the IDA Park will have paved roads, sewer, water, and gas hook ups. They will continue to work on bringing industry and jobs into the county.

Richard Newburn stated repaving of Mac Thompson Road will start late in October and that bids are being accepted for the Ash Street Park. Bids will be opened on October 3, 2024. The city received a grant to use toward the Payton Williams building. The ISO rating for the City Fire Department improved to a 4.

Ronnie Smith stated he is currently looking at roads for the 2025 LMIG Project.

With no further questions or comments, the meeting was adjourned.

____________________________ _________________________
Mike Davis, County Commissioner Date

County Commissioner Meeting – Regular Meeting
Bleckley County JC Building
August 15, 2024

NO MEETING AUGUST 2024