[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},"mediaId",6125334,"mediaKeyId","2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575","parentId",2677389,"title","Votes at a glance: Effingham County commissioners approve agenda, contracts, leases and ordinance changes (March 18, 2025)","audioSeconds",3472,"startMs",4578000,"endMs",8050000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575&start=4578&end=8050","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575/thumbnail_4578000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6125334/Effingham-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Effingham-County-commissioners-approve-agenda-contracts-leases-and-ordinance-changes-March-18-2025","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125334-6a0b23ecd6f09d0dcef881c29717b864/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441887&Signature=Y4wIQlwYh9LZ5fg~EHGuH-wivKQnjj2QD4EpaJj15lHQ04r4gRCMlDGYSZ-hjRd0LnAYTLNgjk4DfkA6m3QHC8GXY7qfXWwz7BQRZxXmwxF0O8i6o-hVIy-kbdx0Yqs2~-ec1U9A-9fZi5S6kEturqu4tiJtlI5HLlzkGx9mv0AVAYtxDvKehKZVH7ylbC9AeHB43TbslVTNAKTRuY1zNtaKIwrSZ-i4B2NAQh~ft1Ku53obL8ltq-8wLZedbaXs8g88kwhkNAMtxMzSopnARrAq5PmjuNCXtzJ-28ttFlqX~RKCBbi9-hnQeqY6hh6YGcmoO73T~6-w45qMlwA~iw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-03-19T00:56:28.653Z","article","This summary lists formal actions taken by the Effingham County Board of Commissioners on March 18, 2025. The board conducted a roll call at the start of the meeting: Commissioners present were Floyd, Burdett, DeLoach, Helmley and Chairman Ron (Commissioner Kiefer absent). The captions below summarize each approved item, the recorded outcome and key details.

Votes at a glance

- Agenda approval (amended): Approved (voice vote). Outcome: Approved, unanimous (no recorded opposition). Notes: Several items were removed or postponed as announced by the clerk.

- Minutes (03/04/2025 regular meeting): Approved (voice vote). Outcome: Approved, unanimous.

- Consent agenda (multiple routine items including vehicle lease ratification, EMS billing services, contract amendments and lighting agreements): Approved (voice vote). Outcome: Approved, unanimous.

- Variance — Forrest Floyd, 110 St. Matthews Road (accessory structure height): First reading/postponed earlier; motion to approve variance passed on initial action with one recorded opposition (voice vote: motion carries with 1 opposed). Second reading later in the same meeting approved unanimously.

- CCTV/security system upgrade at county prison: Motion to approve staff-recommended alternative (system to integrate with existing sheriff’s office infrastructure). Outcome: Approved, unanimous.

- Ignite Kingdom site plan (1745 GA Highway 17 South): Outcome: Approved, unanimous. Notes: Two-phase project; Phase A is a 4,200 sq. ft. building with septic and well.

- Truck-route ordinance revision (remove 'general direction' exemption; expand network; simplify signage): Outcome: Approved with amendment deleting Ron Station Road from proposed additions (voice vote: unanimous after deletion).

- Acknowledgment of assignment (Baker Hill Partners LLC to FCV Financial LP) for cost-share water/sewer extension: Outcome: Approved, unanimous.

- Agreement with Goodwin Mills Caywood LLC for architectural/engineering services for the animal shelter expansion and renovation: Outcome: Approved, unanimous. Contract not-to-exceed amount stated in staff report: $427,225 (projected design/engineering fee).

- Surplus resolution (Resolution 025-012 to surplus multiple vehicles, machinery and equipment): Outcome: Approved; voice vote recorded with one opposition.

- Enterprise lease agreement for Sheriff’s Office Dodge Durango replacement (open-ended equity lease): Outcome: Approved, unanimous. Corrected capitalized amount reported: $63,003.94 after applying trade-in credit.

- Probation services agreement with Southeast Corrections LLC for State Court (March 2025–March 2030): Outcome: Approved, unanimous. Monthly supervision fee $45 per probationer; fees paid by probationers.

- GeoConnex CAD system, dispatch viewer and hardware for the Emergency Operations Center: Outcome: Approved, unanimous.

- Copier lease and service agreement with Rico USA Inc. (60-month lease via Omnia Partners): Outcome: Approved, unanimous. Monthly lease/service $6,587.27 (increase of $382.41/month over current contract); replacement of multiple machines included.

Notes on voting: Most items passed by voice vote with no recorded dissent. The board recorded single oppositions on the initial variance action and the surplus resolution; individual votes were not named in the roll call for those voice votes in the public record provided by the meeting transcript.

Ending: Where votes required further detail (contract amounts, schedule changes, or follow-up work), staff were directed to circulate corrected contract documents or additional details to the board and to place some items on future agendas for finalization.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Effingham County Board of Commissioners Work Session and Meeting March 18th, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its March 18 meeting the Effingham County Board of Commissioners approved the agenda and a series of contracts, agreements and ordinance changes. Several actions were unanimous; a small number recorded a single dissent during voice votes.","taxTitle","Effingham County, Georgia","taxId",28421,"location","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6125339,"County narrows 'general direction' truck exemptions, approves expanded truck-route network (Ron Station removed)",531,7016000,7547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575&start=7016&end=7547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575/thumbnail_7016000.jpg","/articles/6125339/Effingham-County/Georgia/County-narrows-general-direction-truck-exemptions-approves-expanded-truck-route-network-Ron-Station-removed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125339-cb653bd52548eecb920772c89f4d5d05/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441887&Signature=JSKtKLJZDNvN~oxfNzkgNUVUpmsCwqigsGWoTZjpeXLf8RG~L44ufU8xH6VfGawpOrs2xCn7nzHlCrQVe7WtWiTPZoru3jiu1thlH-4prPyawncMI2-RMGzrDUUmNPyF20yq4N4YuzTyqgEYdP0FhXbyAwxK5YTcebZCLy2RBC31fNVG2dEwqAR-m~k0A2M9YNKT27yQEvzEJYXRkw0NPAQoEfzhEU3r4zURz5gL9BrLMKsq6P0McCZykhTa~fmJ6~jpLg8z5nNEkgrGobdDyGMjLXz5hd-r0jZwMh3K7VlSRbJIxIP2ontcYA8lY0d60N~un6KvVeTbEo9Shtt-fQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Public works staff proposed revisions to the county truck-route ordinance to make enforcement clearer and to expand the official truck network to included roads being upgraded to freight standards. Commissioners approved the ordinance change with one requested edit: Ron Station Road was removed from the expanded list.

Why it matters: County officials said the existing ordinance’s “general direction” exemption was difficult to enforce and allowed trucks to use local roads as through routes. Tightening the rule and expanding the designated truck network aims to reduce pavement damage, safety risks and enforcement ambiguity.

What changed

- Removal of the “general direction” exemption: Staff said the language that permitted trucks traveling “in the general direction” of a truck route to remain on local roads created enforcement problems and would be removed.

- Expanded truck-route network: The county will add roads that are under contract or scheduled for upgrade to freight standards (examples cited included sections of McCall Road and Blue Jay Road, and a short segment of Sand Hill Road between Blue Jay and Highway 80). The board explicitly removed Ron Station Road from the approved additions because design or contract work for that road is not yet ready.

- Signage and enforcement: The county will simplify signs to a clear “No trucks” pictogram and add intersection riders to make prohibitions more visible. Staff said documentation such as bills of lading could be used to show lawful movement to or from a truck route.

Vote and rationale: The board approved the revisions (approved as “alternative 1” with deletion of Ron Station Road). Commissioners and the sheriff’s office said simpler signs and clearer route definitions will aid enforcement and reduce local damage from heavy vehicles.

Ending: Staff will continue replacing and adding signs and will consider future ordinance edits as additional roads are upgraded to truck-route standards.","The Board tightened truck-route enforcement by eliminating the broad 'general direction' exemption and approved additions to the truck-route network. The board approved the ordinance changes but removed Ron Station Road from the list of added routes.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6125343,"GIS manager proposes addressing fee to cover staff time; commissioners discuss integrating charge into permit schedule",716,6258000,6974000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575&start=6258&end=6974","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575/thumbnail_6258000.jpg","/articles/6125343/Effingham-County/Georgia/GIS-manager-proposes-addressing-fee-to-cover-staff-time-commissioners-discuss-integrating-charge-into-permit-schedule","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125343-d396b4c0e55e2ebff302f0951e47ef1d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441887&Signature=XpL6l988Zw5k0JUQyhgxpIxekDIverdL5QaHkZqDs0uBuomLuHvkV9iCE6pzEyBJ16dBtodthIySYtHykGUhL3tum0OU28GgJFEPh3x1RJ~YFsXSoP3~vfn6xm8IHegs3iwQFHLwnlwzUCQUMO~~QrHEj0xESSrDuHTNvXaB9-76IxgKmMqOm6jF~nVAylnzNZa0i3msN1vxCX7V8Dn1TAM3eS4PgVRO2VPxzwUD~vezyNT8JXZpfGRTgmzu0f7lHmiGVWFsRs1HCA1~G8ktUKPjUrFFMfblQ5CvRWna2z8LEmDyrVBwEuzHzvEjx8pC3CFdqskl1D1j9ZeRN5zwCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pamela Melser, the county GIS manager, asked the Board of Commissioners to consider a new addressing fee to pay for staff time required to create and maintain emergency addresses. The proposal was discussed at the March 18 regular meeting and moved toward inclusion in the county’s annual schedule of fees rather than immediate separate adoption.

Why it matters: Accurate addressing is central to emergency response, mail and delivery services and permitting. Melser said that in 2024 the GIS team processed about 183 individual address applications and that individual cases can take an hour or more of staff time.

What was proposed and discussed

- Workload and time: Melser said the department averages “a minimum of 1 to 1.5 hours for individual applications,” explaining that individual, off-cycle requests often cost nearly as much staff time as bulk subdivision addressing.

- Fee structure considerations: The staff report included a tiered fee table (examples were discussed in the meeting) that would price larger addressing jobs (subdivisions) differently than single-house requests. Melser described a sample calculation that approximated the per-address labor cost as about $41 per 50-address block when aggregated for large projects.

- Integration vs. stand-alone fee: Commissioners asked whether the addressing fee should be embedded in building-permit or subdivision application fees or collected as a separate line item. Staff said OpenGov can accept an addressing line item and that most addressing fees are collected alongside other application fees; the county’s usual annual review of its schedule of fees (typically at the tail end of the budget cycle) would be a logical place to finalize any change.

Next steps: No formal vote was taken. Staff recommended adding the addressing fee to the OpenGov payment system and bringing any language changes to the fee schedule during the next scheduled update so the county does not have to re-post separate fee changes mid-cycle.

Ending: Commissioners directed staff to draft implementation language and to return the proposal as part of the annual fee-schedule update for formal adoption.","Effingham County GIS staff proposed a new fee to cover the time needed to create and maintain 9-1-1 addressing records. Commissioners discussed whether to implement the fee as a standalone charge or fold it into existing permit fees; staff recommended adding it to the county’s schedule of fees at the next review.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6125348,"Effingham County reviews HSA, retiree HRA, dependent-care options and an imaging discount program",2016,1134000,3150000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575&start=1134&end=3150","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2677389-e997a5dc16516b53348e1c60d4c14575/thumbnail_1134000.jpg","/articles/6125348/Effingham-County/Georgia/Effingham-County-reviews-HSA-retiree-HRA-dependent-care-options-and-an-imaging-discount-program","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6125348-cb4c4fdae7d442c692ab92082e73354b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770441887&Signature=OaGyzXd~UExlEx4OkyqbPj1eIs3OD6zXqO8EQ1kRYGRv~mQd8IG1AKdF3wNL3i6t2rO1GzuFS2U3KNZvj507G3I582MBDF2R4Qegio5a9q5OyK08iIdWEJsUrwNcmWU~Pa~Ihlwqp5i-h2UOmKF7ajZuMY9cm4QwDVrGMd7cTIxCK8GhqBIfNLKnF-aql4A-COVPH9TGjqMclgYsD4VKsP76TR9DuMnGNU6u1BaAUgWA0EHzlfwiskMN1fxbolp7VTOb0sANqkcN92l~kP-WD~Lh20FxT9WQOEtKrfNAoy6mxWNDr9Vr8vtfJqmgc3KOQ6XAhFF1Uaiewf0N~Y5VHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Mark, a benefits broker with USI, presented a menu of voluntary and employer-funded options meant to reduce county health-plan claims and give employees more portable, tax-advantaged ways to pay medical and dependent-care costs. The presentation came during the Board of Commissioners work session on March 18.

The presentation outlined four families of options: health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible health plans; dependent-care accounts (described as an HRA for dependents); coverage for significant others/domestic partners; and two approaches to retiree or “gap” coverage for older employees. Mark also recommended an “imaging center discount” vendor that would arrange no-cost imaging at contracted radiology centers.

Why it matters: Commissioners and staff cited rising claim costs and an aging workforce as reasons to consider incentives that would move older employees to separate retiree plans or to Medicare while still assisting with drug and out-of-pocket costs. Several options Mark described would change how claims are bucketed and potentially reduce pressure on the county’s self-funded plan.

Key points from the presentation

- HSA vs. FSA: Mark explained that an HSA must be paired with a high-deductible health plan and described it as an individually owned, portable bank account. He said, “I actually have an HSA. I’ve had 1 for 10 years now. If I leave my company, if I retire, whatever it is, that is my money, it is my bank account.” He contrasted HSAs with flexible spending accounts (FSAs), which have rollover limits and employer-driven rules.

- Contribution limits and portability: Mark estimated, without confirming precise figures on the spot, that contribution caps for HSAs were “something like $4,800 for an individual and $8,600 for a family” and noted there are catch-up contributions for people 55 and older; he prefaced those numbers by saying he did not have the exact current limits at the meeting.

- Dependent-care accounts (dependent HRA): The broker described a county-set account that employees could use for dependent expenses such as daycare. Effingham County could decide whether and how much to contribute or to offer a matching contribution.

- Significant-other/domestic-partner coverage: Mark said the county could add domestic-partner coverage at any time with the carrier (identified in the presentation as Meritain/Aetna). Commissioners raised concerns about potential fraud and about the county using public funds to cover relationships that are not legally documented; legal and operational guardrails would be needed if the board elects to permit that coverage. Mark said Georgia has no statewide law defining domestic partnerships and that a local ordinance could provide definitions and qualifying-event rules.

- Retiree/gap coverage options: Mark offered two principal approaches: (1) create a separate division on the county’s carrier for older workers (e.g., ages 55–65) so those employees’ claims are segregated, or (2) establish a retiree HRA (health reimbursement account) funded by the county that employees approaching retirement could use for prescriptions and other out-of-pocket Medicare costs after they move to Medicare. He described the retiree HRA as a county-funded “bucket” that can be sized and conditioned by policy (for example, by requiring a minimum service period to qualify).

- Imaging center discount program: Mark recommended a vendor (referred to as Know the Cost) that contracts with accredited radiology centers to schedule MRIs, CTs and other imaging for employees with no copay and no charge to the county plan. He said the vendor is paid by participating radiology centers and that no minimum employee participation is required. Commissioners asked whether local hospitals participate; Mark said he would follow up and that initial searches showed options primarily in Savannah, Pooler and Statesboro for some procedures.

Next steps and follow-up

Mark said staff would return with implementation details and education materials for open enrollment. Commissioners asked staff to check carrier rules, vendor networks and any state-level legal constraints before committing to coverage changes. No ordinance or funding decision was taken at the meeting; staff was tasked with bringing follow-up cost and network information to a future session.

Ending: The presentation closed with an agreement to continue the conversation. Mark said he would provide more precise contribution limits, vendor contract terms and a local-network check for the imaging program so commissioners could weigh cost, accessibility and plan design options before a possible rollout during open enrollment.","A benefits broker briefed county commissioners and staff on adding health savings accounts, dependent-care HRAs, retiree 'gap' coverage options and a no-cost imaging discount program for employees. No formal action was taken; staff will follow up with cost and implementation details.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Effingham County commissioners approve agenda, contracts, leases and ordinance changes (March 18, 2025)

County narrows 'general direction' truck exemptions, approves expanded truck-route network (Ron Station removed)

GIS manager proposes addressing fee to cover staff time; commissioners discuss integrating charge into permit schedule

Effingham County reviews HSA, retiree HRA, dependent-care options and an imaging discount program