[{"_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":44,"_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":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6075269,"mediaKeyId","2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387","parentId",2979909,"title","Votes at a glance: Houston County commission meeting","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",3286000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387&start=3286&end=3286","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387/thumbnail_3286000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6075269/Houston-County/Georgia/Votes-at-a-glance-Houston-County-commission-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075269-41d2619ace57fbe6630739afda52d650/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079009&Signature=kOpoaaPmxFUqq3mvcCSDd9sWPSh6sBhbJWWIixq9xYCH9Zg~rRQuoul2UErfqdUQqFcLo8Dp50r0CE9cHHCFcq0DVMwUXzYUfi24osj8w4CApOXwv19gp8vL24hSpg3Sab~EfYj0h01YtxrHt4ME53xZOZUmFLRdlrO3PZTt9-So4juZ9VP4-z3pBfjSF2KydRXjGuXfFNBV3Z0z6cCAxt-t9veqHX2MqYKdDD0Lg6r3JzKbwCNPlG1J9W1-BBhKf00HOwniKDT~pbHo~E9fDr7L5F-8ht9vyi8p8uH5-Ft96-EEYFCB0GJ0kEc3ocl2JKt87VivUiuzyGhY8y5Pmg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Houston County GA ","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved actions across infrastructure, procurement, personnel and land-use items. All motions recorded during the meeting carried unanimously.

Key outcomes

- Annexation (Item 1): Commission concurred with the City of Centerville’s request to annex 123.25 acres on William Drive (motion by Commissioner Gottwals; second Commissioner Robinson). Stipulations require 8-inch water mains throughout and on William Drive, a traffic and trip-generation study, and street connections to existing county right-of-way.

- Special Exception (Item 2): Approved Special Exception Application No. 2825 for James Pierce (109 Dynasty Terrace) to use his home as an administrative business address; included zoning-appeals report stipulations and an explicit prohibition on storing business equipment, including trailers, on the property (motion Commissioner Gottwals; second Commissioner Byrd).

- Easement abandonment (Item 3): Approved abandoning county interest in two easements adjacent to 131 and 137 Walnut Street (motion Commissioner Gottwals; second Commissioner Touton).

- Personnel (Item 4): Approved a step increase for Eric Hester, treatment plant lead mechanic, to Grade 17 Step F effective March 30 for obtaining a Georgia water laboratory analyst license (motion Commissioner Touton; second Commissioner Byrd).

- Engineering services (Item 5): Approved a $74,500 agreement with Saunders Engineering Consultants for road and drainage plans in Lashley Subdivision, funded by 2018 SPLOST blight abatement funds (motion Commissioner Touton; second Commissioner Robinson).

- School-zone flashing signs (Item 6): Approved purchase of school-zone flashing signs from Temple Inc. for $31,578.04 (five-year fixed cost) to install at two locations; will be installed by county with assistance from Warner Robins traffic and signal department (motion Commissioner Touton; second Commissioner Gotwalls).

- Sanitary sewer feasibility study (Item 7): Approved $140,000 contract with Carter and Sloop for a year-long feasibility study on county-operated wastewater and sanitary sewer systems (motion Commissioner Robinson; second Commissioner Touton).

- Vehicle and equipment bids (Items 8–10): Approved purchase of a Ford F-150 for animal control ($41,121, Phil Brandon Ford), a 2026 tandem dump truck ($154,500, Middle Georgia Freightliner) and paving at the Solid Waste Disposal Facility ($132,287, Reams & Son Construction), funded as noted in each item (motions: Commissioners Robinson, Byrd as applicable; seconds recorded).

- Sheriff's courthouse change order (Item 11): Approved change order No. 4 decreasing the contract by $39,274.53 for the courthouse renovation project, bringing total to $6,383,302.57 (motion Commissioner Byrd; second Commissioner Touton).

- Payment of bills (Item 12): Approved payment of bills totaling $3,806,521.65 (motion Commissioner Byrd; second Commissioner Gotwalls).

- Executive session (Item 13): Entered executive session by unanimous vote for attorney-client consultation under OCGA; the commission stated it did not anticipate action following the session.

All listed motions carried by recorded unanimous voice/hand votes as reflected at the meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commissioner's Meeting - March 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At its March meeting the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a series of contracts, bids, personnel actions and land-use items; all recorded motions carried unanimously.","taxTitle","Houston County, Georgia","taxId",2958,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":77,"_43":78,"_45":79,"_46":80,"_48":81,"_50":82,"_52":83,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":84,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":85,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075273,"Commissioners approve $140,000 feasibility study on county-run wastewater and sewer systems",193,2674000,2867000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387&start=2674&end=2867","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387/thumbnail_2674000.jpg","/articles/6075273/Houston-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-140000-feasibility-study-on-county-run-wastewater-and-sewer-systems","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075273-d0e4697dc5ab7861f303010848396751/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079009&Signature=hc9AjpRmvP86hKWzePhRZPLOiQbOfCM6Z4ZLeOMiasLau1-jYFQI8nhoy9jSxpv--p7OEcH9FnQqg2LwE40J36tS0ik90S442pEBg9GCrN9R-u8EeyBuQuwVAFj6xzmAGgxq8boKOWVriWKIrxv3pJPqmXU7smZ1iJ3jBpk4zO~XUif~fPaMf37srmLHUq~3mGWeM60x1BWXXXRyvdnbJA~9MHJLpcukDvG3Qy8sMFbFxNpJKUul7eEeY6My~UhrmaHS8MaXoijnf7U0pNuFnyQRHmvSpSavma2PuhsQ3KZ8HMQblgHY36FJi5pJJ1N7Fv-3ozhxHsZVlujQ16B45A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $140,000 contract with Carter and Sloop of Macon to conduct a year-long feasibility study on whether the county should construct and operate a wastewater treatment plant and associated sanitary sewer system.

Commissioner Robinson presented the request and said the study is intended to examine whether a county-operated sewer system could be viable in unserved areas and where such a system would make the most impact: \"Let's figure out is there a business case for the county to run a sewer system of some sort,\" Robinson said. The study will map geographic feasibility, estimate costs, and evaluate whether a service-delivery role for the county is prudent. Funding for the study will come from the Water Department's professional-services budget.

Robinson and other commissioners emphasized the study is not a precommitment to build: if the project proceeds, staff and commissioners said they want to make decisions \"with eyes wide open,\" understanding expense and operational requirements rather than rushing into service provision. The board approved the contract by unanimous vote; the study timeline was estimated at roughly one year.

The study will inform future discussions about sewer service in parts of the county that are currently unserved or are not expected to receive service in the near term and will consider potential industry and economic-development impacts.","Houston County approved a $140,000 service contract with Carter & Sloop to study the feasibility of the county constructing and operating a wastewater treatment plant and sanitary sewer system; commissioners emphasized the study is exploratory, not a commitment.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_46":92,"_48":93,"_50":94,"_52":95,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":96,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":97,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075274,"Commissioners approve special-exception for home-based construction business with equipment ban",1145,990000,2135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387&start=990&end=2135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387/thumbnail_990000.jpg","/articles/6075274/Houston-County/Georgia/Commissioners-approve-special-exception-for-home-based-construction-business-with-equipment-ban","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075274-d3ace65705bf08403e40f6db1ebe833a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079009&Signature=ncHa9YaHgFHhek0N43s2jPIrFm3wwPWCxbwO7I-d3Wz6JGnoDv~EThsWzbsNTU7VJQJgpq0gcXgxcQbmBXOAQfHbZMsgeLcU2AHqMq3A4Td4TrBS8WZHca50XVtJp2H0ZpnDchMg4RTKePeBw4Hw0IiJUdrjkIUoqSI4MPk0q7d7rspoSV44UpztT5h8aDw~j2u--0AyJGoMj8xivXIAGoslqEEvPo1YAVrdo2PQ~e5CDRNAglwv3P6dnd5X1PIrk1SzEhONNJ1erIepwChVsXM5YdI~20VaTB1GZow8XDwOMNvsZjKuh4FDsieenk5nwiScMflm7clmP03tbjvvKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Houston County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Special Exception Application No. 2825, permitting James Pierce to use his residence at 109 Dynasty Terrace as an administrative address for his construction business, subject to conditions intended to limit on-site business activity and equipment storage.

At the March meeting Planning staff summarized the application history: Pierce first applied January 27 (denied), the board reconsidered on February 4 and again on March 24 and ultimately the March 24 zoning appeals recommendation was included when commissioners considered the item. Pierce told the board he sought only to use his residential address for administrative work and to obtain a county business license: \"All I'm asking for...is a special exception so that I can use my residential address as my business address... purely administrative purposes only,\" he said.

Neighbors opposed the exception at the county meeting. Neighbor Dara West presented a petition she said represented 64% of households contacted and raised concerns about trust and potential equipment, asking, \"I don't understand why not find a long term solution now.\" James Ryley and Eric Everett also spoke, saying they were uncomfortable that the applicant could not guarantee heavy equipment would never be stored at the property.

County Attorney Tom Hall told the board that private restrictive covenants may still restrict activity on the lot and that a county affirmative vote would not alter those covenants: \"The property in question may have restrictive covenants that are still effective and if they do, any sort of affirmative vote by this board will not change those covenants.\" Staff and commissioners explained enforcement would proceed through code enforcement and business-license actions if stipulations were violated; a special exception applies only to the person occupying the property and does not transfer to future owners.

Commissioner Gottwals, who led outreach and attended the zoning appeals hearing, moved to approve the special exception with the zoning appeals board's recommended stipulations and an explicit restriction barring on-site storage of business equipment, including trailers; Commissioner Byrd seconded. Commissioner Gottwals said he believed the petition reflected neighborhood concern but not an actual change in zoning and that code enforcement would address any violations. The motion carried unanimously.

The approval allows Pierce to use the address for administrative business activity while limiting outward signs of commercial use; neighbors and staff were directed to report any violations to code enforcement for follow-up.","Houston County commissioners unanimously approved Special Exception Application No. 2825 for James Pierce to use his home at 109 Dynasty Terrace as the administrative address for Plumb Line Construction Company, imposing stipulations that prohibit storing business equipment and limiting the exception to the current occupants.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_46":104,"_48":105,"_50":106,"_52":107,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":108,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":109,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6075275,"Commissioners concur with Centerville annexation of 123.25-acre William Drive tract",259,726000,985000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387&start=726&end=985","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2979909-404f13199059c746b4d8b06d9e244387/thumbnail_726000.jpg","/articles/6075275/Houston-County/Georgia/Commissioners-concur-with-Centerville-annexation-of-12325-acre-William-Drive-tract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6075275-1ce45bb417003b0f4ce9444b59474b9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771079009&Signature=FXKaJyI9j~zF75~oHppJyZYCVfUqkyF8KbdWMT871YpU0VQNmq5BkIO-zG78tlsTsrIzbijxh6PGVOfqdJd9Vn~gCS5ZdOsu6IQVTpBmuB8dLCZtRfaCixAxA5pZ3U7vML7W-iom5cE9IhioQLsCq5L-GW9ZLoXodcILx1KIbFby51HBsgUGSu7kto8EhUbjNpNjh2N9AKpuEJ8~Im6vX~forNWyK3wM-SgMfQyo1JTbAP4chvQkG20Mk6w77V2CqqM3ZdiobPrZa5ssQfO8RY-PGGKgM7lASSsZq7pHsI4cUoB4q5zf2PBkq~CAz7m4wozreIY78vMmUQMRuPf8nw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Houston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to concur with the City of Centerville's request to annex 123.25 acres on William Drive, a county-to-city annexation that includes a county-to-city zoning change from County R1 to Centerville R2 and three development stipulations.

The motion, offered by Commissioner Gottwals and seconded by Commissioner Robinson, requires (1) installation of 8-inch water mains throughout the development and along William Drive to connect to the existing county main on Houston Lake Road, (2) a traffic and trip-generation study to ensure county roads can support proposed traffic, and (3) the proposed subdivision streets must connect to county roads wherever existing right-of-way adjoins the development.

The board paused for public comment as a courtesy during the annexation item; no members of the public addressed the commission on this matter. County Attorney Tom Hall clarified that annexation cannot extend beyond the area requested by the owner: a propertyowner must request annexation, and a city cannot unilaterally annex adjoining properties without the owners' consent. Commissioner Gottwals also said he wants to avoid creating situations where denser development is accessed solely through less dense properties and that the developer has agreed to connect to existing stub-outs to avoid that outcome.

Commissioners raised no additional objections and the motion carried unanimously.

The annexation transfers the parcel from county zoning (R1) to Centerville R2 with the stated stipulations; any further development approvals and enforcement will follow applicable city and county permitting processes.","The Houston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to concur with the City of Centerville's request to annex 123.25 acres on William Drive and placed three stipulations on future development, including water-main connections and a traffic study.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Houston County commission meeting

Commissioners approve $140,000 feasibility study on county-run wastewater and sewer systems

Commissioners approve special-exception for home-based construction business with equipment ban

Commissioners concur with Centerville annexation of 123.25-acre William Drive tract