[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,74,86,98,110],{"_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",6234646,"mediaKeyId","3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722","parentId",3410941,"title","Residents tell Columbia County commissioners library shelving guidelines risk censorship and legal exposure","audioSeconds",522,"startMs",3485000,"endMs",4007000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722&start=3485&end=4007","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722/thumbnail_3485000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6234646/Columbia-County/Georgia/Residents-tell-Columbia-County-commissioners-library-shelving-guidelines-risk-censorship-and-legal-exposure","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234646-0779002fb33ca3e243a41addb26da5fb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418868&Signature=ev7O5xeg7R~JmJ3l97ZqtCVz0XFjylN2DzVuPr4ywUogOJi9vLiblITeV6QE7WaUUkrD03wr~1QXRfq2tVmO2KWKKcxfGUc44wpcqm68HzXQV6D5NehfY2A75x1KY1IRxBMnVxsAvNbo8reBejDj9KYOK5E28kC4k26oohY9XSAhW25V1BtGHMQh9bvEmDmgziwhOyWr41SPR4ZNkPcu2ou0EAe1Gy0kSquUmO6pTnyioXieb9Z-sxW1WOmn7cf-YQn9GOKlb3QboM29uDfpWoUr-I0lPY4oB0jWvt8oZaGXWEKqMnSdOwqUmChW63TC2DpnuVB4Lw0TsS4VJlpUJQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-20T23:39:56.667Z","article","Several Columbia County residents used the May 20 public comment period to press the Board of Commissioners about library shelving guidelines and related legal and policy concerns.

Priscilla Bence asked the board to move adult literature downstairs and children and teen literature upstairs at the county library, arguing that such a change would reduce contentious challenges and improve age‑appropriate access. “I’m requesting that you consider, having all the adult literature materials downstairs and all the children and teen literature upstairs,” she said.

Karen Parham told the commission she had reviewed legal opinions and argued the shelving policy could amount to a content‑based restriction that courts routinely subject to strict scrutiny. “At best, this policy is legally risky. It’s certainly not fiscally conservative to pursue something courts have consistently struck down,” she said, noting concern about taxpayer exposure to litigation costs. Parham said she had brought packets of attorney letters and urged the commissioners to seek updated legal advice before further action.

Robert Heidman, another commenter, supported the county’s guardrails. He said parents should shield children from material they deem inappropriate and thanked the board for the guidelines, arguing libraries should reflect community standards.

Speakers referenced state and national debates over library policies and the American Library Association; one commenter referenced “SB 74” and another referenced state-level action related to the ALA. The commission did not take immediate action on library policy at the meeting; the comments were heard during the public‑comment portion of the agenda.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Columbia County | Board of Commissioners Meeting (May 20th)","oneSentenceSummary","Several Columbia County residents used the May 20 public comment period to press the Board of Commissioners about library shelving guidelines and related legal and policy concerns.","taxTitle","Columbia County, Georgia","taxId",12804,"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},6234651,"Columbia County adopts stormwater fee changes for certification trainings, penalties and rain‑barrel workshops",74,2103000,2177000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722&start=2103&end=2177","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722/thumbnail_2103000.jpg","/articles/6234651/Columbia-County/Georgia/Columbia-County-adopts-stormwater-fee-changes-for-certification-trainings-penalties-and-rainbarrel-workshops","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234651-209dae451ec807a9abcf865792bda595/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418868&Signature=aDVDW0A9BHylWq3jOjdpjGM4a2TSuasADk57VmOwxoyfxpUgBduQDneCuNk82YPaw1Vd8f7N--CYapDKhuEb9eF5fPe3paaWJjG1tlhkBYzcJkN7~j5RgOaukQVkT6Gu7FTxArde4gYaPppm6Mdt2UGmAogj9suC8PJUPRdmoCo09YnihaoDneAZakkJP5LzCZsPsO~uA9M4rLxW3s~6YdhI7NtdkaE9BZ~m~RW51kjeFkgqq87A-v009Ck85ZeGNwOMXZjlwIY0z1KZxy7FFkbJa8~xdeYUYSm7-AVqxOo3TYMcjRDbsxlLDQ04TaTXflll7Yut~aLotONVbYxQgA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved revisions to the stormwater compliance fee schedule on May 20, establishing fees for state‑required certification recertifications, penalties for work started without a permit and a fee for rain‑barrel workshops.

County staff said the new fees cover materials and staff time for trainings tied to Georgia Soil and Water Conservation recertifications (1A/1B), create a double fee for contractors who start land‑disturbing work without a permit, and set a $55 fee for rain‑barrel workshops to cover the barrel and supplies so participants leave with a working rain barrel.

“This fee does cover the materials as well as some of the staff time required to have this,” a staff presenter said. Staff noted contractors may also obtain recertification through private providers but that the county offering the classes supports local compliance and oversight.

Commissioners approved the fee schedule revision by motion and the measure carried by voice/hand vote.","The Board approved changes to the stormwater compliance fee schedule that create fees for required state recertification classes, double fees for starting work without permits, and a $55 rain‑barrel workshop fee meant to cover material costs.",{"_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},6234656,"Columbia County adopts changes to plat approval, buffer and landscaping rules",294,1716000,2010000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722&start=1716&end=2010","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722/thumbnail_1716000.jpg","/articles/6234656/Columbia-County/Georgia/Columbia-County-adopts-changes-to-plat-approval-buffer-and-landscaping-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234656-d3754cc1c69a77e5aa441ee5c5e1c01a/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418868&Signature=PPd8PGOoxkOBqbTVTMEJAptrw2wMHOrQTV9NwTy3EAELdBLBXaU3ZUWX7rnAMIbbPqDs0FRiVQEl6nIvcwhaGG510ii7A2or~Lp5bntVAvOm-711HFyobaPSsD2ZP0dKeYY~GzGPXg7rSGwfgELvVfC4bDlYVlQJyWfJbtEtbNoiWzPWLX9gFXQ2ag4ZQDFnYS~6vCKkHW0jpffYpEdFRxdpGE-s50palwpfhIDmWWyLD2drfYJibZU7OgUI5QtkAkITpo4djqsdw~d70pTqBrYarDxEwVhs~s3X-lq70e05CMJEF6SYkjbG-kUBXBPsnVJlAB~D5BilvXnzLkPikQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia County commissioners on May 20 approved several ordinance amendments to subdivision and zoning standards, including rules for conceptual plan approval, buffers and screening, and landscaping.

The commission approved second readings of ordinance 2502 (chapter 74, subdivisions—procedures for plat approval), ordinance 2053 (chapter 90, buffers and screening) and ordinance 2054 (chapter 90, landscaping). The motions were made and carried by voice/hand vote.

Key changes: under the plat procedure amendment, a property with an approved rezoning would still require a conceptual plan reviewed by the Planning Commission, but subsequent non‑substantive changes that do not alter access, density or the interior layout could be approved administratively by the Planning Services Director. The amendment also allows the planning director to review proposals where existing zoning remains in place.

Buffer and screening amendments reduce a previously required 50‑foot natural buffer around common residential developments adjacent to roads down to 25 feet, but require that the reduced buffer be platted as a separate lot owned by a homeowners association so it remains protected. The revision also permits an interconnecting driveway to cross a buffer, allows planted berms (10–15 feet tall) as an alternative to natural buffers, and allows buffer reductions or waivers adjacent to county‑owned property, Board of Education property, or federally/state‑protected wetlands and floodplains.

The landscaping ordinance clarifies tree species approval authority and increases spacing requirements for shade and ornamental trees from 40/20 feet on center to 45/25 feet. It adds a review requirement with traffic engineering for trees planned within 120 feet of an intersection to avoid creating sight‑line hazards and requires developers to install street trees in areas not associated with a specific building under a timeline agreed with the Planning Services Director.

County staff presented the ordinances as code updates intended to protect buffers while streamlining approvals for non‑substantive changes; the commission approved the second readings as presented.","The Board approved second readings of multiple zoning ordinances updating plat approval procedures, buffer and screening rules and landscaping/tree spacing. Changes allow certain concept approvals by the planning director, reduce some buffer widths with protections, permit planted berms, and adjust street/tree spacing and intersection clearance.",{"_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},6234661,"Columbia County approves rezoning for White Oak Technology Park after resident concerns over noise, water and lighting",1028,2384000,3412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722&start=2384&end=3412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722/thumbnail_2384000.jpg","/articles/6234661/Columbia-County/Georgia/Columbia-County-approves-rezoning-for-White-Oak-Technology-Park-after-resident-concerns-over-noise-water-and-lighting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234661-631441da5ef4775c8708eaf46842f622/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418868&Signature=Fd7lzwzSaOy6W6IhZA98w0h4TqfwLu~2wA3QWhh57Avl4brTnKTTI1sijT~BUtBc8cm7DBT-Jhw6ZylZuRHTdtUarpmF6I-dG3GvIHItllDmhqPS~HNo8srPe7eXZFt7g1JiFUPvIQIEnOlZnhtLhleZfjtohAKdZBPBuERiYWLVLXH-aDxgZYW5Pp1geVzqlHxUxa8DIV8jG7kk2O9PhvifCQwmwLPpRnE0p3yMAAWz6SvB2doYSshJadU8mPJWe~WhlIh4~0NCsdg7IUXKTAe8bAg5PCjdawN9PvRlAdcYwMedpgjx~bnNwStveGGdV8rY77LVKOLSfGyH-A9jyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Columbia County commissioners on May 20 approved a rezoning that allows the White Oak Technology Park, a proposed data‑center campus, to proceed to the next planning stage after a public hearing and debate.

The rezoning application asked to change parcels from RA and a split RA/M‑1 to S‑1 (service/technology zoning). Commissioner Allen moved to approve the request, the motion was seconded and carried by voice/hand vote.

The decision matters because data centers can bring sizable capital investment and tax revenue while raising local concerns about water use, nighttime lighting and intermittent noise from backup generators. County and development authority officials said the site will return to the county for specific permits and conditions once an end user is known.

Resident Manny Dallas urged commissioners not to approve the rezoning without answers on noise, water and lighting. “How can you vote on something that you have no answers for?” he asked, citing worry about decibel levels, standby generators and a possible “Walmart parking lot” effect from extensive exterior lighting.

Chaney Eldridge, executive director of the Columbia County Development Authority, defended the choice of a data center as an economic development target. “Employment is low, wage is high, and so is investment,” she said, describing data centers as a high‑investment project the authority sought after months of outreach. Eldridge and other presenters emphasized that an end user has not been named and that site‑specific approvals and agreements will come back to the commission.

Drew Frederick of Trammell Crow Company, representing the developer, said a water solution has been discussed with the water utility and that design and mitigation measures — including limited public access, emergency‑only entrances and sound‑mitigation studies as required — would be part of later permitting. “There is a water solution that’ll be at the expense,” he said, noting that many cooling systems avoid the most water‑intensive approaches.

County staff and the development authority told residents that typical data‑center generator testing is infrequent and short in duration, and that lighting plans are normally required to show very low foot‑candle levels at property lines and use downward‑facing fixtures.

The commissioners’ approval rezones the parcels to S‑1; any change in access, generator use, water‑cooling systems, or other site specifics will require subsequent permits, studies and likely additional public hearings before the county, the board said.","The Columbia County Board of Commissioners approved rezoning of two parcels to S‑1 for the White Oak Technology Park, a proposed data‑center campus. Residents raised concerns about noise from generators, water usage, light pollution and traffic; county and development authority officials said end‑user details will return for further review.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":56,"_73":56},6234641,"Columbia County approves a series of property payments to advance Hereford Farm Road widening",102,4812000,4914000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722&start=4812&end=4914","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410941-4d1ebcc67cb72e1758c144e76a971722/thumbnail_4812000.jpg","/articles/6234641/Columbia-County/Georgia/Columbia-County-approves-a-series-of-property-payments-to-advance-Hereford-Farm-Road-widening","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6234641-869de3f6de28a6afa6b4b0873a4d3ec9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770418868&Signature=VjIWt3aJZFweIJw2RdQvkHRCis5ErfYkoO0fI8eg1b43jON0eargKBtwVFMZjbOyLeOoOsF1jyrbJ3g9TDWxtxW5vHBuTU7z4drA9uePE2uejIXlyzp47D5xG8FcCHf~uxFty6leJTCZ5ay8jBpCCZkma2jnJYQaLeBe8yVQqmk6QSYr7BMcBvjErQY~aV9C5dirUV8I9mwaK~JiEsTd1vP85fQtL7Vi2bEGTn~az500V5UCiDbpGWOR4MX2FmDuzVAqM4VfrvCKcIWRYPQrlmA4OeNM3r0i8d3j3IqnxZu3kyL31fOX0KNlquYNz4GIfTKKkigDbddWrUEB-hfoQg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Columbia County Board of Commissioners on May 20 approved a series of payments to property owners to obtain right‑of‑way and easements for the Hereford Farm Road widening project.

Commissioner Couch moved to approve payments to multiple owners, including amounts listed in the public motion. Staff described the acquisitions as standard and said, if approved, they would bring the project to roughly 69% complete in terms of right‑of‑way acquisitions.

Separately the board approved an additional payment of $55,500 to Ronald and Monica Ostrander for a parcel identified in the project paperwork. Commissioners carried both motions by voice/hand vote.

The motions were described by staff as routine property acquisitions toward constructing the widening project; no contested takings or litigation were identified during the meeting.","Commissioners approved multiple right‑of‑way and easement payments to several property owners to continue the Hereford Farm Road widening project; staff said the approvals bring the project to roughly 69% complete on acquisitions.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Residents tell Columbia County commissioners library shelving guidelines risk censorship and legal exposure

Columbia County adopts stormwater fee changes for certification trainings, penalties and rain‑barrel workshops

Columbia County adopts changes to plat approval, buffer and landscaping rules

Columbia County approves rezoning for White Oak Technology Park after resident concerns over noise, water and lighting

Columbia County approves a series of property payments to advance Hereford Farm Road widening