[{"_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",6224642,"mediaKeyId","3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d","parentId",3549854,"title","Commission approves continued state-pay reimbursement for district attorney staff","audioSeconds",373,"startMs",2509000,"endMs",2882000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d&start=2509&end=2882","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d/thumbnail_2509000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6224642/Upson-County/Georgia/Commission-approves-continued-state-pay-reimbursement-for-district-attorney-staff","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224642-770e2e18c21de97c4dd7ad60f56857e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=Ze2bYRQvo3Cu0T9qu0l5SzA1jArA65v0kx2kA2K8YyTDOiJLLes06xkOpCIOR85tmXgHjAgtefiHiPlTZnp53uhZblHy1wk3rdxq-1sCKyHPySoPQYPrnBD8gvMlecKPi11xAa3pvq2FY26C~MLZBD28Vqr6Pw-pf6NT8nDuIHb6~s-QRGO8XMifNSSXL9csl-nH-t0Ux2EEFd52QHZhV3b9HzuLGcw4tIZoLwBDnTWKjMluky7jYAD5Brgdy4JpuT3PULuL2bcQGpVdx8rF0Cf5Cwj25oiiI~WT9Jnajlt7OZaGC4XarHbTe9ujc7rYAeaTXqc7-4~reXEoL3oKUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-05-28T16:13:53.52Z","article","The Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved a resolution authorizing the district attorney of the Griffin Judicial Circuit to contract with the State of Georgia so that certain district attorney’s office positions can be processed through the state payroll system and become eligible for state fringe benefits.

Chief Assistant District Attorney David Stegard told commissioners the arrangement — commonly used in multi‑county circuits — lets employees participate in state retirement and benefits packages while counties reimburse the state for those payroll costs. He said the program is renewed every four years and last had county action in June 2021.

Stegard described the arrangement as a cost-effective way to hire and retain personnel and said it helps the county by reducing the county’s direct cost for benefits. “It’s a great way for us to retain and and and keep or hire and keep, quality folks,” he said during his presentation. He also noted that Spalding and Pike counties participate while Fayette County opts to fund positions entirely at the county level.

Commissioners were told there is no immediate additional budget impact from ratifying the resolution; any fiscal effects for specific positions would be considered through the DA’s annual budget request. The board voted to adopt the resolution; following the vote, commissioners recorded unanimous approval.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Upson County Board of Commissioners - 05/27/2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Board authorized the district attorney of the Griffin Judicial Circuit to contract with the State under OCGA 15-18-20.1 to allow certain DA office employees to be processed through state payroll; the action renews an existing arrangement and carries no immediate county fiscal impact.","taxTitle","Upson County, Georgia","taxId",28667,"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},6224646,"Upson County pauses new retail alcohol licenses for 180 days",101,1853000,1954000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d&start=1853&end=1954","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d/thumbnail_1853000.jpg","/articles/6224646/Upson-County/Georgia/Upson-County-pauses-new-retail-alcohol-licenses-for-180-days","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224646-d4cbca47c8914734a39d9195a933c305/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=IVJogydCTZxFGipuD4ACgM0qJUgVgHI-xtCHLilMnJ~rfzStFlDuhaQDVb8RunmW5JskBCdZN7DA2qv2DmZyZlN19RwCZQk1t2UsA1JQxLzmUZFGwSJ0uDXaN9Pf54vrz0XK2ptrXuBFxbPvQL~Tt1XzvCZ6SDFc31qxRiEvS2aMn~~2bLCtcgHpvOAQ7X23mg7JhNC2ZGlxOC9fOGA8lO9mDrwfnWV8D3hjuoWwlXqUwiumcbl84KD1ZdzAJh~cjAvhIImBpq5bwJlVJjrHkqAneE2bJQqgMSp7hf-NpupUDhrc50ZqAWu70vRZWBUfAdpXIo7P~a~LoOw2XWvriw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved a 180-day moratorium on the issuance of new retail alcohol licenses for distilled spirits, malt beverages and wine within the county’s territorial limits.

The resolution states the board seeks to address a perceived “proliferation” of retail alcohol sales and to review the county alcohol code to create a clearer, consistent licensing framework. The moratorium is effective immediately and includes a written-exemption process: interested parties claiming they are “severely prejudiced” by the moratorium may file a verified application with supporting documentation for the county manager or designee to place on a future board agenda.

At the public hearing before the vote, Steve Blackston, a resident of Peacock Road, raised questions about how the county measures minimum separation between alcohol outlets and churches. Blackston noted differences between the state law measurement (a straight line from front door/property line) and the county code language, and asked why county practice appeared to direct applicants to measure around obstacles rather than by straight-line distance. “How can we continue to go ahead and give out permits to places that are in violation?” Blackston asked the commissioners.

The board’s resolution says staff will review licensing practices and potentially draft ordinance changes during the moratorium; the resolution also preserves an exemption process for parties that can show vested rights. The board voted unanimously to adopt the moratorium.

The measure instructs staff to return with recommended revisions to the alcohol code before the moratorium expires so commissioners can consider clear, uniform criteria for issuing licenses.","The Upson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to impose a 180-day moratorium on issuance of new retail licenses for distilled spirits, malt beverages and wine within county limits; the measure establishes an exemption process and was prompted in part by public concern about how county distance requirements are applied.",{"_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},6224652,"Commissioners table rezoning request for portion of Pleasant Grove parcel",925,251000,1176000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d&start=251&end=1176","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d/thumbnail_251000.jpg","/articles/6224652/Upson-County/Georgia/Commissioners-table-rezoning-request-for-portion-of-Pleasant-Grove-parcel","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224652-49c19bd558fb4170e8d4e5c0d0302404/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=I5bFRABMXzBlX97qdy3GO11LXFKEA5PNCJizLVlB-TE-dkbn9vEL1g26nuEytVnOFl8P9HeXOssl2IaoWbqBTvCwaU1wa4WtSD4uTXP7LlpP-eg3IEV14GTVfuR27jJzxDhfAWw6LsL7MysB~G6DC1mD2ACe-3dUPRBpFT8eQGRda3GROwY3hpdsfdvtgLthvh-JUnEzB5SSl2av1a78B5wjyS3Mr1ba8~4a6XDyXjlHA66hrPDDoKh9dgCMmMKTm6SF6MbtigS9meEhX5m2wBn3NiNwkskOnDzyX2Sr0GQR2aOzI3OhXR2eGIw5Y~ekVHqIey7B9GbQT05fLDsWLg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","An application to rezone 30 acres of a 367-acre parcel at Pleasant Grove and Edwards roads from AR (agricultural/residential) to R‑1 (single-family residential) was tabled by the Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27.

Planning staff told the board the request — submitted by property owner Kevin Brown — would affect only the western portion of the parent parcel and would allow smaller lots in that 30-acre area; the planning commission recommended approval by a 4‑0 vote with conditions that included a survey and recorded legal description within 60 days and initiation of subdivision review within 120 days of rezoning approval.

During discussion the applicant (identified earlier in staff materials as Kevin Brown) asked the board to delay final action until the county completes its review of AR definitions and the recently enacted subdivision moratorium. In a public statement recorded at the meeting the applicant said he has “been on this property for 40 years” and that he did not want to see “a trailer park out there,” telling commissioners he prefers larger homes and wants to preserve an agricultural character on portions of his land.

Planning staff noted the case originated in November during an earlier moratorium change and said the applicant would likely be vested because the submission predated the current moratorium, though staff said the county attorney must make the final legal determination. A planner at the meeting said, “I would think he should be vested” based on the November submission.

Commissioner Jones initially moved to approve the rezoning with the planning commission’s recommended conditions, but later rescinded that motion and instead moved to continue the matter until after the county’s subdivision moratorium process is complete. The board voted to table the request; recorded votes were in favor and the motion carried.

The item remains pending. The board instructed staff to address questions about vesting and to advise whether the applicant’s proposed subdivision could proceed under existing or revised ordinances after the moratorium period.","An applicant sought to rezone a 30-acre portion of a 367-acre parcel from AR to R‑1; planning staff and the planning commission supported approval with conditions, but the applicant and commissioners agreed to table action pending the new 180‑day subdivision moratorium.",{"_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},6224657,"Upson County adopts 180-day moratorium on subdivisions",267,1527000,1794000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d&start=1527&end=1794","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3549854-9b3a921718526f64977696503ed0979d/thumbnail_1527000.jpg","/articles/6224657/Upson-County/Georgia/Upson-County-adopts-180-day-moratorium-on-subdivisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6224657-042ec1daa26e7292a396c9a7645a7912/orig.mp4?Expires=1775079724&Signature=MTN4jVCnFfAy6bP5kHlLV0NOJDYFiLgHjf4mbBotv9hX7MMEwatYaqbVRZrqKqovHGNYD4EMV9PSrv7YMFEI08PIELL3vs67xp9V0U5LxhC4bo2ZFK0yTob27HsNHviKnfXpalpuxP6JVWKouYApJaFqQaKH2HfbKTlc6K0J-vZU-Vp5fSXj6wLEEDf3kMdUeckO8rHpbsylozP0qQFCc0LJ6ypGddyZVzI8fWcndr~hu6jbh0iDf55yqoQsyjnr7QVlh3qrxaBQwcq9EJD2eK-jA2joqTfrPjGhWa5zK9kf2MR4iRLp7~tnC9WpFKCB5AqFPnKqidczfZHLjhmc~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Upson County Board of Commissioners on May 27 adopted a 180-day moratorium on “any and all subdivisions of real property in Upson County, Georgia,” the board announced during its regular meeting.

The resolution, which replaces a 100-day moratorium adopted March 11, 2025, bars the submission, county review, or recording of subdivision plats — including simple splits, minor plats and major subdivision plats — for 180 days while staff and commissioners review and consider revisions to the county’s land-use regulations. The moratorium exempts retracement plats and plats that were submitted to the Building and Zoning Department or recorded prior to the adoption date.

Planning staff read the resolution into the record, saying the county wants to “ensure orderly and sustainable development” and to align local rules with the 2023 joint comprehensive plan for Upson County, Thomaston and the city of Graf. The measure establishes a written-exemption process: property owners who claim they will be “severely prejudiced” by the moratorium may file a written application with supporting documentation for the county manager or designee to place on a future board agenda for consideration. The resolution states county staff will provide only current land‑use and zoning facts for any exemption request and will not make a recommendation.

During the public hearing, resident Chuck Thompson told the board he would like an exception to allow giving “3.7 acres of property to build a house” for a family member and asked that the board consider that type of familial transfer when applying the moratorium. Thompson identified his property and said the parcel is used currently as a horse paddock and pecan grove.

The board voted 5‑0 to adopt the resolution. Commissioners who recorded votes during the roll call were Commissioner Ellington, Commissioner Jones, Commissioner Biggs, Commissioner Watson and Chairman Burton (all recorded “yes”).

The resolution directs county staff and the board to review licensing and subdivision procedures during the moratorium period and to return with any proposed ordinance changes. Property owners with pending plats that were submitted or recorded before the adoption date remain eligible for processing under existing procedures, and the resolution provides a mechanism for owners who contend they have been prejudiced to seek lifting of the moratorium for specific parcels.","On May 27 the Upson County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to enact a 180-day moratorium on all subdivisions and simple split plats to allow a review of county land-use regulations; the resolution creates an exemption application process and preserves certain pending plats.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Commission approves continued state-pay reimbursement for district attorney staff

Upson County pauses new retail alcohol licenses for 180 days

Commissioners table rezoning request for portion of Pleasant Grove parcel

Upson County adopts 180-day moratorium on subdivisions