[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-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",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_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":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6587744,"mediaKeyId","5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c","parentId",5554611,"title","Board approves housekeeping amendment to environmental health regulations; staff says permitting process unchanged","audioSeconds",191,"startMs",8142000,"endMs",8333000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c&start=8142&end=8333","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c/thumbnail_8142000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6587744/Chatham-County/Georgia/Board-approves-housekeeping-amendment-to-environmental-health-regulations-staff-says-permitting-process-unchanged","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587744-7443cfb591fea4a87b172c71aac8abae/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103518&Signature=f5PVg0yjevp4xtuUwiHcrCeIfd9JpvRhXYUM-Qv09EyvL2dXy7a5twgLi6YqSDUeK8Xd6b~Ue6VmbGr6FvHaeK5XZ9YQpaCpL8AVZVjl4~l0fwqTz2PkBec~at5Nin0d4SMW5Re9Z6daF1A9lHQ-rIofIE~RlEl8WLv1rcgLSJySxCAt9EH0wGzzpP9K8w-zauMOLe2vw74emY~AjRWTCl3OuqzDoVu9jr4JCcg8e-FWrlQ1dssbrlszPnObalC-2Mex~DiuZTPdvpNGkvm-AwY7zJ~jwCVNVIfHZSIL-Lr3UyKV6K1qZkKAXXjIraigonFQyJZHBtlmixETB6oTEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Chatham County ","date","2025-08-08T13:04:52Z","article","Chatham County on Aug. 8 approved an amendment to chapter 21 (health, safety and sanitation) updating Section 110 of the county’s environmental health regulations. The amendment updates department names (reflecting state reorganization) and incorporates two Board of Health resolutions related to commercial septic systems and properties in flood-prone areas.

Lauren Baker Newton, environmental health manager with the Chatham County Health Department, told commissioners the changes align the county ordinance with state reorganization that moved functions into the Department of Public Health and add language to avoid conflict between health permitting and engineering where fill is used in conjunction with septic systems.

“There won’t be new regulations… It’s more of a housekeeping,” Baker Newton said, adding that the change makes permitting “a seamless process” and adds enforcement options — a tool for local courts — if voluntary compliance does not resolve violations.

The board approved the amendment by motion and second. Baker Newton said the public should not anticipate any change in day-to-day permitting for septic systems as a result of the amendment.

Ending: The measure passed on voice vote; staff said it would simplify interdepartmental coordination when septic systems intersect with floodplain and fill issues.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Chatham County Commission Meeting: August 8","oneSentenceSummary","The board amended Section 110 of the Chatham County environmental health regulations to reflect state organizational changes and clarify septic-system resolutions; staff said permitting procedures for septic tanks will not change for the public.","taxTitle","Chatham County, Georgia","taxId",2956,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587749,"Board approves 2025 revenue ordinance including SSD millage increase and higher solid-waste fee amid budget debate",1742,6331000,8073000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c&start=6331&end=8073","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c/thumbnail_6331000.jpg","/articles/6587749/Chatham-County/Georgia/Board-approves-2025-revenue-ordinance-including-SSD-millage-increase-and-higher-solid-waste-fee-amid-budget-debate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587749-adf8060bb78087f0efd68624001118cd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103518&Signature=Qk3hjIzz--QzXo1mX0Fq8xc4ul34GTl1sU8Bp9jm3wD4zXNsyhR1LnM1aiIPQOE5YghcUKAib1B-wtK1iZvZZm5gd8xGBFErw2Jv~Nk7IRAVEBuxzXRSkUsAVwHZYB3QH35wE-baz~QPWULAy1ORNno6lnz9Epilf-frYlY2yRP7z9F2CMVPLeNX3SlmFkbvbZzwQSFrGRsLrVDvFAr2Go8Q4EMcH6~6rm4nbT7Z12WjqEoPL5irS~Lvs0Ld4ZdlpIN-jYaf9o8wDHyeGJX1xdIstNyt~Ong0W3m49ywT7uY0uVqL3Lh-F7bhRI1AnCKby0r1OQnWMVn3RgJyiw-YA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners voted on Aug. 8 to adopt the county’s 2025 revenue ordinance, which includes multiple fee changes and rate adjustments the manager and staff had submitted during budget preparation.

What changed: The ordinance increases the Special Service District (SSD) millage from 4.502 mils to 6.502 mils (an increase of 2.000 mills). The revenue ordinance also updates multiple departmental fees and administrative charges across police records, engineering, parks and solid waste. Notably, the county’s dry-trash (solid-waste) fee was raised from $85 to $125.

Why it matters: Commissioners debated the timing and fairness of the solid-waste fee increase after the board had already approved a 2-mill increase targeted to fund fire services for unincorporated areas. Commissioner comments reflected concern that raising both millage and user fees may burden residents. County staff and solid-waste management said the solid-waste fee must increase to maintain the service without continued transfers from other funds.

Details read into the record by Miss Davis included police-records fee updates, fingerprinting fees for ABC permits ($5), video/audio copying fees tied to OCGA 50-18-96(g), and changes to engineering and floodplain review fees. Several engineering fees were increased or restructured to reflect expanded review and inspection responsibilities.

Solid-waste explanation: County staff explained the solid-waste fund is not self-supporting at the existing $85 fee and requires higher fees because transfers previously covered equipment replacement. The speaker said the SSD previously subsidized the operation with transfers (ranging from roughly $676,000 in 2023 to $2.7 million in 2024), and that transfer authority had been removed or limited this year. The department cited heavy capital costs for collection trucks and grinders (grinders cost roughly $1 million each and wear out in about five years) and said the $125 fee is required to sustain equipment replacement and service.

Board debate: Commissioner Taylor (and others) questioned several fee increases (for example, a 100% increase for arborist lot-review fees and large jumps for flood-plain development review fees). Staff explained those fees reflect expanded inspection scope, longer review and multi-year closeout and enforcement work. Commissioners asked staff to provide supporting rationale and cost analyses where department fee increases were substantial.

Ending: The revenue ordinance passed after a motion and second; staff committed to reinsert language clarifying that daytime daytime field usage for community-recognized organizations (two hours free) remains a county practice and to circulate supporting documentation and cost justifications for specific fee increases.

","Chatham County commissioners approved the 2025 revenue ordinance, which raised the Special Service District (SSD) millage from 4.502 to 6.502 mills and increased the solid-waste fee from $85 to $125; commissioners debated the timing and equity of rates versus recent millage changes.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587754,"Commissioners table proposed floodplain ordinance amendments after island and service concerns",826,5400000,6226000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c&start=5400&end=6226","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c/thumbnail_5400000.jpg","/articles/6587754/Chatham-County/Georgia/Commissioners-table-proposed-floodplain-ordinance-amendments-after-island-and-service-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587754-7ebc8430de1b248ac183240f3fd13d0f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103518&Signature=IP4LnMO8mnuiylHQb7jBIsgLrx6VnuVcJaJq4LkRhSCYlZmvzqoPV2cd1wjrI3X4~aOzBSJmy7hoTU1wdRB5IrHAhxzv0zEBf2YXYUhFKfNPQbJSQN5HGYnzpnzX5TyVnOSUtwLXCw9bSIiqjnIdzmdGn-YE3-L1ioochenzCgxENBbnHJooA6r6fe9QamlMiayFju69hpQh2dKCPGr0xxGvHBq3o0sowXsvv5PMlLkEWxsjfnZE7QKDeJ92ZwZ-H0i65KqF4CWip7qRJ3fbMDw9ie6EX-HPKHzGes18EA5pILEmjl9XsADSaR5GAzxm76lol0CKlp-nrKaw9KVwXA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 8 voted to table proposed amendments to the county’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance (Chapter 24, Article 1) after extended discussion about the effect of a provision that would bar “critical facilities” from being located in mapped special flood hazard areas.

Why it matters: The change would affect where hospitals, nursing homes, emergency operations centers, utilities, and other “critical facilities” can be sited or expanded in unincorporated Chatham County, where substantial portions — including many coastal islands — lie in FEMA-designated flood zones.

County Engineer (identified in the meeting as Miss Cooler) told the board staff had mainly reformatted the ordinance for consistency with other county ordinances, but that a substantive change under consideration was reinstating language prohibiting critical facilities from being located in special flood hazard areas (SFHAs) because the model state/FEMA ordinance includes that restriction. She said the intent was to apply consistent standards and protect county resources.

Several commissioners, particularly those representing island districts, expressed concern that the prohibition is impractical because sizable portions of their districts fall into SFHAs. Commissioner questions included how the rule would affect siting of fire stations, police stations and utilities and whether access roads could remain functional during storms. One commissioner noted the practical reality that “on the islands, you just don't have much choice” about locating facilities outside flood zones and suggested hardening structures instead of an absolute ban.

Staff and engineering noted alternatives: require critical facilities in SFHAs to be flood-proofed (construction standards, elevated equipment), require protective berms (an example cited was Elba Island’s berm) or allow site-specific flood-proofing standards. Staff also said reinstating the prohibition yields no Community Rating System (CRS) benefit but is driven by model ordinance guidance and the county’s interest in protecting its infrastructure and eligibility for certain FEMA reimbursements.

County Manager and several commissioners asked staff to circulate comments previously received from the Home Builders Association and to allow additional review time. The board voted to table the ordinance amendment to permit more stakeholder feedback and edits; Chairman Ellis asked engineering to reissue the proposed text and the public comments for review.

Ending: The motion to table passed on a recorded voice vote. Commissioners asked that island representatives deliver any additional suggested edits to the manager’s office for staff consideration prior to the next reading.

","Chatham County commissioners voted to table amendments to Chapter 24, Article 1 (Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance) after commissioners representing islands and other members raised concerns about a provision barring critical facilities from special flood hazard areas and requested more review and stakeholder input.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587759,"Chatham County Animal Services reports higher intake and heavier reliance on rescues; outlines hurricane sheltering plan",1441,3886000,5327000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c&start=3886&end=5327","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c/thumbnail_3886000.jpg","/articles/6587759/Chatham-County/Georgia/Chatham-County-Animal-Services-reports-higher-intake-and-heavier-reliance-on-rescues-outlines-hurricane-sheltering-plan","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587759-c9e9781118a7a1fb652b3380652dd553/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103518&Signature=jFo2SlVV4LCOQMzPsj14NlBykQQqCfjG-t~vs2vehddAwicevs7haaP6XIAmXabhTaX-tTx5p2AuukJdTVwICCMP-CFTlh2JuKCqtQyDOeFQQjL-WPNAK56e-KhZf9EHiY49QwLug~RUj4BegBJMwmlPV~ZeFTghCgi1Ag6NhWqvpHSAinKUBCAMvvLkTOpaWx7UbGFOkVn5A0uRpyHMWiu~gHaWRZvLjOe37qFTu8Jeud0c-nh5mN6x4CArcQ9R~L~DXEyqs8yT2d9cOlpQj0-Qy~ed57HRHK-5zxpLM-u~iZx~Vq2hT5xD~iwCgkB8Ctkqr71NYCOFzwTDHbctmA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Dr. Harper, presenting an update for Chatham County Animal Services (referred to in the meeting documents as “Bridal Services”), told the Board of Commissioners on Aug. 8 that from April through August the shelter took in 443 dogs and 162 cats and that the county relies heavily on rescue partners to move animals to live outcomes.

Why it matters: The presentation outlined shelter intake, outcomes, enforcement patterns and the county’s hurricane evacuation procedures for animals — relevant to residents who depend on county services, rescue partners and budget planners.

Dr. Harper summarized intake and outcomes: “Over that time, we took in 443 dogs total… and 162 cats,” and said most animals leave the shelter via rescue transfers (rescue partners such as Renegade Paws, Coastal Pet Rescue and Red Clay were named). She told commissioners the live outcomes included 100 adoptions, 135 returns to owners and 164 rescue transfers for dogs, and roughly half of cats went to rescue or transfer. The shelter’s cat intakes historically skew toward sick or injured animals.

Commissioner Anthony Noah asked whether the rescue arrangements were written or verbal. Dr. Harper replied that relationships are “mostly verbal” and that Renegade Paws is “one of the only rescues… that has a building” and a large foster program; she said rescues assume financial responsibility for animals they pull from the shelter and that the county no longer charges rescues a pull fee.

On enforcement and calls for service, Dr. Harper said animal-control officers ran 3,429 calls year-to-date and emphasized that many “dog at large” reports are unfounded by the time officers arrive — she said about 65% of dog-at-large calls are unfounded. She explained the department prioritizes dangerous calls (bites, aggressive animals, police assists and sick/injured animals) and relies on citizen witness testimony when pursuing some citations in court.

On hurricane operations, Dr. Harper described multi-step evacuation planning: outreach and coordination with partners (including a memorandum of understanding with Henry County and arrangements with Atlanta Humane), vaccination checks, use of trailers and temporary shelters (a horse arena in Henry County was cited as an example) and staff deployed to care for evacuated animals. She said the county typically does not charge owners to hold animals during evacuations and that in prior evacuations community organizations and partner agencies helped move animals. “We start moving animals 72 hours out,” she said, adding that in some rare cases euthanasia might be required for animals too sick to safely move.

Ending: The department said it is hiring three additional animal-care assistants (five of eight positions filled) and reiterated that rescue partners are critical to maintaining a high live-release rate. Commissioners thanked staff for the work.

","Animal Services reported 443 dog intakes and 162 cat intakes April–August, described rescue partnerships, enforcement priorities for dog-at-large calls and protocols for evacuations and temporary shelters during hurricanes.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6587764,"Chatham County proclaims August Emergency Management Awareness Month; director highlights duties, staff and funding needs",583,2758000,3341000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c&start=2758&end=3341","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5554611-fc5660958e63acb8d216dddbb9ab723c/thumbnail_2758000.jpg","/articles/6587764/Chatham-County/Georgia/Chatham-County-proclaims-August-Emergency-Management-Awareness-Month-director-highlights-duties-staff-and-funding-needs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6587764-dc393afb6117e05dffcf99a636a39150/orig.mp4?Expires=1771103518&Signature=MrssdHJugoKpb~yHp01jr~l1QHqZpjzDwUa8uvZJRmnjhbY0bnO2yqu2JoeuJ50TX50Bcn1qPNQtOw9cvuMh3H2cyJEo33o0aOg3k3wPQ3H6zfF0LkkH-NvR~~qf5mypfNMhuD5ZU3lN7dFJIwGTrvIMkiZFxKtEYfifdWUodyoK2gqV0rBIjdPmgQTcFIWXMSB6-mi4Er8PjubloadPZhYSG9vK-8J~URN~-OxmjiJdfzHlq44O4XbOF5mky6O7pSiu4o~pH5QaqnjmjGjl9JFw1sbEqEcPRvmpJb0s8pwRKeGGGfrcQuIxX2cJ-FpLVtZSu~2~kDRvDUAvzOzv5Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 8 adopted a proclamation recognizing August 2025 as Emergency Management Awareness Month and heard department staff outline emergency-management activities, staffing and funding needs.

The proclamation, read by Chairman Chester A. Ellis, asked residents and governments to “review and enhance preparedness efforts” and recognized local emergency managers for coordinating response and recovery across jurisdictions. Dennis Jones, director of Chatham County Emergency Management (CEMA), accepted the proclamation and described CEMA’s scope: planning, hazard analysis, coordinating resources during response, public education, mitigation and long-term recovery work.

Why it matters: Jones told commissioners that CEMA’s work extends beyond hurricane season and that the office’s plans become the operational blueprint when the chairman declares a local state of emergency. He urged continued investment in staff training and facilities to ensure rapid response and recovery across Chatham County.

Jones noted that this proclamation is the county’s inaugural Emergency Management Awareness Month recognition and described the CEMA team’s certifications and responsibilities. “Our main mission is to plan and prepare the citizens of Chatham County and the governments within Chatham County,” Jones said. He also described an upcoming capital project — a new facility the county has budgeted funds to acquire — and thanked the board for budget transfers intended to help the agency secure a permanent operations center.

Commissioners and board members praised the staff. Several commissioners told Jones they had seen CEMA “calm, cool and collected” in past incidents and thanked the team for coordination with the sheriff’s office, fire departments and other agencies.

Jones introduced and recognized CEMA staff by name and role, citing certifications and professional achievements for each (for example, Randall Matthews, Chelsea Sawyer, Seth Sawyer and others) and said the office manages multiple budgets and grant funds “for a total allocation of a little over $114,000,000.” He described the staff’s coordination with the National Weather Service, volunteer amateur radio assets and partner organizations.

Ending: Jones asked commissioners to visit and observe CEMA capabilities. Chairman Ellis closed the item by thanking Jones and the staff for their work and noting a planned photo of the proclamation presentation.

","The Chatham County Board of Commissioners declared August 2025 Emergency Management Awareness Month and heard an extended presentation from Emergency Management director Dennis Jones about the agency's role, staff certifications and a planned capital project.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Board approves housekeeping amendment to environmental health regulations; staff says permitting process unchanged

Board approves 2025 revenue ordinance including SSD millage increase and higher solid-waste fee amid budget debate

Commissioners table proposed floodplain ordinance amendments after island and service concerns

Chatham County Animal Services reports higher intake and heavier reliance on rescues; outlines hurricane sheltering plan

Chatham County proclaims August Emergency Management Awareness Month; director highlights duties, staff and funding needs