Residents press county on ICE facility expansion, Bethune school preservation; Chamber reports board staffing and restructuring plans

During the public comment period at the Charlton County Board of Commissioners' July 17 meeting, several residents raised separate issues including opposition to an ICE facility expansion and a request for preservation of the old Bethune school. Eduardo Delgado of Vidalia said he opposed expansion of the ICE facility and provided the board with copies of a Department of Homeland Security report he had previously cited, highlighting sections he said noted inadequate medical care in the facility. Savannah Pollock of Folkston questioned whether the county should "tie growth to something 'so flighty'" and urged diversification of industry rather than reliance on federal detention-related growth. Margaret Brunson of Folkston asked for updates on a prior request to consider the old Bethune school for preservation; she said she has a painting of Mary McLeod Bethune she would like to donate if the county can help preserve the building. Melodey Martindale, executive director of the Okefenokee Chamber of Commerce, updated the board that the chamber's board is full at seven members, that a financial report will be provided to County Administrator Glenn Hull when finalized, and that the chamber is seeking a location for an upcoming pageant. The minutes record the comments and documents provided by residents; they do not show formal board action on the ICE facility item or a commitment on preservation of the Bethune school. Commissioner Drew Jones thanked the speakers for discussing the prison system and encouraged them to contact state or federal representatives, noting the county does not set immigration policy. Commissioner James Everett expressed support for community efforts to preserve the Bethune school.