Board approves cannabis zoning text amendment, hazard plan and public‑health construction bid; attorney to review county software contract

Houston County commissioners voted on several administrative and fiscal items at the meeting, approving a zoning text amendment to align the county code with the recently adopted cannabis business ordinance, adopting the county’s updated hazard mitigation plan, awarding a public‑health building improvement contract, and accepting a veterans grant. The board also authorized county attorneys to review and pursue termination of a troubled Central Square software contract.

The board approved a text amendment to the Houston County zoning ordinance to add definitions and uses consistent with the Cannabis Business Ordinance. Planning staff told the board the Planning Commission recommended approval. Commissioners approved the change by voice vote.

On emergency management and hazard planning, the board adopted Resolution 2,507 to authorize the Emergency Management Performance Grant contract and Resolution 2,508 to adopt the Houston County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Emergency management staff said the EMPG request includes a local match; "It's for a matching amount of $18,581," Emergency Management Director Mark Lisonbee told commissioners. The hazard plan renewal is a five‑year update the board must adopt to maintain eligibility for FEMA and state mitigation funds; staff said the previous plan dated from 2015.

The board approved a low construction bid for interior improvements at the Public Health and Community Services building. Facilities staff reported four bidders; the low bid was Weiser Brothers General Contractors for $198,500 plus an alternate of $9,500 to address additional finish work. Facilities and public‑health staff told the board the project is funded by federal COVID immunization grant dollars and must be substantially complete by June 13, with final completion by June 30 to meet spending deadlines. Public‑health staff said the work will "upgrade the flooring and countertops to meet the clinical grade materials" and expand clinical and WIC space to improve service flow and security.

The board accepted an MDVA grant of $10,000 for the Veterans Services Office.

On software, county IT staff reported persistent issues with a Central Square ProSuite implementation (contract signed in August 2022) and asked the board for authority to seek contract termination and a refund; staff cautioned that "there might be some litigation." The board approved moving forward with termination steps subject to county‑attorney review.

The board accepted the resignation/retirement of Houston County Recorder Mary Betts, effective April 1, 2025, and will consider options for filling the remainder of the term. Commissioners also approved routine payments listed in the meeting packet.

Votes at a glance

- Zoning text amendment (Cannabis Business Ordinance alignment): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 2,507 (EMPG authorization; local match $18,581): adopted by voice vote. - Resolution 2,508 (Houston County Hazard Mitigation Plan adoption): adopted by voice vote. - Public Health interior improvement bid (Weiser Brothers General Contractors, base $198,500; alternate $9,500): contract awarded; funded by federal immunization grant. - MDVA veterans services grant ($10,000): accepted by voice vote. - Central Square ProSuite contract: board authorized county attorney review and to pursue termination/refund; action contingent on legal review. - Recorder resignation (Mary Betts, effective 2025‑04‑01): accepted; board to decide interim filling process. - Payments: approved by voice vote.

What’s next

Staff will execute the construction contract and manage the grant spending timeline for the public‑health project, Emergency Management will execute the EMPG agreement and submit the hazard plan to state/FEMA, the county attorney will review the Central Square contract and report back to the board, and county administration will bring options for filling the recorder position.