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Houston County commissioners approve routine bids, personnel changes and a 3% pay adjustment; alcohol license moves to second reading
Summary
At its meeting, the Houston County Board of Commissioners approved multiple procurement awards, personnel reclassifications and a countywide 3% salary adjustment effective Feb. 3, 2025; the first reading was held for a retail alcohol occupational tax application for Henderson Corner Market with a second reading and public hearing set for Feb. 4.
The Houston County Board of Commissioners approved a slate of routine procurement awards, personnel reclassifications and a 3% salary adjustment during a regular meeting. The board also held a first reading for an occupational tax application for retail sale of alcohol and set a second reading and public hearing.
Key outcomes
- The board approved minutes from its Jan. 7, 2025 meeting (motion by Commissioner Robinson; second by Commissioner Gottwalds). Chairman voted in favor; Commissioner Byrd abstained. The motion carried.
- The board approved emergency procurement and award of six HVAC units for the magistrate court to low bidder Wilson Bryant Air Conditioning of Macon for $57,975 (motion by Commissioner Byrd; second by Commissioner Gotwalls). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved purchase of one in-stock 2023 Dodge Durango from Woody Folsom Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Inc. of Baxley for $43,000 to be used as an administrative SUV at the detention center (motion by Commissioner Robinson; second by Commissioner Byrd). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved reclassification and additions in the Fire Department: investigator position (position 2060) reclassified to deputy chief prevention (grade 23); adding deputy chief training (position 2070, grade 23) and captain prevention (position 2071, grade 19). Accounting was authorized to make necessary budget adjustments (motion by Commissioner Robinson; second by Commissioner Gottwalds). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved a pay matrix for the Houston County Fire Department to award a step increase once a year for each certification or advanced training completed, with estimated first-year cost of about $67,000 and reductions in subsequent years as more staff achieve certifications. The matrix allows personnel to submit achievements for step increases without additional commission approval; accounting was authorized to make budget adjustments (motion by Commissioner Robinson; second by Commissioner Byrd). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved hiring Mr. Darion Lester for a vacant equipment operator position in Roads and Bridges effective Jan. 21, 2025, at grade 10 B step (motion by Commissioner Gottwalds; second by Commissioner Robinson). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved a reclassification in the District Attorney’s office: secretary position reclassified from grade 8 to secretary 2 (grade 11) effective Feb. 3, 2025, with the D.A.'s office offsetting costs via vacancy management (motion by Commissioner Gottwalds; second by Commissioner Byrd). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved a 3% salary adjustment for merit system employees, eligible constitutional officers’ employees, full-time county-elected and appointed officials and eligible employees receiving county supplements, effective Feb. 3, 2025; accounting was authorized to make necessary adjustments (motion by Commissioner Gottwalds, restated to include effective date; second by Commissioner Robinson). Commissioners spoke in appreciation of county employees. Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved intergovernmental agreements with the cities of Warner Robins, Perry and Centerville and the Houston County Board of Elections to conduct city elections for the 2025 election year (motion by Commissioner Byrd; second by Commissioner Gottwalds). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board approved payment of bills totaling $2,627,787.36 (motion by Commissioner Byrd; second by Commissioner Robinson). Motion carries unanimously.
- The board conducted a first reading for an occupational tax application to permit retail sale of beer, wine and liquor for off-premises use at 2802 U.S. Highway 41 South (Henderson Corner Market, owner Monica Kinnebrew). The second reading and public hearing will take place at the Feb. 4 meeting; before that hearing, the applicant must obtain approvals from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, Houston County Building Inspection and the Houston County Attorney’s Office. No vote was taken on the license at this meeting.
The meeting included routine commissioner comments and no public comments were offered during the public-comment period.
