Residents urge caution on liquor licenses, development and salary increases; homicide-support group seeks county backing

At the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners meeting on Jan. 14, residents urged the new all‑female commission to exercise caution on liquor licenses and rapid housing development, asked the board to reconsider proposed salary increases, and called for official support for a local homicide‑support group.

The comments came during the meeting’s opening public‑comment period, which the board placed at the start of the session to encourage early citizen input.

Tony Smith, a resident, opened public comment by congratulating the new commissioners: “I just wanna get up and just congratulate you ladies on our first all women, chair commissioner and boy for, Rockdale County.” Corlys Turner, also a resident, asked the community to be patient with the incoming administration, saying the county inherits “a lot of things” that will take time to fix.

Lee Wright, a resident, raised a land‑use concern: “On my street, Old Salem Road, I believe they’re gonna used to be, Hank and Jerry’s. And now from what I have read, that little establishment establishment is gonna become a liquor store. I don't understand this because there's a daycare right across the street from it.” Wright asked officials to check whether a liquor license or change of use was pending.

Tyrone Morrell, speaking for the Brentwood subdivision, urged the commission to rescind or delay proposed salary increases. “I would like to submit as part of your mess to clean up is to waive the salary increases…that money could be spent wisely elsewhere,” Morrell said, adding that continued large‑scale residential development risks overwhelming schools, health care and public safety systems.

Betty Maddox Battle, founder of Grieving Relatives in Every Violent Event, asked the board for county collaboration and compassion to support families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. “We can do that 3 ways. We can do it with collaboration. But most importantly, we must do it with compassion,” she said, and urged county leaders to help set up services locally.

The public comments were followed by routine agenda business and then by board member remarks. Chairwoman Janice Van Ness thanked county staff and transition team members for assistance during the change in leadership and said she ran “to restore integrity to this position, and I will do that.” Post 1 Commissioner Tawania Smith thanked staff and said citizens “have a seat at the table,” pledging transparency and steady, responsible growth. Commissioner Dorian Williams highlighted veteran suicide prevention and dementia‑awareness programs being planned and said community outreach and partnerships would be pursued.

Several commissioners offered to have staff follow up on issues raised during public comment. Commissioner Williams said she would have her assistant connect with the local American Legion about a possible suicide awareness event; no formal direction or policy was adopted during the public‑comment period.

Board members did not take formal votes in response to the public comments. Several items later in the agenda — including grants, contracts and appointments — were approved by voice vote during the meeting.

The county clerk announced an executive session would be held after the public meeting to discuss personnel matters and pending or threatened litigation.