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Pickens County approves 2026 budget, three rezones and two appointments; chairman authorized to sign settlements
Summary
Commissioners approved the 2026 budget, three rezones (RZ191027, RZ191034, RZ191040), appointed Travis Herndon to the Pickens County Development Authority, authorized settlement-signing, and appointed John Luke Weaver as county attorney pursuant to 'Act 6 73'.
Pickens County commissioners approved a series of administrative and land-use items at their December meeting, including the county's 2026 budget, three rezoning requests, a development authority appointment and the naming of a county attorney.
The board voted to adopt the 2026 budget after noting public hearings on Nov. 17 and Dec. 1 and offering members time to review materials. The motion to approve the presented budget carried by voice vote.
On land use, the commission approved three rezoning requests recommended by staff and the planning commission: RZ191027 (Howard Valamuk) to rezone 1.5 of an 8.27-acre tract at 494 Hill City Road from agricultural to rural residential to create an additional building lot; RZ191034 (Tina Davidson/Allison) to rezone 6.39 acres at 486 Big Ridge Road from small agricultural to rural residential to allow two buildable lots; and RZ191040 (Westwood Babcock) to rezone a 12.81-acre parcel on Cove Road from agricultural to small agricultural to divide into two tracts. Each rezone was approved by voice vote.
The commission appointed Travis Herndon to the Pickens County Development Authority for a four-year term expiring 2029-09-08. After an executive session, commissioners authorized the chairman to sign any final settlement documents related to matters discussed in executive session.
The board also appointed John Luke Weaver of JL Weaver Law Firm of Jasper as county attorney, citing "Act 6 73" as the statutory basis referenced in the meeting record. The chair said the county will continue to engage outside specialized counsel for certain legal matters.
Other routine business included approval of three sets of minutes and an annual hotel-motel agreement with the Chamber of Commerce required under state law.
Votes at a glance: 2026 budget — approved; RZ191027 — approved; RZ191034 — approved; RZ191040 — approved; Appointment: Travis Herndon — approved; Authorization to sign settlements — approved; Appointment: John Luke Weaver (county attorney) — approved.
