At its Dec. 23 meeting, the Meriwether County Board of Commissioners cleared several routine but consequential administrative items.

Elections: Staff recommended and the board adopted a resolution establishing qualifying fees for the 2026 elections. Approved fees include $219.22 for county commissioner candidates, $1,798.04 for chief magistrate judge, and $414 for board of education seats; a special election qualifying fee for board of education District 4 was also set at $414.

Development bond release: Public Works reported that Chambers Investors LLC (doing business as Chambers Village at Hunter Welch Parkway) had a three-year road bond (issue #1190220) for Phase 2 inspected and recommended for release in the amount of $345,205; the board approved the release.

Road closure: The board authorized a temporary closure of a portion of County Line Road to facilitate bridge improvements that affect both Meriwether and Troup counties. Staff presented a traffic-control plan and a detour; the project start date is Jan. 5, 2026 with an estimated completion in April 2026.

Workers' compensation: Marsh McLennan presented a renewal proposal for workers' compensation coverage for Jan. 1, 2026–Jan. 1, 2027 with a proposed premium of $143,921 (a $1,207 reduction from the prior year). Staff advised the premium is estimated based on prior payroll figures and an audit will update earnings and exposure; the board approved binding coverage to avoid a lapse and asked staff to return any premium changes for board review.

Other business: Staff updated the board on planned vehicle rotations and project timelines, and commissioners recognized County Clerk Miss Stevens for earning a master's degree in public administration.