Columbia County board elects Matt Ferrell chair; new leadership outlines 2026 budget and projects

Matt Ferrell was confirmed as the permanent chair of the Columbia County Board of Supervisors during the boards Jan. 2, 2026 meeting, following a roll-call vote that a board official announced as passed.

The board first named Supervisor Craig Simmons temporary chair to preside during the organizational portion of the meeting; nominations for majority and minority leadership were also handled before members opened nominations for permanent chair. "I nominate Matt Ferrell for permanent chair," a supervisor said during the nominations period; a second was recorded and a roll-call vote followed. The chairmanship was announced as passed by the presiding official.

The newly seated chair gave an overview of 2025 accomplishments and outlined priorities for 2026. He said the countys new 9-1-1 center has been completed and "will be fully operational in a few days," and thanked Assemblywoman Edie Barrett for funding support. He reported that the board passed a 2026 budget featuring a 1.87% tax increase…