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Commission meeting: approvals and votes on speed zones, real-estate bid, court expense reallocation, appointments and MOU
Summary
Stephens County commissioners approved adding Historic Highway 17 to off-system speed-zone enforcement, accepted a real-estate services bid for 36 Mize Road, approved a January–June reallocation for shared circuit court expenses, reappointed the county clerk and county attorney, and signed an MOU with the University of Georgia for extension services.
At their regular meeting, Stephens County commissioners moved through a series of routine but consequential votes across transportation, property, court budgeting, personnel and intergovernmental cooperation.
Transportation: After a staff speed study and testimony from sheriff’s personnel about complaints and speeding on Historic Highway 17, the board approved adding Historic Highway 17 to the county’s off-system speed-zone list and authorized the chair to sign the resolution to enable radar enforcement.
Real estate: The board accepted a single closed bid from Stephen Caldell and Hammock Realty to market 36 Mize Road (the former Casey's Pro Tire property) and authorized the chair to sign associated documents to proceed with marketing and sealed bids.
Circuit court expenses: Following state legislation that increased superior court judges' salaries and removed county-funded supplements, the circuit court asked to reallocate previously allocated supplement funds to pay locality pay and fund an additional senior staff attorney. Staff presented estimated Stephens County figures — a reduction from $36,681 to $31,060.08 (a $5,620.92 reduction based on a 24.1% split) — and the board approved a January–June reallocation and agreed to revisit the FY2027 budget to request the adjusted amount.
Appointments and contracts: Commissioners reappointed the county clerk (annual item) and reappointed the law offices of Sanders Rankin Skilling as county attorney. The board approved a memorandum of understanding with the University of Georgia for cooperative extension services, removing a prior MOU requirement for the county to provide office space because the board of education supplies that space.
Invoices: The board voted to pay the nine presented invoices and quotes, which included an ACCG workers' compensation premium of $212,214; a $64,482.72 van purchase for 4‑H (with a $15,000 county contribution); and a Synergistic Software invoice of $12,952.64.
Executive session: The board voted to enter executive session for litigation and did so following the approvals.
