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Residents urge Upson County commissioners for better communications, transparency and a reconsideration of veterinary-clinic zoning
Summary
During public comment residents criticized slow or nonexistent responses to emails, alleged conflicts of interest in county appointments, and urged the board to recognize livestock medicine as agriculturally associated so an appealed veterinary-clinic variance can move forward.
Multiple residents addressed the board during the Feb. 24 public-comment period, raising concerns about communications, conflicts of interest and a contested variance for a livestock and small-animal veterinary clinic.
Tammy Boyle thanked the board for recent website updates but said she had emailed the board 12 days earlier with no reply. "When the Board of Commission fails to acknowledge the citizens, it doesn't just stall progress, it erodes trust," Boyle said, adding that even a brief reply would show constituents their concerns are heard.
Lisa Pierce urged the board to prioritize transparency and accountability, citing recent complaints involving the board of equalization and warning that voters are watching ahead of upcoming qualifying and election periods. "You were elected to represent us, not to serve personal or private interest," Pierce said.
Dana Brooke spoke at length about her family's multi-month effort to secure a variance to open a veterinary clinic on their property. Brooke said the county's prior planning and zoning director gave an incorrect opinion that livestock medicine is not agriculturally associated and noted that the USDA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture recognize livestock medicine as agriculturally associated. "It is definitely recognized as agriculturally associated by the USDA and the Georgia Department of Agriculture," Brooke said, and asked commissioners to record that livestock medicine is agriculturally associated to clear the way for the clinic.
Chair and commissioners acknowledged the comments and encouraged public participation in upcoming zoning discussions. No formal board action on the veterinary-clinic appeal was reported during the meeting; commissioners said the zoning and variance process will continue through the planning and zoning office.
