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Ben Hill County commission reappoints officials, approves financial designations and resolutions; special exception approval later rescinded
Summary
At its Jan. 2 meeting the Ben Hill County commission approved routine reappointments and financial designations, adopted two tax‑related resolutions and the 2024 holiday calendar, initially approved a Special Exception for a trailer customization business then rescinded that approval after an advertising inconsistency was raised and the item was set for reconsideration in February.
The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners at its Jan. 2, 2024 meeting approved a series of routine annual actions, adopted tax‑related resolutions and the 2024 holiday calendar, and dealt with a Special Exception for a cargo trailer customization and sales business that was later rescinded because of an advertising inconsistency.
Vice‑Chair Hope Harmon moved to approve a slate of annual reappointments: County Manager Michael Dinnerman and County Clerk Donna R. Prather were rehired; Commissioner John Mooney moved to retain County Attorney Hall, Smith & Booth (Managing Partner Tony Rowell, working with Nick Kinsley); the commission also approved re‑engaging Tony Eckler CPA as auditor. Each motion passed with Commissioners Hope Harmon, Daniel Cowan, John Mooney and Chairman Steve Taylor voting in favor.
The commission designated Colony Bank, Community Bank and the Local Investment Pool as county financial institutions and named the Herald Leader as the county legal organ; both motions passed unanimously.
Commissioner John Mooney moved, and Vice‑Chair Hope Harmon seconded, approval of two resolutions granting the Tax Commissioner authority to waive penalties and interest and to accept tax and fee payments; both measures passed with all four commissioners present voting in favor. Commissioner John Mooney also moved and the commission adopted the 2024 Holiday Calendar.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting the commission voted to approve a Special Exception allowing a cargo trailer customization and sales business on a parcel under consideration. Building & Zoning official Jacob Hughes told the hearing the proposed use was suitable and noted two neighbors who initially called with questions later said they supported the exception. The Fitzgerald‑Ben Hill County Planning Commission had denied the application.
As the meeting closed a resident said the posted advertisement for the hearing listed a 6:30 p.m. start time while the meeting began at 6:00 p.m. and asked where the business would be sited because her father lives adjacent. Attorney Nick Kinsley recommended rescinding the prior approval and restarting the process to correct the advertising error; Commissioner Daniel Cowan moved to rescind the approval, restart the process and place the item on the February agenda. The motion to rescind passed with Commissioners Cowan, Mooney, Taylor and Harmon voting in favor.
The commission adjourned following the rescission motion.
