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Ben Hill County adopts $1.65M budget amendment, ratifies encroachment agreement and okays ARP-funded 4‑H furniture; hazard mitigation hearing opened
Summary
The Ben Hill County Commission adopted Budget Amendment 2023-02 increasing General Fund revenue and expenditures by $1,651,567, ratified an encroachment agreement for the Ed Ward Road project, authorized ARP funds to buy 4‑H office furniture, and held a public hearing to begin updating the county hazard mitigation plan.
Ben Hill County commissioners on Feb. 6 approved a series of administrative actions including a $1,651,567 amendment to the General Fund budget, ratification of an encroachment agreement for the Ed Ward Road project, and authorization for the county manager to use ARP funds to buy furniture for the renovated 4‑H building. The board also opened a public hearing to begin updating the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Budget amendment: CFO Darlow Maxwell presented Budget Amendment 2023-02 for Fund 100 — General Fund — which increases both General Fund revenue and expenditures by $1,651,567. The amendment cites O.C.G.A. §36-81-3(b), which requires an annual balanced budget for applicable funds. Vice-Chair Hope Harmon moved to approve the amendment; Commissioner John Mooney seconded. The motion carried with Commissioners Mooney, Harmon, Cowan and Chairman Steve Taylor voting in favor as recorded in the minutes.
Encroachment agreement: Commissioner Bennie Calloway moved to ratify the vote to approve an encroachment agreement with Fitzgerald Water Light & Bond for the Ed Ward Road project; Vice-Chair Harmon seconded. The motion passed with Commissioners Calloway, Harmon, Mooney, Cowan and Chairman Taylor voting in favor.
4‑H furniture: County Manager Michael Dinnerman said the 4‑H building is finished and needs updated furniture before staff and programs move in; he requested permission to use ARP funds for the purchase. Commissioner John Mooney moved to authorize Manager Dinnerman to purchase the new furniture using ARP funds; Vice-Chair Harmon seconded and the motion passed with Calloway, Cowan, Mooney, Harmon and Chairman Taylor voting for the motion.
Hazard mitigation plan hearing: Marcus McConico, representing the Southern Georgia Regional Commission, told the commission the public hearing initiates the process of updating Ben Hill County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan so the county can access FEMA and GEMA funds after a natural disaster. McConico listed focal hazards — hurricanes/tropical storms, tornadoes, floods, lightning, wildfires, extreme heat and drought — and there were no public comments on that item.
Public comment on other matters: During the public comment period, Vickie Day Smith said she had asked in 2021 for her Revolving Loan to be refinanced after making a $15,000 lump-sum payment and said she felt overlooked; she asked for clarification of what she still owes. County Manager Michael Dinnerman said he and CFO Darlow Maxwell would contact Mr. O.D. Netter and follow up with her.
Other notes: Amy Bryant introduced herself as a candidate for Superior Court Judge for the Eighth Judicial District. The minutes also record continuing infrastructure work such as Kimble Road and completion steps on the 4‑H building.
