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Tift County commissioners preview May 13 agenda as Planning Commission backs denial of rezoning request
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Summary
At a May 7 workshop the Tift County Board of Commissioners reviewed items for its May 13 meeting, including a contested rezoning request for a proposed equestrian/rodeo center that the Planning Commission recommended denying, a proposed financial software purchase, and several contracts and reimbursements slated for consent or regular agenda consideration.
The Tift County Board of Commissioners on May 7 reviewed a slate of items for its May 13 meeting, including a contested rezoning petition that the county planning board recommended denying and a recommended purchase of new financial software.
County Manager Jim Carter told the board that Alicia Hill Smith has applied to rezone a five-acre tract at 2110 Old Ocilla Road from AG (Agriculture) to CC (Community Commercial) to allow construction of an equestrian center for rodeo events. Carter said the parcel is surrounded by AG and R1 zoning and that the Planning Commission voted to recommend denial, finding the request did not meet the commission’s 11 zoning standards and did not follow the adopted Tift County Comprehensive Plan. Carter also said roughly six adjoining property owners spoke in opposition at the Planning Commission hearing while about six people who do not live in Tift County spoke in favor.
The rezoning request will appear on the upcoming regular agenda after board discussion at the workshop. Because the Planning Commission recommended denial and the request involves a change from agricultural to community-commercial zoning on a parcel amid residential and agricultural uses, the item could generate public comment and additional debate when the board considers it.
On administrative business, Finance Director Diane Kelly said the county’s current financial software and its server are at end of life and that vendor support will end in December 2024. Staff evaluated four vendors and recommended purchasing a system from Edmunds GovTech with an initial cost of $67,530 and annual fees of $29,930, with the price guaranteed for five years. Commissioner Greg Wood asked whether the proposed agreement includes an "out" clause if the software does not perform as presented; the board directed staff to place the item on the Regular Agenda for further review.
Animal Control Director Candice Hernandez told the board that work on leash and tethering regulations began in November 2023, that a chairman-appointed committee has revised proposed rules, and that recent revisions to the Unified Development Code required reconciliation with the ordinance language. Hernandez said the ordinance (Ordinance No. 2024-02) is ready for board consideration and the board indicated it should be placed on the Consent Agenda.
County Manager Carter also reported a property-tax matter for 211 Tift Ave N (the Gazette Building). Carter said the county’s portion of 2023 real and personal property taxes totals $2,924.26; the seller paid its portion at closing and, because the county is exempt, the county portion needs to be written off. The board asked that the item be placed on the Consent Agenda.
County Attorney Anthony Rowell reviewed a proposed AIA contract with McCall & Associates, Inc. to provide architectural services for the courthouse renovation and expansion; Rowell said the architect would receive 7% of the total cost of the work. Watkins & Associates will provide preliminary engineering and surveying for the same project; County Manager Carter said the site surveying portion will cost $9,950 and that preliminary engineering will be billed at contracted hourly rates. Both items were placed for consideration on the appropriate agenda tracks.
County Clerk Miriam Jordan outlined several consent items: an amended Resolution No. 2024-05 to correct a vehicle VIN and add a Fire Department vehicle to be surplussed and sold; a catering contract with Nick-A-Million for the county employee picnic at a maximum cost of $2,800 for 150 employees; and an amendment to the Scrap Tire Abatement reimbursement agreement. Jordan said the scrap tire event cost $63,841.50 for hauling and processing; the original agreement reimbursed up to $30,132, and the amendment would increase the reimbursement cap to $50,000, leaving $13,841.50 to be covered from the General Fund contingency.
Jordan also reported an alcohol beverage license application submitted by Ann L. Smith for Circle K #2707255 at 4440 Union Road. Jordan said the sheriff recommends approval, but a Certificate of Occupancy and a business license had not yet been issued and were expected by Friday, May 10; the board placed the application on the Regular Agenda for final consideration.
There were no items listed as "for discussion only." County Manager Carter asked attendees to keep the family of Roger Dill in their prayers following a recent death in the family. Commissioner Melissa Hughes thanked the chairman for attending the Arts in Black Festival, and Chairman Tony McBrayer commented that the courthouse exterior is looking good and read a thank-you card from the family of Grady Thompson Sr. The workshop adjourned with no executive session called.
The items reviewed at the workshop will be considered by the Tift County Board of Commissioners at its regular meeting on May 13; the rezoning petition in particular drew a Planning Commission recommendation of denial and may prompt public comment when the board takes action.