Ware County commissioners approve zoning board reactivation, EMA storage building and property title work; reject vehicle maintenance software

The Ware County Board of Commissioners met July 28 in Waycross and approved several staffing appointments and purchases while narrowly rejecting a proposed preventive maintenance asset-management system for county vehicles.

The board unanimously appointed Commissioner Barry Cox as the county’s representative to the Seven Rivers Resource Conservation & Development Council to replace Stephen Barnard Sr., who had not attended meetings since November 2023, and reactivated the Board of Zoning Appeals with named appointees for Posts 1–7 and staggered term expirations. County Manager James Shubert told the board BOZA’s role is to hear variance requests and that Interim Planning Director Dustin Minchew will keep a quarterly meeting calendar.

The commission approved Resolution 2025‑16 to extend the county’s contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense covering two budget years. Commissioner Timmy Lucas moved to approve the contract extension and Commissioner Barry Cox seconded; the roll call vote was unanimous.

A separate purchase request to acquire an asset-management preventive maintenance (PM) system for vehicle maintenance was debated and failed. County staff proposed a first‑year purchase price of $42,194 (including support and training) with an ongoing annual subscription fee of $22,194, and said the system would accommodate up to 500 units and 20 users. Vehicle Maintenance Supervisor Carrin described benefits including precise tracking of maintenance costs to inform repair-or-replace decisions and noted that some grant programs require asset-management systems. Supporters argued the system would increase accountability and reduce paperwork; Chairman Elmer Thrift said he "did not believe in preventative maintenance." Commissioner Leonard Burse moved to purchase the system; the motion failed on a roll call vote, with Burse and Jon Tindall voting yes and Timmy Lucas, Barry Cox and Chairman Thrift voting no.

The board approved the purchase of an EMA storage building using SPLOST funds. EMA Director Jonathan Daniell reported he solicited three quotes; the lowest comprehensive bid (including concrete) was $150,263.95 from Two‑Way Barndominiums and Metal Structures, LLC. The board voted in favor of the purchase by roll call.

For a planned grade separation on Albany Avenue, the commission authorized the county attorney to complete title investigations, the county manager to hire certified appraisers and to offer appraised values to owners; Assistant County Attorney Jennifer Herzog said that if negotiations fail the county could pursue court filing and payment of the original appraisal as a last resort. Commissioner Leonard Burse moved to authorize the title work and appraisal purchases; the motion passed unanimously.

County Manager James Shubert also noted an approximate $500,000 surplus and asked the board to provide a prioritized list of short streets to consider for 2026 resurfacing, citing specific problem sections on E. Waring Street near Dorothy Street, Dorothy from Wacona Avenue to Tebeau Street, North River Road and Needham Road.

In closing remarks, Chairman Elmer Thrift addressed public concern about his business ties, saying he ran Elmer Thrift Construction for 40 years, that he is the father of the owners of Thrift Brothers, LLC, but that he "has no affiliation with Thrift Brothers other than being their father" and is no longer on their bond; he told the public that records are open for review. The meeting adjourned at 5:16 p.m.

Votes at a glance: - Appoint Commissioner Barry Cox to Seven Rivers RC&D: motion passed (unanimous). - Reactivate Board of Zoning Appeals (Posts 1–7) and appoint members: motion passed (unanimous); posts expire Dec. 31, 2025 (Posts 1–2), Dec. 31, 2026 (Posts 6–7), and Dec. 31, 2027 (Posts 3–5). - Approve Resolution 2025‑16 (Georgia Public Defender Council contract extension): motion passed (unanimous). - Purchase PM asset-management system ($42,194 initial; $22,194 annual subscription): motion failed, roll call 2 yes, 3 no. - Approve EMA storage building purchase (low quote $150,263.95): motion passed (unanimous). - Authorize title research, appraisals and offers for properties for Albany Avenue grade separation: motion passed (unanimous).

What’s next: Several approved actions involve follow-up by staff (appointee confirmations, contract processing, procurement and property appraisals); the board listed August 11, 2025, as the proposed approval date for the minutes.