Ware County commissioners approve slate of routine measures, award $1.35 million paving contract

WARE COUNTY, Ga. — The Ware County Board of Commissioners voted July 14 to approve a package of routine measures ranging from infrastructure contracts to zoning changes.

Chairman Elmer Thrift presided over the meeting in Waycross. Commissioners approved Resolution 2025-13 adopting the TREES Act, which Commissioner Jon Tindall said was passed by the Georgia General Assembly after Hurricane Helene to provide refunds of timber taxes to owners who cut timber and suffered losses. Commissioner Tindall moved the resolution and Commissioner Barry Cox seconded; the motion passed on a roll-call vote with four ayes and one absence (Commissioner Timmy Lucas).

The board also approved a SPLOST-funded purchase for the Recreation Department totaling $133,559.20 for equipment replacement, new equipment and field lighting repairs. Commissioner Leonard Burse moved the item; Commissioner Tindall seconded, and the motion passed 4–0 with one absence.

In one of the meeting's largest financial actions, commissioners awarded the 2023 Local Funds Phase 1 street paving contract to Coastal Engineering for $1,351,112.15. Commissioner Jon Tindall moved approval of the bid award; Commissioner Leonard Burse seconded. County staff said the project will be funded with a 2025 LMIG award of $1,119,535.22 plus the required 10% match and additional funds from either 2022 SPLOST or regional TSPLOST discretionary funds. The motion passed by roll call (4 ayes, 1 absent).

The board authorized the Public Works Director to solicit bids and quotes for several pieces of equipment after County Manager James Shubert explained that a formal vote was not required; Commissioners expressed unanimous agreement to proceed.

The commission adopted an updated procurement policy described by commissioners as mandatory under Georgia law following legislative changes (HB 137). Commissioner Jon Tindall moved for adoption; Commissioner Leonard Burse seconded; vote 4–0 (Lucas absent).

Other actions approved by unanimous vote of those present included: relocating Roscoe Mixon Road under Resolution 2025-15, approving the annual contract with CSRA Probation Services for state-court probation monitoring, declaring a list of miscellaneous items surplus (excluding bricks that match the administration building), extending 2023 CDBG Phase 2 work on Dusty and Katie Lanes, rezoning Lots 1–3 of Wacona Heights Phase 1, and closing and abandoning the alley in Block 134 of Emerson Park Subdivision. Most items were approved with little or no debate.

Commissioners also amended the Ware County Zoning Resolution text to permit commissary kitchens in all agricultural zoning districts; Commissioner Tindall clarified the change allows food-preparation facilities for bulk meals or food trucks ("grab and go") and is not intended to authorize restaurants. He noted those kitchens still must meet health department requirements.

County Manager James Shubert offered condolences regarding recent local deaths and said he will compile a spreadsheet of paving projects that lists funding sources (grants, SPLOST, TSPLOST discretionary funds). On SPLOST receipts he said, "It appears that the full $55 million will be collected." Commissioners Burse and Tindall said the proposed spreadsheet will make it easier to explain to constituents how funds are being spent.

The meeting concluded at 6:16 p.m. after a motion to adjourn. The board recorded roll-call votes on items requiring formal action; in each recorded vote the four attending commissioners voted aye and one commissioner was absent.