Ben Hill County tables rodeo special-exception request after neighbor objections

The Ben Hill County Commission on Sept. 10 held a public hearing on a special-exception application from Heriberto Serrano to stage a monthly rodeo on 9.71 acres at 717 Lower Rebecca Road and voted to table the request pending additional information.

County Manager Michael Dinnerman told commissioners the Planning Board recommends approval and that required public notice—an advertisement, a posted sign and certified letters to adjoining landowners—had been completed. Applicant Heriberto Serrano told the board his plan is "to have a Rodeo once a month. The time of operation would be 1:00 pm until 12:00 am," and said he would provide porta potties, temporary lighting and that existing fencing and parking for an estimated 1,000 people was available.

Neighbor Lynn Guined, who said she lives about 1.5 miles from 717 Lower Rebecca Road, told the board she opposed the proposal and cited concerns about alcohol sales, traffic, parking and the loss of the "peace and quiet" that led her to live in the county.

Commissioners asked Serrano about restroom facilities, lighting, parking and fencing; Dinnerman said he would compile a list of questions from neighbors and commissioners for Serrano to answer to provide clarity. Vice-Chair Hope Harmon moved to table the agenda item until the next meeting so outstanding questions could be answered; Commissioner John Mooney seconded and the motion passed with Harmon, Mooney and Commissioner Daniel Cowan voting in favor.

The action leaves the special-exception request unresolved; commissioners said they expect answers on permitting, code enforcement, parking and alcohol sales before taking a final vote.