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Ware County commissioners approve judges payment system, patrol vehicle purchase, banking switch and surplus declarations
Summary
At a March 31 called meeting, the Ware County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved Resolution 2025-09 establishing a payment system to use services from Superior Court judges, authorized purchase of five sheriff patrol vehicles from the 2022 SPLOST for $297,878, approved switching the county purchasing card to Ameris Bank at no added cost, and declared multiple items surplus except a New Holland tractor.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners met in a called session on March 31, 2025, and took unanimous action on a series of budget and operations items.
The board approved Resolution 2025-09 to establish a system of payment for services rendered by the Superior Court judges of the Waycross Judicial Circuit. Commissioner John Tindall said the agreement would let the county obtain assistance from judges who move into senior-judge status and help address the backlog of cases. Commissioner Leonard Burse said the commission had consulted the county attorney, sheriff and judges before voting. The motion passed by roll call (five ayes).
Commissioners authorized the purchase of five sheriff patrol vehicles from the 2022 SPLOST at a total price of $297,878.00. Commissioner Timmy Lucas moved to approve the purchase; Commissioner Leonard Burse seconded and the motion passed unanimously. Sheriff James said the request is for five 2025 non-hybrid Ford Explorers, with lights and cages included; markings, radios and camera systems will be installed locally. "The Explorers are cheaper than the Tahoe," Sheriff James said. County Manager James Shubert explained that the 2014 SPLOST contains no funds for emergency vehicles but that funds are available in the 2022 SPLOST.
The board adopted Resolution 2025-10 to change the county purchasing-card services from Bank of America to Ameris Bank. County Manager James Shubert said Mrs. Yorke requested the change because Ameris Bank offers better service for addressing issues and will make monthly expense allocation easier for employees; he said there will be no additional cost to the county. The motion passed by unanimous roll call.
Vehicle Maintenance Director Michael Carrin asked the commission to declare several vehicles and pieces of equipment surplus because they are no longer in service. Carrin said the New Holland tractor has had its hydraulic pump replaced twice and would need dealer evaluation; he also said two school buses are not needed. Commissioners discussed verifying whether surplus items purchased from other governmental agencies can be sold and asked staff to consider repairing the tractor. Commissioner Timmy Lucas moved to declare the listed items surplus except for the tractor and attachments; Commissioner John Tindall seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
The board entered executive session at 10:19 a.m. to discuss personnel and reconvened in chamber at 12:15 p.m. Commissioner Leonard Burse moved to adjourn at 12:36 p.m.; Commissioner Timmy Lucas seconded and the meeting adjourned by unanimous vote. The minutes were proposed to be approved July 14, 2025.
Votes at a glance: - Approval of agenda: passed (5-0) - Enter executive session (personnel): passed (5-0) - Exit executive session: passed (5-0) - Resolution 2025-09 (payment system for Superior Court judges): passed (5-0) - Purchase of five sheriff patrol vehicles (2022 SPLOST) — $297,878.00: passed (5-0) - Resolution 2025-10 (switch P-card to Ameris Bank): passed (5-0) - Declare items surplus (except tractor/attachments): passed (5-0) - Adjournment: passed (5-0)
