Ben Hill County commissioners approve $12,000 RLF loan, join interlocal risk pool and set dumpsite closure

BEN HILL COUNTY, Ga. — The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 3 approved a series of routine motions and resolutions, including a $12,000 Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) loan to a local business, adoption of intergovernmental membership for liability coverage, and administrative contract approvals.

The meeting, held at the Ben Hill County Courthouse Annex, opened with roll call and the pledge of allegiance. Commissioners unanimously approved the meeting agenda and minutes from July 6, July 21 and July 29.

Votes at a glance

- Lorenzo’s Custom Prints RLF loan: Approved. The board approved a $12,000 loan to Lorenzo’s Custom Prints at 3.50% interest for 30 months, contingent on Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval. Motion by Commissioner Daniel Cowan; second by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon. Vote: 5-0.

- ACCG-IRMA membership (resolution): Approved. The commission adopted a resolution authorizing membership in the Association County Commissioners of Georgia Interlocal Risk Management Agency (IRMA). Motion by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon; second by Commissioner John Mooney. Vote: 5-0.

- IRMA intergovernmental agreement (contract authorization): Approved. Commissioners authorized the chair to endorse the intergovernmental agreement and related documents. Motion by Commissioner John Mooney; second by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon. Vote: 5-0.

- RMS Operator Agreement Amendment #1 (FY22): Approved. Motion by Commissioner Daniel Cowan; second by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon. Vote: 5-0.

- Road Department surplus property resolution: Adopted. Motion by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon; second by Commissioner Daniel Cowan. Vote: 5-0.

- Appointment to SW GA Region 8 EMS Council: Approved. EMA Director Brandon Fletcher was appointed to the council. Motion by Commissioner John Mooney; second by Vice-Chair Hope Harmon. Vote: 5-0.

How it matters

County Manager Michael Dinnerman reported that the unmanned Lower Rebecca Road dumpsite will close Aug. 18; notices are posted on the county website and at the site. He also reported the county’s cash position is up about 15% compared with the same time last year on SPLOST and LOST receipts, and that the county changed liability insurance agents to ACCG with an expected savings. Dinnerman said the county will continue cyber insurance with its current agent and noted he is observing his fourth anniversary with the county.

The $12,000 RLF loan is the most concrete budgetary action taken at the meeting; it is explicitly contingent on approval by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, per the motion recorded in the minutes. The decision to join ACCG-IRMA and to authorize the intergovernmental agreement aligns with the county manager’s note that liability coverage is moving to ACCG and is intended to capture projected savings.

Other business

Melissa Dark, executive director of the Fitzgerald Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce, provided an update on upcoming Chamber events and encouraged community involvement. Chairman Steve Taylor shared a thank-you letter to First Baptist Church for use of Mann Hall during Ben Hill Superior Court’s June term. Vice-Chair Hope Harmon announced an ACCG district meeting in September to discuss LOST negotiations and redistricting. The minutes note an executive session with no details disclosed, and the meeting adjourned following brief commissioners’ remarks.

What’s next

No public comments were recorded at the meeting. Several motions were recorded as contingent on external approvals (for example, the RLF loan’s condition on DCA approval). The minutes do not list a specific date for the next regular meeting in the text provided.