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Chattahoochee County commissioners set 2026 qualifying fees, open work session addresses vehicle policy after sheriff dispute
Summary
At a Jan. 26 called meeting the board set qualifying fees for 2026 (Commission $362; school board $72). During the subsequent work session commissioners reviewed departmental updates, discussed cemetery rules, and directed the sheriff to return a county truck after a dispute over its use and outfitting.
The Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 26 adopted qualifying fees for the 2026 local elections and used its monthly work session to address county operations including a dispute over a recently purchased county vehicle.
Chairman Charles Coffey read the qualifying fees required by state law and the board voted unanimously to set the fee for County Commission candidates at $362 and for County Board of Education candidates at $72. The clerk was authorized to publish the fees as required. Qualifying will open March 2 at 9 a.m. and close March 6 at noon.
County Manager Thomas Weaver provided department updates: ball‑registration is open, the Corps of Engineers has been contacted about the dock project, hand dryers were installed at the city park, and water‑department work included four service‑line repairs and completion of permits for wells #2 and #3 that staff said will remain current for about 10 years.
Much of the work session focused on county vehicle policy after Weaver reported that a recently purchased pickup was taken into the sheriff's possession before county inspection, insurance and license plates were completed. Commissioners described the vehicle as county property and said they will adopt a formal policy specifying custody and assignment. The board sent the matter to executive session for legal and personnel review; after reconvening Chairman Coffey said the board directed the sheriff to return the truck to the county manager's office by noon Friday or to return the vehicle previously promised as trade.
Commissioners also discussed cemetery rules and regulations. The board considered allowing purchases of more than one plot in specific circumstances (for spouses or residents who recently moved to assisted living) and agreed to add a $500 one‑time plot purchase fee; the item was added to the Feb. 3 meeting agenda for final action. The board also added demolition of buildings across from the courthouse to the agenda as a potential surplus/property action and discussed next steps for that review.
The board entered executive session at 10:08 a.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters and reconvened at 11:39 a.m.; Chairman Coffey noted that no votes were taken during closed session. The work session adjourned at 11:43 a.m.
The commission scheduled the cemetery rules, county vehicles policy, and surplus‑property items for further consideration at its Feb. 3 regular meeting.
