Commissioners adopt amendment to Columbia County Jail Operating Fund Advisory Committee ordinance

Columbia County commissioners voted to adopt Ordinance No. 2026-1 on March 18, amending the county’s Jail Operating Fund Advisory Committee ordinance.

County staff summarized key changes during a second reading: the sheriff recommended reducing the committee’s membership to address quorum difficulties, the ordinance reduces the number of positions (summary described as moving membership nearer to five), shifts committee term end dates from June 30 to Dec. 31 to align with other county committees, and requires that committee members complete a tour of the jail within three months of appointment. The ordinance also clarifies that the committee may adopt policies and procedures but is not required to do so.

Kenny Hassell, who introduced the second reading, told the board that the amendments aimed to resolve quorum and scheduling problems and to standardize terms. During board deliberation a commissioner moved approval and another seconded; the board approved the ordinance by voice vote. The ordinance was described in the meeting as taking effect 90 days after adoption (no emergency clause was invoked).

The board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript excerpt; the chair announced the motion passed by voice vote. The board will implement the new membership and term schedule and staff noted a 90-day effective period before the changes take effect.

Next steps: with adoption, county staff and the sheriff’s office will proceed with implementing the new appointment and onboarding requirements; the effective date is 90 days after the board’s action unless otherwise noted.