Fayette County accepts six Georgia Power easements for transmission line in 3-2 vote

Fayette County commissioners approved the acceptance of six permanent easements offered by Georgia Power for the Ashley Park–Creola 230 kV transmission line by a 3-2 vote on Oct. 23.

Public Works Director Phil Mallon told the Board staff had worked with Georgia Power to minimize conflicts with existing and planned transportation projects and said the offers were based on independent appraisals; staff had the package vetted by the County Attorney’s Office. Mallon explained the six parcels were not part of the special-master condemnation route and that the valuations were reviewed by staff.

Commissioner Charles D. Rousseau and Commissioner Charles W. Oddo expressed concern about the process and whether the Board was following established County policy on real-estate disposals; both voted against accepting the offers. Commissioner Eric K. Maxwell said he saw the offers as reasonable and preferred to avoid litigation with Georgia Power over a relatively small estate interest. The Board approved the acceptance of the six easements with Vice Chairman Edward Gibbons and Chairman Lee Hearn joining Maxwell in support.

Assistant County Attorney Ali Cox confirmed Georgia Power has constitutional condemnation authority as a utility, explained that these particular easements were based on negotiated offers, and said staff’s legal review found no unresolved legal impediment to acceptance.

The motion to accept the easement offers passed 3-2; Commissioners Oddo and Rousseau voted in opposition. Staff said Georgia Power’s offers were based on independent appraisal and that the County would complete the easement conveyances.