County staff say comprehensive plan update will be transmitted to state; public hearing set

The Dougherty County planning director told the board on Aug. 13 that the county—s comprehensive plan update is nearing completion and must be transmitted to the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs for their statutorily required review.

Paul Forgy, planning director, said the transmission must occur by the end of the month so the state review can proceed on schedule. "Now, even though this is the public hearing asking for public input and the draft is going to the state for review, there still will be the months between now and June for public input," Forgy said, urging commissioners and the public to review the online draft and submit comments.

Forgy told the board the draft is roughly 300 pages and that there will be an online link and a sidebar for citizens to submit comments; he said paper copies could be made available on request but that digital review is preferred. He recommended the board schedule the required public hearing at the next meeting; staff identified April 20, 2026, as the date for the required hearing.

Commissioners discussed offering a focused briefing for the board to walk through high points prior to formal transmittal. Forgy said such a briefing could be arranged but cautioned that delaying the transmittal could jeopardize the state review timeline. "Anything that happens between now and when it's adopted can still be included in the plan," he said.

What happens next: the board will hold a public hearing, transmit the draft to the regional commission and DCA for review, and staff will continue to accept and address public comments ahead of adoption.