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Polk County commissioners approve rezones, surplus equipment sales and set 2026 rollback rate
Summary
At its March 31 meeting the Polk County Board of Commissioners approved multiple zoning changes, authorized surplus vehicle and fire-equipment sales with a hose donation to Borden Springs, reappointed Mike Lester to the Water Authority, certified a 9.000 mill rollback rate and approved election poll-worker pay increases.
The Polk County Board of Commissioners on March 31 approved a series of zoning changes, administrative appointments and budget-related actions, setting the county’s 2026 estimated rollback rate at 9.000 mills and approving the sale of surplus vehicles and fire equipment.
The board approved two rezones and a variance recommended by the planning commission. Commissioners voted unanimously to rezone five acres at 523 Branch Road in Cedartown from A-1 to R-1 and to rezone ten acres on Vinson Mountain Road from A-1 to C-1. The board also approved a variance allowing a shared driveway for four homes on Antioch Road in Cedartown. Planning staff and applicants were present at earlier work sessions to answer commissioners’ questions.
The board tabled one land-use matter, a special-use permit requested by SME Properties, LLC for an event venue at 1195 Grady Road in Rockmart. Commissioner Michael Gravett moved to table the request; Commissioner Linda Liles seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Votes at a glance: - TA26-01 (C-1 zoning text amendment): approved (motion by Commissioner Michael Gravett; second Commissioner David McElwee). - SU26-01 (SME Properties special-use permit, 1195 Grady Road): tabled (motion by Commissioner Michael Gravett; second Commissioner Linda Liles). - V26-03 (Antioch Estates shared driveway variance): approved (motion by Commissioner John Paschal; second Commissioner Linda Liles). - Z26-03 (523 Branch Road rezoning to R-1): approved (motion by Commissioner Hal Floyd; second Commissioner David McElwee). - Z26-04 (Vinson Mountain Road rezoning to C-1): approved (motion by Commissioner Hal Floyd; second Commissioner John Paschal).
The board also approved a resolution admitting Paulding County into the Bartow/Floyd/Polk Joint Development Authority and approved surplus sales of county vehicles and fire equipment to be sold on GovDeals. The board agreed to donate approximately 24 sections of 1.5-inch fire hose to the Borden Springs, Alabama, Fire Department and amended the surplus motion to include numerous Scott 2.2 air packs and an old Engine 4 utility box, with proceeds returned to the Fire Department.
On finance and personnel matters, the board approved the Combined Subdivision Participation and Release Form related to the opioid settlement program and reappointed Mike Lester to the Polk County Water Authority for a five-year term beginning April 1, 2026. The Finance Committee recommendation to raise hourly pay for Election Department poll workers to $12.00 for workers, $13.00 for assistant managers and $14.00 for managers was approved unanimously.
The commissioners followed a Finance Committee recommendation to establish and certify a 2026 countywide estimated rollback rate of 9.000 mills as required by O.C.G.A. Title 48. The board also approved allocating proceeds from the sale of court-ordered abandoned weapons in the police evidence room to the Police Department for equipment.
County Manager Matt Denton reviewed the March 2026 finance report, reporting that “Revenues were at 81.4%, Expenses were at 72.7%, and Agency Allocations were at 73.3%.” Commissioners used the comment period to thank staff and residents, note upcoming community events and recognize public-safety personnel; Chairman Chuck Thaxton specifically thanked officer Coombe and public-safety staff "noting that they do not receive the thanks they deserve often enough."
The meeting adjourned with all recorded votes unanimous. Meeting minutes were signed and attested by the county clerk.
