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Liberty County commissioners approve conditional use for Cholitas, amend animal ordinance and OK radio-sharing MOU
Summary
At its Jan. 6 meeting the Liberty County Board of Commissioners approved a conditional-use permit for a business named Cholitas with a restriction that all food sales be off-site, amended Chapter 6 (Animals) of the county code, and approved a radio-frequency Memorandum of Understanding with McIntosh County.
The Liberty County Board of Commissioners on Jan. 6 approved several routine and land-use items, including a conditional-use permit for a new food-related business and an amendment to the county's animal ordinance.
The board voted to accept the Liberty County Planning Commission's recommendation on Conditional Use Request 2025-54-LC, approving the application for a business called Cholitas with the explicit condition that any food sales be conducted off the premises. Jeff Ricketson briefed the commission on the request and introduced the public hearing. Business representatives identified only as Ms. Jasmine and Mr. Dismas described the enterprise and its plans. Commissioner C. Timothy Blount moved to adopt the LCPC recommendation with the off-premises food-sales restriction; Commissioner Marion Stevens seconded. Commissioners Stevens, Connie Thrift, Blount and Gary Gilliard voted in favor; Commissioner Justin Frasier abstained. The motion carried.
The vote implemented a special condition recommended by staff and the planning commission restricting on-site food sales. The board did not adopt additional operational conditions during the hearing.
On the docket for regulatory change, Ricketson read a second reading and fielded questions on an amendment to Chapter 6 (Animals) of the Liberty County ordinance. Commissioner Blount moved to amend the ordinance; Commissioner Frasier seconded. The amendment was approved by all commissioners in attendance.
The commission also approved a Memorandum of Understanding presented by Clinton Stanley to permit use of radio frequencies between Liberty County and McIntosh County. Commissioner Gary Gilliard moved the MOU; Commissioner Marion Stevens seconded, and the motion passed unanimously among commissioners present.
Commissioners approved the Dec. 2025 meeting minutes on a motion by Stevens and a second by Gilliard. During administrative reports, Mr. Mosley announced that Emergency Management Agency officials will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m. on Jan. 14, 2026, to gather input on the county's 2026 Hazard Mitigation Plan. Mosley also said he plans to meet with the Georgia Department of Transportation district engineer to discuss county projects and possible state funding and provided an update on renovations at Briar Park and Jesse Stevens Park.
Chairman Donald Lovette opened the meeting, certified compliance with the Georgia Open Meetings Act and invited County Attorney Kelly Davis to explain public-comment procedures before the recognition of the county's 10U football champions and All-Star Cheerleaders. City of Hinesville Councilman Jose Ortiz and City of Walthourville Councilwoman Bridgette Kelly and Councilman Patrick Underwood were acknowledged in attendance.
Votes at a glance: - Conditional Use Request 2025-54-LC (Cholitas): Motion to approve LCPC recommendation with special condition (food sales off premises). Mover: Commissioner C. Timothy Blount. Second: Commissioner Marion Stevens. Vote recorded in discussion: Stevens, Thrift, Blount, Gilliard = yes; Frasier = abstain; outcome: approved. - Ordinance amendment, Chapter 6 (Animals): Motion to amend (second reading). Mover: Commissioner C. Timothy Blount. Second: Commissioner Justin Frasier. Vote: approved by all commissioners in attendance; outcome: approved. - Memorandum of Understanding with McIntosh County (radio frequencies): Mover: Commissioner Gary Gilliard. Second: Commissioner Marion Stevens. Vote: approved by all commissioners in attendance; outcome: approved. - Approval of Dec. 2025 minutes: Mover: Commissioner Marion Stevens. Second: Commissioner Gary Gilliard. Vote: approved by all commissioners in attendance.
Next steps and context: The Trails subdivision funding request for Main Trail South and Trail South Roads was discussed but deferred for additional consideration at the Feb. 2026 meeting at Commissioner Stevens' request. The EMA public hearing on Jan. 14 will solicit public input on the county's Hazard Mitigation Plan; the board indicated it will pursue further discussion with GDOT about state funding for county projects.
The meeting adjourned after a motion by Commissioner Stevens and a second by Commissioner Gilliard.
