Meriwether County tables plan to relocate Fire/EMS administration to 756 Woodbury Highway pending work session

County staff proposed using Building A at 756 Woodbury Highway to consolidate Fire/EMS administrative and training functions and to provide improved public access for incident reports and records.

County Administrator John Gorton said Building A requires minimal changes — painting and installation of one exterior door — and that most work could be done in‑house. Fire Chief Danny Stephens told the Board the building is already used occasionally for classes and would need internet and small IT moves to accommodate staff.

Commissioners probed whether vehicle access would be safe for larger emergency vehicles, whether the space sufficiently accommodates logistics and supplies, and how vacating existing locations (Hill Haven and the school board building) would affect operations and property usage. Several commissioners suggested the County should prepare a floor plan, staffing list, infrastructure needs, timeline, and firm cost estimates before moving forward.

Commissioner Adam Worsley moved (seconded by Commissioner Gene King) to table the proposal and discuss it at a May 11, 2026 work session so staff can provide a detailed plan; the motion passed unanimously. While some commissioners noted the benefit of centralizing administration for oversight and communication, the Board emphasized the need for a measured plan and fuller cost and access analysis prior to relocation.