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Cusseta‑Chattahoochee commissioners approve elections appointments, adopt 2025 meeting and holiday calendars; discuss HB 581 and vehicle needs
Summary
At the Dec. 3 regular meeting commissioners approved three Board of Elections appointments, adopted the 2025 meeting schedule and employee holiday calendar, and discussed HB 581 and sheriff vehicle inventory; one CUP was denied and several items were referred for further review.
The Cusseta‑Chattahoochee County Board of Commissioners used its Dec. 3 regular meeting to take several administrative actions and discuss county business, including state legislation, fleet needs and appointments.
Appointments and administrative votes - The board approved appointments to the Board of Elections: Nancy Hoard (term to Dec. 31, 2028), Valerie Lassiter (term to Dec. 31, 2026) and Crystal Walker (term to Dec. 31, 2028). Commissioner Biddle recused himself from the Walker vote; the record shows the motions passed as recorded at the Dec. 3 meeting. - The board adopted its 2025 meeting calendar after a motion by Commissioner Biddle to approve a 9 a.m. work session schedule was seconded by Commissioner Douglas; Commissioner Frost opposed and Chairman Coffey cast the tie‑breaking vote in favor. - The 2025 employee holiday calendar was approved by unanimous vote.
State legislation and elections County Attorney Bin Minter and County Manager Thomas Weaver briefed commissioners on HB 581 (state legislation affecting property tax procedures). Weaver said HB 581 "would be good for our county" and reported staff had attended a seminar in Macon to learn implementation details. The minutes record that if the county wishes to opt out of certain provisions the law requires multiple public hearings and formal steps; if no action is taken a county may be automatically opted in.
Fleet and budgeting discussions County Manager Thomas Weaver and attendees discussed sheriff’s fleet inventory (Tahoe, multiple F‑150s, Chargers, Interceptors). Amanda Beaver, speaking from the audience, clarified vehicle custody and replacement timing. Commissioners agreed that immediate replacement of interceptors was not justified and deferred action on a truck purchase until further review and a vehicle‑status report.
Attorney engagement and other agenda items County Attorney Bin Minter said he joined a new firm (Clark Hill) and that his hourly rate will increase to $325 beginning Jan. 1; he recommended a formal engagement letter so files can be transferred. The minutes show the change and that an agenda item to consider the engagement was added for future action. A Superior Court budget amendment request for $13,500 was discussed but not added to the agenda.
Executive session and adjournment The board entered executive session for legal matters at 7:43 p.m. and reconvened at 8:08 p.m. The regular meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Votes at a glance - Appoint Nancy Hoard to Board of Elections: motion passed (vote recorded unanimous) (SEG 009/018). - Appoint Valerie Lassiter to Board of Elections: motion passed (vote recorded unanimous) (SEG 009/019). - Appoint Crystal Walker to Board of Elections: motion passed; Commissioner Biddle recused himself (SEG 009/020). - Adopt 2025 meeting calendar (9 a.m. work session schedule): passed; tie‑breaking vote by Chairman Coffey (SEG 009/022). - Adopt 2025 employee holiday calendar: passed, unanimous (SEG 009/023–024).
What this means The approvals fill election board vacancies and set the county’s calendar for 2025. Staff were asked to provide follow‑up materials on vehicle status and to prepare any engagement documents for the county attorney’s new firm; no contract or additional budget appropriation was recorded at the Dec. 3 meeting.
