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Meriwether County commissioners direct LHOST referendum, approve budgets and award ambulance contract
Summary
On June 8 the Meriwether County Board voted unanimously to place the new homestead-focused sales-tax option (LHOST) on the November ballot, approved several state-agency budgets, appointed Sean Lennon to the Industrial Development Authority, authorized an ambulance remount contract for $129,622, and approved limited courthouse tree work; the Board also approved employee leave and accepted the county administrator's rescission of his resignation after executive session.
The Meriwether County Board of Commissioners took multiple administrative and fiscal actions at its June 8 meeting, most notably directing staff to place the Local Option Homestead Exemption Sales Tax (LHOST) on the November ballot and approving a set of state-agency budgets and contracts.
Property-tax relief option (LHOST): Chief Appraiser William Harris III explained two recently created sales-tax mechanisms available to counties: the LHOST (a 10-year homestead-focused measure created by Senate Bill 33 for 2026) and the PTRLOST (a five-year option that applies to all property owners and was created in 2024). Commissioners discussed differences in who would receive relief and practical implications for county budgeting. Commissioner Bryan Threadgill moved and Commissioner Adam Worsley seconded a motion to "go with the LHOST," and the motion passed unanimously. County staff said proceeds would be held in a trust account under the LHOST approach; the precise distribution formula will depend on implementing guidance and any state-level rules.
Budgets and state agencies: The Board approved the FY 2026–2027 budget requests for the UGA County Extension Office ($61,522), the Pine Mountain Regional Library System (increase from $143,000 to $153,000), the District Attorney ($289,467), the Department of Public Health ($152,500), and the Department of Family and Children Services ($33,000). The Coweta Circuit Public Defender's request for a $12,040 increase was tabled to the June 23 meeting for a more detailed breakdown because the office's representative was not present.
Procurement and facilities: The Board awarded a contract to Custom Truck and Body Works of Woodbury for an ambulance box remount at $129,622 (one bid received; about $1,785 above the estimate) to be funded from SPLOST. On courthouse grounds, the Board approved removing two dead oak trees on the Woodbury side and trimming the center historic tree rather than removing it, subject to procurement quotes. The Board tabled third-floor courthouse remediation until staff can obtain vendor quotes.
Appointments and personnel: Commissioner Adam Worsley nominated, and the Board unanimously appointed, Sean Lennon to fill an unexpired four-year term on the Industrial Development Authority (District 2) through January 9, 2028. During an executive session the Board approved a two-week unpaid leave for an employee and accepted County Administrator John Gorton's rescission of his resignation.
Finance context: Finance Director Tammy Lackey reported May distributions and noted estimated negative balances in SPLOST (-$119,463.29) and TSPLOST (-$149,804.16), which staff said were estimated figures and subject to adjustment.
What happens next: Staff was directed to prepare the LHOST referral for the ballot and to work on public education and intergovernmental items as required. The public hearing on Hoss Bowden/Pony Farm Road closure was continued to the June 23 meeting while staff obtains outstanding signatures and clarifies easement language.
