Heard County commissioners renew Snake Creek Park lease, raise tipping fee and approve authority appointments

The Heard County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several administrative and policy actions at its July 16, 2024, meeting, including a long-term lease renewal for Snake Creek Park, an increase to the county’s solid-waste tipping fee and the appointment of three members to the Development Authority.

Chairman Lee Boone told the board landfill pricing has risen substantially and recommended adjusting tipping fees and updating the rules and regulations governing the county’s solid-waste facilities. The board voted to adopt a memorandum that raises the tipping fee from $50 per ton to $75 per ton and implements the proposed rules updates. Commissioner James Perry moved the measure; Commissioner Iris Harris seconded, and the vote was unanimous.

The board also approved renewing the lease between Heard County and the Corps of Engineers for Snake Creek Park, extending the agreement from June 15, 2023, to June 15, 2038. Commissioner Larry Hammond moved the renewal and Commissioner David Walls seconded; the board authorized the chairman to sign the contract on the county’s behalf.

Development Authority Director Kathy Knowles briefed the commissioners on vacancies following Rodney Kay’s resignation and recommended three appointments. The board unanimously voted to appoint Mike Roberts to complete the school-board representative term ending July 31, 2028; reappoint Tonya King to a full four-year term on the Development Authority expiring July 31, 2028; and appoint Phyllis Woodson to the 20/27 Corridor Regional Joint Development Authority Board to finish an unexpired term ending September 30, 2024.

On older-business items, the commissioners voted unanimously to adopt the most recent text amendments to Section 46-273, "Solar energy facility or solar farm." During the public-comment period, Buddy Copeland of Hammett Circle, Hogansville, addressed the board. Chairman Boone then asked the board to enter an executive session to discuss possible litigation; the board entered executive session at 7:10 p.m. and returned to open session at 8:02 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.

Votes at a glance: approval of minutes and agenda amendment (unanimous); renewal of Snake Creek Park lease (unanimous); adoption of tipping fee memorandum and rules (unanimous); appointments of Mike Roberts, Tonya King and Phyllis Woodson (each unanimous); adoption of solar farm ordinance text amendment (unanimous).