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Appling County hires EMA director, approves $221,520 playground mulch grant and declines purchase of former Buddy’s property
Summary
In January called meetings the Board approved Al Meadows as the new EMA director, accepted a $221,520 Tire Product Grant for rubberized playground mulch and voted to decline purchase of 1205 W Parker St.; the vote to decline recorded one opposing commissioner.
Appling County commissioners approved several operational and fiscal items during called meetings on Jan. 20 and Jan. 27.
Personnel: County Manager Reid Lovett told the Board that Emergency Management Agency Director Darrell Holcomb will retire Jan. 31, 2026. An interview panel recommended Al Meadows to succeed Holcomb; Commissioner Randy Sellers moved to hire Meadows, Commissioner Jakharis Jones seconded, and the Board unanimously approved the hire.
Grant: Lovett said the County was awarded a Tire Product Grant totaling $221,520 to supply rubberized mulch for playgrounds in the Parks and Recreation Department. Commissioner Daryl Edwards moved to approve the grant agreement and authorize the County Manager to sign on the County’s behalf; Commissioner Chad Kent seconded and the Board unanimously approved the agreement.
Real estate: The Board discussed the possible purchase of the former Buddy’s Furniture property at 1205 W Parker St., Baxley, including a rough estimate that constructing at that location could cost about $2.3 million plus acquisition costs. Commissioner Randy Sellers moved to decline the purchase; Commissioner Ricky Barnes seconded. Commissioners Chad Kent and Daryl Edwards agreed with the motion, while Commissioner Jakharis Jones opposed it. The minutes record the motion carried with one member recorded in opposition.
Why it matters: The EMA director hire ensures continuity in emergency services leadership ahead of the incumbent’s retirement. The grant provides a sizable, designated resource for playground safety surfacing. The decision not to pursue the Buddy’s property narrows the County’s near-term options for a potential court complex or other facility expansion and leaves open future site-selection discussions.
The minutes do not record additional details about the procurement process, final contract language for the grant, or any immediate budget adjustments; follow-up with county staff will be necessary for procurement timelines and implementation steps.
