Spalding County commissioners met in a November 2 workshop to review GDOT responses on several road/frontage requests, consider a design contract for 117 E. Solomon Street, review roof replacement bids for Oxford Square, discuss implementation of Georgia Act 457 (HB 1435) for airport impact areas, preview department performance dashboards, and review FY27 budget encumbrance rollforwards.

Discussion Points

•Act 457 requires airports to identify affected areas by 01/01/2027 and local governments to adopt required regulations by 07/01/2027.
•Approximately 65% of affected purchase orders already closed in first quarter of FY27.
•Commissioners asked about fiscal year timing and bidding/competition.
•Commissioners debated increasing local preference from 5% to 7%.
•County must inventory parcels, create overlays, build administrative review systems, conduct public hearings, and enforce regulations.
•Emergency management civic‑ready enrollment ~5,000; suggestion to separate fire services and EMS dashboards.
•Explanation of encumbrance rollforwards and that this is not new spending.
•Four proposals received for Oxford Square roof replacement; lowest cooperative option at $212,530.
•GDOT confirmed developer will do SR‑16 frontage work under permit and approved SR‑16/Campus Parkway signal with pedestrian accommodations.
•GDOT recommended an advanced warning beacon for SR‑92 at Bond Road; county returned permit accepting energy costs.
•Long‑term option for SR‑92/Bond Road identified as roundabout; funding will require state/federal support.
•Noncompliance could risk LMIG/local maintenance funding (staff indicated potential loss > $1,000,000/year).
•Plan to publish dashboards online after data validation and to invite department heads to present monthly.
•Presentation of Croix proposal to provide programming, surveying, design, permitting, bidding coordination and construction administration for 117 E. Solomon Street.
•Proposal lists total lump sum $644,319.50 and separate project management cap of $49,000.
•Public works scorecard: approx. 125 miles resurfaced, evaluation of 2,124 road segments, 58 active engineering projects.
•Staff recommended cooperative purchase subject to attorney confirmation of comparable scope and bonding.

Directions

•Board to receive further updates as design work is staged.
•Finance to continue closing remaining purchase orders as obligations are completed.
•Invite department heads monthly to present scorecards to the board.
•Staff to confirm scope comparability and obtain county attorney approval before bringing contract for regular meeting approval.
•Staff to continue advocacy with GDOT for signage on both approaches at SR‑92.
•Staff to continue cleaning datasets and to publish dashboards when complete.
•Staff to convene off‑airport stakeholder committee, inventory parcels, and develop an administrative system for variance review and enforcement.
•Staff to ensure construction phase is competitively bid and to return with procurement timing details.
•Staff to follow up on solar option and report actual electricity cost if county required to maintain signage.
•Staff to prepare cost estimate before Jan. 1 and a strategic plan for Jan–July 2027, and to coordinate public education with citizen engagement and local media.
•Staff to present formal budget amendments for approval during the regular meeting.
•Staff to review local preference policy and return with recommendations.

Nov

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Regular Session, November 2, 2026

Spalding County Board of Commissioners held a regular meeting Nov. 2, 2026, where commissioners unanimously approved a series of routine approvals including contract proposals, budget roll-forwards and multiple tax/millage items, adopted a 4-way stop ordinance, and recognized graduates of the Sheriff's Citizens Academy and CERT class.

Discussion Points

•Board proceeded to approve the low bid after brief discussion.
•Board wants to maintain historic look but address structural failures and add a third floor.
•Chair clarified that consolidation of the Board of Education millage is administrative for state submission and does not constitute school board approval.
•Chief Polk noted three Homeland Security grants since 2012 funded most program costs.
•Citizen engagement staff reported about 6,000 attendees at county Halloween activities; Vice Chair referenced an estimate of roughly 12,000 in downtown events.
•Commissioner asked if lighting will indicate the new four-way stop; staff confirmed flashing lights on stop signs.
•Commissioner noted the accepted bid was about five times lower than several other bids and referenced some bids over $1,000,000.
•Commissioners urged residents to vote and reminded of Veterans Day closures and Operation Greenlight.
•County Manager said staff intends to bring back purchase of solar lights for street lights so the intersection will have enhanced visibility.
•Design will use scans/photos of the previous structure to replicate facade.
•Major/chief deputy and Chief Polk described program length, content, and community value.
•Staff will share scorecards and dashboards with the community.
•T-Sploss program will end Dec. 31; county exceeded goal (original goal 100 miles, achieved 125 miles of resurfacing).
•Vice Chair said the board achieved a 'full rollback' and noted this is the second consecutive year of a full rollback.

Decisions

•Adopt 2026 county millage rate (4-0)
•Adopt 2026 fire district tax with no increase (4-0)
•Adopt four-way stop ordinance (4-0)
•Approve Croix Engineering design proposal (4-0)
•Approve overall 2026 tax levy (4-0)
•Approve roofing quote for Oxford Square Shopping Center (4-0)
•Consolidate Board of Education millage for state filing (4-0)

Directions

•Continue community outreach and post program dashboards.
•Finance to file consolidated documents with the state
•Planning/Development to proceed with procurement processes and contract finalization.
•Public Works to prepare purchase plan for solar lights and return to board
•Purchasing to finalize contract and report back

Oct

Spalding County Planning and Zoning Appeals- Zoning Hearing, October 27, 2026

Spalding County Planning & Appeals Commission amended its agenda, readopted several overlay district maps without boundary changes, tabled a proposed mother-in-law-suite definition for clarity, removed a disputed withdrawal/penalty provision from the zoning code, and rescheduled November meeting to Nov. 17.

Discussion Points

•Residents said maps differed from earlier printouts and raised data center/watershed concerns.
•Staff explained overlay application and parcel-of-record rule.
•Staff explained readoptions reflect current parcel boundaries and digitization of maps; residents raised notice and parcel-specific concerns.
•Staff presented restored definition and development standards; public and commissioners asked for clearer wording and notice.

Decisions

•Commission approved readoptions individually; Bolton Parkway approved with one abstention.
•Item tabled.

Directions

•Digitize and publish updated overlay maps to GIS and public website.
•Staff to publish digitized maps for public review.
•Staff to redraft and publish clarified text for next agenda.

Oct

Spalding County Board of Commissioners- Zoning Hearing, October 22, 2026

At the Oct. 22 Spalding County Board of Commissioners zoning public hearing, commissioners approved a technical re‑assignment of the abandoned cemetery ordinance to Appendix O, approved a 154‑lot final plat for the Meadows at Heron Bay with conditions on the water system, accepted portions of Grayson Park roads while excluding a front segment, approved a sign‑ordinance amendment for digital message boards, approved minutes, and entered executive session.

Discussion Points

•Approval of minutes for two prior meetings; statutory reading of permitted executive session subjects under O.C.G.A.
•Concern that accepting the front road now would require county repairs after construction traffic; developer clarified road realignment and current paved limits.
•Staff/attorney described the amendment to allow regulated digital billboards; commissioners suggested evaluating commercial signage standards separately.
•Staff explained the change was a technical correction to appendix assignment; Planning Commission recommended adoption; commissioners raised constituent access questions about fenced sites (Hardy Lane).
•Staff outlined final plat details (154 lots, home sizes 1,500–2,000 sq ft) and conditions for approval; commissioners requested location clarification and infrastructure assurances.

Decisions

•Approve Appendix E amendment to allow digital message boards (4-0).
•Approved minutes and entered executive session (4-0).
•Approve final plat 4-0 with stated conditions.
•Approve reassignment of abandoned cemetery ordinance to Appendix O (4-0)
•Partial acceptance approved (4-0).

Directions

•Accept interior/back portions now; withhold acceptance of Chesapeake Bay Drive from Reno to Highway 155 until adjacent development is complete.
•Developer to refresh water system and complete updated bacteriological testing before water authority acceptance; satisfy remaining public works requirements before first CO.
•Enter executive session under the Georgia Open Meetings Act.
•Planning staff to consider broader commercial signage standards for future discussion if requested.
•Staff to provide copies of the ordinance and look into access questions raised by constituents.

Oct

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Extraordinary Session, October 19, 2026

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners held an extraordinary meeting Oct. 19, 2026, adopting a rollback millage rate and approving the 2026 tax levy and several routine land-use and traffic items. Staff presented a September financial report, the tax commissioner reviewed changes to the tax bill (including a new stormwater fee), and the board honored retiring leisure-services director Kelly Carmichael.

Discussion Points

•Board agreed to amend ordinance language to add a four‑way stop at specified intersection.
•Commissioners noted this is the second straight year of rollback and discussed funding choices between general fund and sales tax.
•New stormwater fee will appear on unincorporated tax bills; tiered structure with many parcels in tier 1.
•Projected cost savings from autonomous mowers and turf‑tank leasing; plan to prepare bids for contracting grounds maintenance.
•Staff explained that property tax collections occur later in the year, causing expenditures to appear to exceed revenues in early months.
•Staff to monitor quality and consider expansion to additional park settings.
•Timing of mailings depends on state digest approval and printer schedules.

Decisions

•Accepted financial statement as presented.
•Adopted millage rollback to 14.773 mils; approved 2026 tax levy.
•Approved ordinance amendment on first reading.

Directions

•Public Works to follow traffic implementation procedures and report back if further action required.
•Staff to include adopted rate and levy in budget documents.
•Staff to prepare bids and return with results for commissioner input.
•Staff to report October transactions (reimbursements and fire premium payment) in next monthly report.
•Tax office to include explanatory insert with each bill and coordinate with county staff on final wording.

Oct

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Work Session, October 19, 2026

Workshop of the Spalding County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 19 covering the proposed 2026 millage recommendation, fire district tax, parks maintenance pilot (robot mowers/turf tank), a safety proposal for a 4-way stop on North Walker's Mill Road, a right-of-way abandonment on Camden Road, and the county's capital improvement element update.

Discussion Points

•Board asked for continued monitoring after revaluations and for clarification about school numbers being consolidated into the levy packet.
•Board requested itemized costs, clarity about in-house work versus contracted tasks, and bond/insurance considerations for local contractors.
•Certification will allow staff to publish required advertisements (twice) and schedule the public hearing to finalize the abandonment.
•Commissioners asked whether deferred staffing or equipment purchases could require a future millage increase and requested updated modeling after revaluations.
•County Attorney explained ROW varies (99 ft then 60 ft) and staff proposes abandoning a 39-foot portion to make it uniform at 65 feet.
•County Attorney said ordinance changes and first reading required; staff suggested handling this intersection now and bundling other updates later.
•DCA approved the county\u0002s CIE, preserving qualified local government status.
•Manager emphasized that millage rate alone does not determine tax burden; assessed value and exemptions matter.
•Robotic mowers and turf-tank striping reduce labor and time; Parks Director presented five-year cost comparisons.
•Staff asked for permission to proceed to bid and for partnership to evaluate results; the workshop did not award any contracts.
•Staff recommended full rollback to 14.773 mills citing digest growth and disciplined budgeting.
•Staff recommended LED-equipped 4-way stop with advance-warning signs and rumble/striping as affordable near-term option.
•Staff will present a resolution to adopt the updated CIE and community work program.
•Staff will recommend no change to fire district millage for 2026 based on digest growth and staffing timing for new station.
•Study found crashes above expected counts; reconstructing the intersection would be costly due to utilities and grade.

Directions

•County staff to prepare ordinance amendment for first reading covering this 4-way stop and list of others to be updated later.
•Place resolution of acceptance on upcoming formal agenda for adoption and file documentation with DCA.
•Staff to prepare and publish two required notices and set public hearing dates as required by law.
•Staff to produce detailed cost breakdowns and draft bid documents for board review.
•Staff to provide GIS-tracked mowing reports in next season.
•Staff to review post-revaluation model early next year to assess need for any further millage adjustments.

Oct

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration October 6, 2026

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration met Oct. 5, 2026. Staff reported voter-registration totals and absentee-mailing progress ahead of early voting and described a State Election Board ruling returning a numbered paper list at polling places; two residents offered public comments urging ballot security and civic engagement.

Discussion Points

•Acknowledgement of contractors and county staff assistance
•Advice on avoiding burnout and reaching across party lines
•Allegation/concern that the State Election Board has involved federal authorities
•Encouragement for continued voter outreach
•Guidance to voters about third‑party mailings and sample ballots
•Number of absentee ballots mailed to date and early voting start date
•Operational impacts: slower processing, extra balancing every two hours
•Phase 1 completed and phase 2 begun for new office at 825 Memorial Drive
•Request that the board follow Georgia law and protect ballots and election records
•Routine adoption of agenda and minutes; no new business recorded
•Staff reassignment and procedures to maintain voter flow
•State Election Board clarification requiring a numbered list of voters at polls
•Status of county voter rolls and recent registration processing totals

Decisions

•Agenda adopted; minutes approved; meeting adjourned.

Directions

•Staff to balance poll‑pad certificates against numbered list no less than every two hours during early voting.

Oct

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Regular Session October 5, 2026

Spalding County Board of Commissioners met Oct. 5, 2026. Commissioners approved routine minutes and multiple contracts and grants, heard public comments about road projects and animal control, voted to pre-fund $1.2 million for elections and park repairs pending SPLOST repayment, and received a county manager presentation proposing a millage rollback tied to a growing tax digest.

Discussion Points

•Agreement covers 5307/5311 services
•Agreement purpose and logistics
•Amount and contract details reviewed in workshop earlier
•Commissioner comment on county's GED rate
•Distinction between gross and net M&O digest and implications for revenue
•Grant award amount and match components
•Implementation plan over two years
•Introduction of new director AJ Caldwell
•Lease location 722 West Broad Street
•Possible use of LOHOST for homestead relief and need for legal/fiscal review
•Presentation of digest growth and millage rollback proposal
•Project supports industrial corridor and economic development
•Proposal to loan general fund and repay from SPLOST
•Public commenter raised concerns about parcel ownership and potential data center use
•Recent shelter results and volunteer/donor support (Sept: 44 adoptions, 17 transfers)
•Request for permission for vendor at adoption event
•Scope and cost estimates (~$800k and ~$400k)
•Staff follow-up for data
•Urgency of election office renovations and City Park roof repairs

Decisions

•Advance $1.2M approved
•Agreement approved
•GDOT letter approved
•Lease approved; grant announced

Directions

•Staff to begin facility stand-up and report back
•Staff to continue GDOT coordination
•Staff to continue reporting shelter metrics and coordinate event permissions
•Staff to finalize contract with 3 Rivers
•Staff to provide project scopes and repayment tracking
•Staff to provide supporting data

Sep

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Zoning Public Hearing September 24, 2026

Spalding County Board of Commissioners zoning public hearing on Sept. 24 covered rooftop solar, rezoning and variances for commercial and residential projects, a master plan for a gas station, a contested cell-tower location at Fire Station 6, and text amendments related to abandoned cemeteries; several items were tabled for additional public hearing/clarification.

Discussion Points

•Commissioners asked staff to include overlay amendments (Veil Village, North Expressway, Tri County, AKB) before adoption.
•Commissioners considered safety and existing approvals before denying the relocation.
•Commissioners emphasized rear placement and potential use of nonreflective panels to reduce visibility concerns.
•Commissioners noted existing informal truck parking and asked about enforcement once rezoning was denied.
•Commissioners questioned lot widths, driveway lengths, cul-de-sac size, sidewalk connectivity and parking overflow; applicants agreed to sidewalk conditions on frontage.
•Commissioners stressed that any change to the zoning text requires public notice and a public hearing.
•One commissioner noted the change was largely housekeeping but agreed that formal notice is the prudent approach.
•Planner explained the request to rezone approx. 11.78 acres to R-6 for 62 townhomes and four variances to accommodate attached townhome design.
•Staff described NEID requirements for paved/striped parking, 25-foot buffers, and screening adjacent to residential parcels.
•Staff emphasized that master-plan approval does not grant permits for tenants or signs; separate technical review and permitting remain required.
•Staff framed the plan as conceptual: placement of buildings, parking, sidewalks and stormwater facilities; commissioners asked circulation/orientation questions related to Highway 19/41 and existing adjacent uses.
•Staff outlined site, map, and retention-pond context; commissioners discussed sightlines to neighboring yards.
•Staff said the map update aligns past rezoning decisions but may have missed one from January.
•Station representative raised helicopter-landing safety concerns and lack of FAA Form 7460-1 documentation.

Decisions

•Item tabled 4-0.
•Map update tabled 4-0.
•NEID master plan approved 4-0; applicant to pursue civil and permit reviews.
•Relocation denied 4-0; prior approval remains for original location pending separate action.
•Rezoning approved 4-0 with extra sidewalk condition; variance approved 4-0 subject to staff conditions.
•Rezoning denied 4-0; enforcement follow-up authorized.
•Special exception approved 4-0; applicant to pursue standard permitting.

Directions

•Staff to advertise and bring the item back for a public hearing.
•Staff to include sidewalk requirement in conditions and verify in civil-plan review.
•Staff to prepare amended overlays and advertise required public hearing.
•Staff to pursue code enforcement as applicable.

Sep

Spalding County Board of Commissioners September 21, 2026

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners held a workshop on September 21 to review several agenda items including a GDOT safety beacon request on Highway 92, a moratorium amendment for billboard exceptions, a county museum staff trip request, a Safe Streets for All consultant contract, parks disciplinary and photography policies, a Land Bank interlocal agreement, plans and donations for a Dundee Lake amphitheater, proposed SPLOST allocation percentages, and playground replacements. Commissioners debated trade-offs on project funding and next steps for letters, meetings, and recommendations to be considered at a later regular session.

Discussion Points

•Amendment language would allow special-exception billboard applications to be accepted while moratorium remains in effect.
•Board has not received a redlined IGA showing proposed language changes.
•Commissioners asked for enforceable policy language and covenant enforcement mechanisms.
•Commissioners discussed VIP parking, museum opening logistics and whether another county hire should attend similar events.
•Commissioners want accident data and a comprehensive Highway 92 plan.
•County attorney advised not to vote tonight because the city will workshop its version tomorrow and because the agreement contains contested provisions including a self-funding tax remittance clause.
•County fatality rate (19.1 per 100,000) cited as rationale for plan.
•Estimated first phase ~$1.5 million; staff proposed phased approach and use of impact fees.
•GDOT will install beacon; county would pay electricity.
•Georgia Power pledged $250,000; Southern Natural Gas considering a donation.
•Hauser requested registration and hotel for conference attendance; she proposed driving and using county gas card.
•PLAC removed narrow 'athletics' language to make policies inclusive and established standing committees for discipline and other functions.
•Project budget $375,000 with $300,000 federal funds and 20% local match; negotiated contract $372,356.
•Projects will meet ADA accessibility and use existing footprints to minimize site work.
•Proposed privacy policy prohibits photography in private spaces and restricts staff use of personal devices; disciplinary hearing and appeal procedures were reviewed by county legal.
•Scope includes crash analysis, road safety audits, community engagement (1,000 residents), policy assessment and deliverables due by 09/30/2028.
•Septic vs. sewer: sewer extension could require a lift station and be costly; staff to analyze feasibility.
•Some commissioners pressed for 50–70% of funds to go to transportation; others warned of a $15–$20 million shortfall versus proposed program totals and urged maintaining funds for maintenance and facilities.
•Staff and commissioners agreed the moratorium should not block filings for signs defined in the county sign code.
•Staff noted the program would be pay-as-you-go (not bonded) and that infeasible projects would be deferred rather than funded from the general fund.
•Staff proposed a multi-year SPLOST allocation across transportation, deferred maintenance and other categories (6-year horizon).
•Staff suggested drafting a letter to GDOT to request broader prioritization of unsafe intersections.
•Swings are omitted in some projects because swings require larger safety surfacing areas, increasing costs; a swing complex is planned for City Park in 2027.
•Two playground replacements are approved impact-fee projects at $200,000 each and are under budget.

Directions

•County attorney to provide the current agreement redline and Land Bank policies to commissioners.
•Post notices at county facilities describing the new photography policy.
•Staff to prepare visuals and draft letter to GDOT for next meeting.
•Staff to return with refined allocation options, prioritization criteria and annual reporting schedule.
•Staff to return with sewer feasibility analysis, finalized cost estimates and donor commitments.

Sep

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration September 8, 2026

Spalding County Board of Elections and Voter Registration held a mid-month meeting on Sept. 8, 2026. The board addressed quorum issues, amended the agenda to discuss extending advance voting hours, reviewed voter registration statistics (54,269 registered voters) and felon-flag processing, outlined absentee and early voting timetables, and received updates on office remodeling and state election law changes.

Discussion Points

•Board debated whether setting daily advance voting hours is the director's discretion or requires board action.
•Board discussed potential time impacts and reimbursement mechanisms.
•Board members inquired whether the process is state-mandated; staff confirmed it is.
•Director confirmed contract recommendation and county commission approval; provided a construction progress update.
•Director outlined staff arrival times, equipment opening/closing workload, and mandated next-day reporting.
•Director reiterated statutory limits on registration drives and important dates for registration and absentee mailing.
•Director summarized key provisions of SB 3EX: equipment standards committee, QR-code removal date change, mandatory hand-count recounts for close statewide races, and expanded audits.
•Director warned about third-party mailers and instructed voters to verify registration via official channels.
•Hardy explained the 226 potential felon records came from state-provided files and that the county mails template letters and applies a 40-day response clock.
•Resident raised three explicit questions about absentee mailing, changes to ballot/envelope requirements, and potential workload impacts from USPS changes.

Decisions

•Agenda amended to discuss extension; no final schedule change adopted at this meeting.

Directions

•Board members invited to visit the site; staff to continue to provide construction updates.
•Staff to assess operational impacts and provide a staffing/shift proposal to the board by the next meeting.
•Staff to continue processing according to state guidance and to research provisional ballots as needed.
•Staff to continue public outreach and post official guidance on social media and county website.
•Staff to monitor rulemaking and provide updates on how state requirements will affect local timelines.
•Staff to monitor state and federal developments and communicate any required procedural changes to voters.

Sep

Spalding County Board of Commissioners 6:00pm Regular Session Session, August 31, 2026

Spalding County Board of Commissioners regular meeting on 2026-08-31: the board recognized County Manager Steve Ledbetter's five years, approved school resource officer agreements (70/30 split) including a contested agreement with Griffin Christian Schools, approved several grants and contracts (Family Ties functional family therapy, GEMA weather-radio grant), stood up an opioid grant committee for $595,318 and took direction on a GDOT roundabout.

Discussion Points

•Board agreed to pay up to 50% with other partners to reduce county share.
•Commissioner argued taxpayers should not subsidize private-school security.
•Commissioner emphasized Archway’s value and potential to leverage additional partners.
•Commissioners asked clarifying questions about multi-county coverage and county share.
•Commissioners debated committee size; concern that three-person committees had poor attendance in past.
•Commissioners questioned scheduling vs school calendar and cost fairness.
•Commissioner suggested using radios as incentives for CERT training.
•County Attorney explained substantial-benefit rule and school safety zone concept.
•County has resurfaced approximately 120 miles over five years.
•Motion to lift from the table and approve as modified.
•No substantive floor amendments recorded during the meeting.
•Pine View Road paving delayed while AT&T moves poles.
•Public commenter Nicole Green urged quick action on opioid funds and offered to help.
•Recent cybersecurity intrusion contained; no data lost.
•Sheriff described year-round duties of SROs and summer coverage.
•Sheriff emphasized deputies’ countywide responsibility and ability to respond to active-shooter events.
•Staff confirmed $595,318 in grant funds and recommended expedited formation.
•Staff confirmed the program is grant-funded and resulted from a qualified bid process.
•Staff emphasized grant passthrough and need for eligibility criteria.

Decisions

•Accept grant and proceed with development of eligibility and distribution plan.
•Agreement approved 3–1.
•Approved agreement on a 4–0 voice vote.
•Approved county share $83,000; vote 4–0.
•Blight ordinance approved as modified (second reading).
•MOU approved; county contribution capped at 50%.
•Stand up five-member opioid grant committee; proceed with nominations.

Directions

•County staff to continue coordination with utilities and complete finishing work when possible.
•Each commissioner to suggest at least one nominee; staff to return with final list for appointment.
•EMA to work with county staff on distribution criteria and plan.
•Execute contract and comply with grant reporting.
•Finalize and execute agreement; provide schedule to board.
•Proceed with implementation and public notice.
•Staff to finalize and execute agreement.
•Staff to notify Archway and finalize payment arrangements.

Aug

Spalding County Board of Commissioners August 27, 2026

Spalding County Board of Commissioners zoning public hearing on Aug. 27 covered special-exception requests for manufactured homes, a proposed billboard (digital sign) ordinance, several final plats, a BOOST grant, and a 120-day moratorium on rezoning and special exceptions.

Discussion Points

•Applicants and counsel presented benefits and compliance issues; staff noted draft language and overlay restrictions.
•Commissioners confirmed there is no local match requirement before accepting the award.
•Commissioners noted layout and lot sizes were acceptable.
•Commissioners raised questions about tax-record accuracy and enforcement capacity for deed restrictions.
•Commissioners sought clarity about whether single-family construction without rezoning would be affected.
•Counsel emphasized GDOT spacing (5,000 feet) will control placement along state-controlled routes.
•Owner said unit intended for niece and cited land-bank deed restriction requiring occupant relationship; staff noted planning commission recommended approval on 06/30/2026.
•Recommendation to prospectively limit minor subdivisions and curb cuts in code revisions.
•Staff confirmed AR-1 compliance (3 acres and 200-foot frontage).
•Staff confirmed plat complied with minor final-plat rules; commissioners raised traffic/curb-cut concerns.
•Staff/county counsel recommended adoption with subsequent amendment to exclude sign-ordinance special exceptions.
•Staff noted increased participation this year and described program uses for grant funds.
•Staff recommended approval with conditions; commissioners questioned neighborhood trend data and enforceability of grandfathered units.

Decisions

•Board denied 26-06S by a 5-0 vote.
•Final plat approved 5-0.
•Final plat approved 5-0; staff given direction to prepare code changes.
•Grant acceptance approved 5-0.
•Moratorium adopted 5-0; staff to return with exclusion language.
•Ordinance was tabled (motion carried 5-0).
•Special exception approved 5-0 with conditions.

Directions

•Applicant may appeal or reapply; staff to clarify deed-restriction language and enforcement options.
•Applicant must obtain demolition permit and meet Class A manufactured-home standards; staff to process permit applications and inspections.
•Board adopted a 120-day moratorium (5-0).
•Staff to complete paperwork and implement program subject to grant conditions.
•Staff to draft ordinance amendments addressing curb cuts and minor-subdivision thresholds.
•Staff to prepare amendment excluding sign ordinance and return to board.
•Staff to work with applicants and counsel, add state spacing/fall-zone language, and return with revised ordinance in coming months.

Aug

Spalding County Planning and Appeals Commission Regular Meeting August 15, 2026

Planning Commission approved a special exception (case 2609) to allow rooftop solar on a residence in the Grayson Park subdivision; the applicant will appear before the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 24. The meeting included introduction of the new planning director, questions about HOA restrictions and state law, a note about pending minutes, and a call for proactive planning related to nearby development.

Discussion Points

•A participant claimed a potential conflict with the state act governing distributed generation.
•Applicant said system is to support an electric vehicle charger.
•Commissioners noted that HOA covenants can prohibit rooftop solar despite county approvals.
•Commissioner suggested Spalding County should proactively plan and make recommendations to commissioners.
•Commission voted with no opposition.
•Director had no substantive report for the meeting.
•Nearby development in Bucks County includes sewer and water planning that may attract growth.
•New director introduced and presented first item.
•Staff recommended approval after finding no adverse impacts to surrounding properties.
•Staff said covenants are contractual and enforceable by the HOA.

Decisions

•Special exception case 2609 approved by the Planning Commission.

Directions

•Applicant to work with staff to obtain permits and proceed to Board of Commissioners hearing on Sept. 24.

Aug

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Regular Session August 3, 2026 6:00pm

Spalding County Board of Commissioners met on Aug. 3, 2026; the board recognized long‑service employees, heard extended public comment about animal care and shelter operations, approved several contracts and ordinances (including a stormwater fee on second reading) and adopted a 120‑day moratorium on new rezoning and special‑exception applications.

Discussion Points

•Board and staff cited an existing SDS agreement that places city vs. county responsibilities in writing.
•Clarification that non‑rezoning permits (e.g., building a house on a parcel zoned for residential use) are not halted.
•CMAR award covers preconstruction; construction contract to return to board.
•Discovery of unauthorized or unclear language in zoning ordinances prompting the moratorium.
•Ensure historically appropriate facade and window materials are included in design submissions.
•First‑year 38% reduction for bottom residential band; billing to property owners; shifting cost toward commercial/industrial accounts.
•Goal to secure a walking trail and improved partnership elements instead of minimal payment.
•Historical caseloads suggested one person handled about 146 juvenile cases; two GALs were placed to balance workload.
•Labeling the program an unfunded state mandate requiring county implementation.
•Public commenters alleged inconsistent animal intake practices and poor shelter customer service.
•Questions about additional fees led staff to remove certain fee items with direction to revisit in January.
•Taxation and blight‑designation consequences tied to ordinance text.
•Utility easement terms and prior examples of utilities working without notice.
•Whether boarding provisions belong under 'unfit buildings and structures' or under substandard housing/blight.

Decisions

•120‑day moratorium adopted (5‑0).
•Contract approved as revised (5‑0).
•Easement approved; staff to continue negotiations.
•First reading approved; no final adoption at this meeting.
•No personnel or policy action taken at this meeting.
•Ordinance adopted on second reading (5‑0).
•Recommendation to award CMAR to Headley Construction approved (5‑0).

Directions

•Continue communication about fee allocations and exemptions as needed.
•Staff and planning commission to conduct a uniform review of ordinance language and return recommendations.
•Staff to collect complete case counts and return in January to reconsider fee models.
•Staff to implement billing and bring monitoring reports.
•Staff to negotiate trail and partnership components and report back to board.
•Staff to prepare placement alternatives and return on second reading.
•Staff to present design features for board approval before construction begins.
•Staff to rely on the SDS agreement and continue reviewing shelter policies and communications.

Aug

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Work Session August 3, 2026 3:00pm

Spalding County Board of Commissioners held an August 3 workshop to review multiple agenda items including a fire station parking lot resurfacing bid, a CMAR recommendation for East Solomon Street, the 2026 Capital Improvement Element and impact-fee report, a proposed moratorium on rezonings and special exceptions, juvenile indigent defense contracts, a proposed county marshal/police referendum and code-enforcement arrangements, and a pipeline easement at Dundee Lake.

Discussion Points

•CIE purpose related to impact fees; need for status markers (completed/in-progress); why some projects remained listed for 2026; DCA formatting requirements and deadlines.
•Material contract changes (term length, additional hearing and appeal fees) not previously disclosed; responsibility for Guardian ad Litem services; need to ensure juvenile court representation is not disrupted.
•Proposed 10-foot multi-use trail connection; amount of compensation for easement (reference to ~$26,000 in prior packet); restoration obligations; urgency because Southern Natural Gas requires the easement to proceed with construction.
•Purpose of moratorium (codification and ordinance cleanup); hardship to property owners; allowable statutory duration; whether by-right permits continue.
•Rationale for CMAR (early contractor involvement for complex reconstruction); need for verified final cost, insurance and bonds; implications of 2- vs 3-story design on foundations.
•Whether ballot language would effectively create a county police department; duplication with sheriff’s office; liability and training for code-enforcement staff; need for cross-training and dispatch procedures.
•Whether public works can perform a small patch instead of contracting; lacking county milling and paving equipment; indemnification and jurisdiction clauses in Piedmont contract; need to adjust price after removing traffic control and striping components.

Decisions

•Adopt moratorium for up to 120 days starting August 4 with option to lift early.
•No final contract executed tonight; move to regular meeting with supplemental information.
•No referendum vote tonight; proceed with MOU drafting.
•Proceed with negotiations and present final easement document at evening meeting; no final vote in workshop.
•Public hearing proceeds tonight; first-reading approval tabled to next regular meeting.
•Table resurfacing contract until revised contract and final pricing available.
•Table the contracts pending revisions; explore rapid special meeting if needed.

Directions

•Draft MOU to assign two deputies to support code enforcement and keep two code-enforcement staff with community development; prepare budget/staffing analysis; evaluate before next budget cycle.
•Legal to arrange contract edits for Piedmont and staff to confirm final price with traffic-control costs removed; return to board at next meeting.
•Provide a project legend, status markers, historical comparison, and leisure-services committee review before first reading; proceed with public hearing tonight.
•Remove additional fees or adopt a one-year initial term; prepare revised contract language and consider a special called meeting to ensure continuity of representation.
•Staff to inventory adopted vs. codified ordinance text; bring timeline and recommended changes; consider hiring or re-engaging a planning/zoning firm if needed.
•Staff to provide detailed cost estimate, low-bid verification, and final contract terms for review before final approval.
•Staff to provide final dollar amount and obtain written trail construction commitments from the company prior to evening action; attorney to finalize easement language as to form.

Jul

Spalding County Planning and Appeals Commission July 28, 2026 Regular Meeting 6:00pm

Spalding County Planning Commission (regular meeting) handled a rezoning request for a High Falls Road parcel (rejected), several variances (approved), a semiannual zoning map update, readoption of an abandoned cemetery protection ordinance, a gas-station master plan approval, preliminary plat action, and a major amendment to the sign (billboard) ordinance addressing digital conversions on North Expressway.

Discussion Points

•Airport overlay compatibility and missing site-plan details
•Appearance and material match to the principal dwelling
•Applicability to all cemeteries including slave cemeteries
•Applicant seeks to assist family maintenance/financially
•Buffering and compatibility with nearby uses
•Combining lots brings parcel closer to 2‑acre R‑1 minimum
•Confirmation no diesel pumps planned (gas only)
•Coordination with city GIS layers
•NED overlay requirements for setbacks and curb cuts
•Need to display last rezoning/incorporation date for auditability
•Noise and unintended uses raised by nearby resident
•Public works and fire marshal coordination ongoing (second entrance question addressed)
•Readoption required due to code renumbering
•Rezoning had been approved by BOC on May 28
•Staff retains final permit approval authority
•Time window for updates (end of May for this map)
•Topography and septic constraints limit siting options
•Traffic/turn‑lane and access concerns on High Falls Road

Decisions

•Appendix O readopted by commission
•Master plan approved, subject to civil review
•Preliminary plat approved per staff report
•Rezoning application 26-11Z denied by the commission
•Variance 26-16V approved with conditions
•Variance 26-17B approved
•Zoning map update approved with the date addition

Directions

•Add last rezoning/incorporation date to map legend
•Applicant to complete a traffic study if reapplying; staff to record denial
•Conditions to be included in approval: single accessory, material/facade match, staff final sign-off
•Developer to complete civil-review items prior to final plat
•Forward re-adopted ordinance text for county code incorporation
•Maintain semiannual cadence; staff to confirm dates
•Proceed to civil review; return to commission for substantive master-plan revisions
•Staff to record and proceed with civil review as appropriate

Jun

Spalding County Planning and Appeals Commission Regular Meeting 6.30.2026 6:00pm

Spalding County Planning and Appeals Commission considered a rezoning and variance request for truck parking at Zero School Road (denied), approved a special exception to place a manufactured home at 308 Jeannie Lane, approved the Heron Bay Village preliminary plat for 54 cottage-style lots, and tabled an amendment to the sign ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Applicant described plan changes, park donation, and reduction of office/flex units
•Clarification that a pre‑existing business may park its own trucks but not rent space to third parties
•Commissioners asked about rental cap and unit tenure
•Concern about pond impacts from increased trucking
•No public testimony was registered
•Staff described local pattern of mobile homes and recommended conditions
•Staff enforcement history and pending court cases related to corridor properties
•Whether rezoning to C1 would defeat the North Expressway Improvement overlay purpose

Decisions

•Approved Application 26‑07S (special exception)
•Denied Application 26‑06Z (rezoning and variance) by 3–2 vote
•Preliminary plat for Heron Bay Village Phase 3 approved

Directions

•Staff and applicant to finalize construction drawings and conditions prior to final platting
•Staff to finalize and record recommended conditions
•Staff to include required conditions in applicant notification letter if denial stands

Jun

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Zoning Public Hearing 6.25.2026 6:00pm

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners held a zoning public hearing on June 25, approving street-light district requests and two plats, denying a special-exception request for a manufactured home, taking a second reading on an "urban proximity" matter and moving into executive session on personnel, legal and real-estate matters.

Discussion Points

•Staff offered two conditional approvals in the staff report as alternatives if the board wished to grant the exception.
•Staff presented a GIS trend report showing fewer mobile homes and recommended denial of a special-exception request for a manufactured home.
•Staff presented GIS trend data showing mobile-home placements have dropped and single-family stick-built homes are trending upward.
•Staff presented plat details and explained a law-enforcement nondisclosure omitted a parent parcel from the displayed plat.
•Staff presented the lighting layout and funding mechanism for the street-light district (property owners pay via annual taxes).

Decisions

•Accept second reading of urban-proximity resolution.
•Approve street-light district for Pod 26A and Pod 18.
•Approve two plats on consent agenda.
•Deny Application 2605s (special exception for manufactured home).

Directions

•Planning and Zoning to notify applicant of the denial and to update records.
•Planning and Zoning to record approved plats and proceed with required notifications.
•Print urban-proximity map for signatures.

Jun

Spalding County Board of Commissioners Regular Session 6.15.2026 6:00pm

The Spalding County Board of Commissioners met June 1, 2026, adopting the FY2027 budget, approving several contracts and sidewalk projects, and hearing public comments about an apparent rabies case and animal-shelter concerns. Staff presented a financial update showing stable reserves and the county manager outlined a six-week summer pilot transit program.

Discussion Points

•Board amended agenda to add SPLAST items, adopted FY27 budget, and authorized request to delegation to add LHOST on the November ballot.
•Citizen comments raised public-health and animal-shelter concerns, and a request for clear opioid-settlement funding processes.
•City of Griffin agreed to provide 50% of pilot funding.
•Financial presentation showed reserves of ~88–90 days and expected reimbursements for airport acquisition that will reduce net expenditures.
•Pilot transit will serve parks and aquatic center stops and requires adult supervision for riders under 15.
•Public commenter reported a rabies-positive test and questioned county testing and notification procedures.
•Residents raised long shelter stays and the outsourcing of euthanasia, and asked whether sterilization partnerships could be restored.

Decisions

•Adopt FY2027 budget (~$78.77M).
•Approve condemnation resolutions and sidewalk bids.
•Approve public defender contract and declare surplus equipment.
•Proceed with six-week pilot and coordinate signage and schedule posting.
•Request delegation to place LHOST on ballot (10-year term).

Directions

•County Manager/Finance to implement budgeted positions and provide follow-up budget reports.
•County staff should provide an operational response on shelter capacity, euthanasia procedures and options for spay/neuter partnerships.
•County staff should publish a timeline of laboratory receipt and public notification for the rabies case and clarify family-notification procedures.
•Public works to coordinate easement acquisitions and advance sidewalk projects per approved bids and takings.
•Staff to post schedule and signage and to monitor ridership during the six-week pilot.
•Staff to prepare request to legislative delegation to authorize LHOST and to finalize IGA/SPLAST documents with cities.

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