2026-11-09 Work Session, Public Hearing, & Regular Meeting
Ware County Commission meeting on 2026-11-09 covered a Department of Public Health presentation about pursuing a CDBG grant and a new facility, multiple routine resolutions (public defender contract, safety incentive pay, adoption of a housing study), a contract amendment after a contractor acquisition, an update on multiple road projects and a public hearing on proposed street-naming rules.
Discussion Points
•Adopting the study could increase funding opportunities and enable annual CDBG applications as a GIC community.
•CDBG may fund rehab of existing building or new construction; the county typically needs land in place to support an application.
•Commissioners requested confirmation of timing and whether the contractor remains within original schedule.
•Current health facility built c. late 1960s–early 1970s and is undersized.
•East Coast Asphalt purchased NPR South LLC; counsel recommended amendment to preserve county protections.
•Estimated building size 18,000–20,000 sq ft; rough construction cost estimates discussed ($3.5M–$5M).
•Personnel portion cited as $261,625.61; operating costs described separately and to be combined for final total.
•Planning commission recommended the amendment unanimously on Oct. 8, 2026.
•Potential need to phase Elmworth Thrift and Banks Lane if budget constraints require.
•Proposed code sets specific limits to avoid confusion for emergency services and public.
•Study evaluates housing conditions and affordability in Waycross and Ware County.
•Thigpen Road and Gibbs Lane closings scheduled for Dec. 10–11.
Decisions
•Board approved contract amendment.
•Board approved the text amendment.
•Commission adopted the housing study.
•Consensus to pursue grant application; no final appropriation made.
•No final project scope reductions; direction to staff to continue acquisitions and bid advertisement.
•Resolution 2026-18 approved by roll call.
Directions
•Clerk/finance to finalize totals and report back.
•Clerk/planning to publish required notices and implement petition procedures.
•County Attorney to finalize amendment language; staff to monitor contractor performance.
•Proceed with current bid schedule and prepare to scale back scope if bids come back over budget.
•Staff to distribute the study and follow up on grant opportunities.
•Staff to pursue CDBG application and return with cost/land information; Board of Health to consider contribution (~$800,000).
Ware County Board of Commissioners work session on Nov. 9, 2026, includes consideration of a public defender contract, safety incentive pay, adoption of a housing study, a safety action plan contract amendment, a de-annexation request, an airport Quonset hut discussion, road project updates and a CDBG-backed health department project.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to hold a public hearing on Nov. 9, 2026, to consider a text amendment to the county code that would amend Chapter 66, Article III, Section 66-65 on street names. The meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. at 305 Oak Street, Suite 201, Waycross.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to meet on November 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. at 305 Oak Street, Suite 201, Waycross. The meeting agenda is a bare agenda listing several substantive items including a CDBG 2027 proposal to construct a new health department and multiple resolutions and contract items.
Ware County Board of Commissioners met to consider multiple rezoning requests tied to the State Street overpass, updates to signage and subdivision rules, several contracts (including Gooding Bay Road and Gilchrist Park projects), budget/administrative measures and routine appointments; the board approved the items presented and closed the public hearing.
Discussion Points
•Board approved by voice/roll call.
•Contract amount read into record as $818,743.78.
•County attorney confirmed signature/address not required; board agreed to remove it.
•Flag-lot frontage reduction opens development options for smaller parcels near the city.
•Motion to increase spending limit presented; little to no debate.
•New definitions clarify when staff-level sign-off is permitted (no new street/no change in lots).
•Planning commission had unanimously recommended approval.
•Project tied to park facilities and local roads and sewer/water availability discussed.
•Proposal reduces required sign size and sets posting window.
•Resolved to align monthly card limit with procurement needs.
•Ryland Environmental will place an office and weigh station on the expanded parcel.
•Scope includes two miles of triple service treatment noted by a commissioner.
•Staff noted utilities and industrial park context.
•Staff said parcels would host GDOT temporary offices.
Decisions
•Amendments approved
•Contract approved
•Resolution passed
•Rezoning approved
•Text amendment approved
Directions
•Finance to implement new limit with the bank.
•Planning to publish new sign guidance and test over next hearings.
•Planning to record conditional use permit and update maps.
•Planning to update zoning map following approval.
Ware County work session on Oct. 12, 2026 covered retiree recognition, donations to first responders, multiple contracts (roads, trash, EMS equipment), senior day-care program options after a provider gave notice, and airport runway work and funding questions.
Discussion Points
•Add listed Stryker equipment to extended maintenance coverage due to elapsed warranties and ambulance delays.
•County can acquire right-of-way in-house or ask DOT to acquire; in-house likely cheaper.
•County provides building maintenance and a 10% in-kind match for the grant funding.
•Direction for staff to coordinate acceptance and procurement.
•Donation amount and earmarked equipment.
•Formal recognition of long service; no action required.
•Grooving improves runway friction and safety in wet conditions.
•Local benefits for residents and alternative routing around train crossing.
•McKinney Center to discontinue services as of 06/30/2027 due to cost.
•Options include in-house provision, contracting with other vendors, or renewing with McKinney under a new model.
•Project costs include fuel-surcharge escalation and an IFV requirement for bids over $100,000; IFV costs will be reimbursed.
•Statewide Engineering design work identified for multiple local streets.
•Three bids received; Thrift Brothers lowest at $818,743.78.
Decisions
•Commission agreed to advance project and incorporate grooving and cost-share adjustments.
•Commission agreed to extend coverage and revisit the full contract in 2027.
•Commission agreed to in-house acquisition and advanced the contract.
•Item advanced to main agenda for formal award.
Directions
•Bring full maintenance contract renewal back to commission in 2027.
•Keep item on future agendas for decisions ahead of June 2027.
•Manager to meet with recreation staff and Southern Georgia Regional Commission and return with options.
•Move award to main agenda for formal approval.
•Move the runway rehabilitation contract forward for procurement and account for IFV reimbursements.
•Proceed with county-led right-of-way acquisition and move contract to agenda.
2026-09-14 Work Session, Public Hearing, & Regular Meeting
Ware County commissioners held a Sept. 14 work session and public hearings that included a resident noise complaint about a newly reopened motorsports venue, approval of multiple grant applications (scrap-tire reimbursement, Land and Water Conservation Fund pre-application for pickleball courts, BOOST after-school grant MOU), zoning text amendments for RV parks and private gatherings, a rezoning for 830 New Mexico Ave, several consulting agreements for airport work, and awards for local road paving bids.
Discussion Points
•Amendment allows private noncommercial gatherings and certain fundraisers while requiring permits for alcohol sales.
•Clarified that units are short-term rentals and not permanent residences; water/sewer and setback rules still apply.
•Commissioners discussed funding sources for the local match and potential tournament hosting.
•County's cost-share (~$195,000) will come from SPLOST/discretionary funds.
•Definition and ANSI standard for park-model tiny homes; 10% cap to maintain RV-park character.
•Five-year term aligns with CIP; projects will be presented to the commission as they arise.
•Grant is reimbursable, residential only, will be phased with licensed hauler.
•Grant would match 50% of project costs; staff suggested competition-size courts and restroom facilities.
•Large commercialized private parties created parking, noise and underage‑alcohol concerns; staff proposed ordinance language to curb ticketed commercial events in residential zones.
•Resident Greg Scott described chronic late‑night noise and unsafe off‑road driving associated with a reopened motorsports venue.
•Rezoning brought property into compliance with current use; adjacent land uses and services discussed.
•RFQ selected the firm last month; separate agreements required by state for planning and construction.
•Staff noted nonconforming RV parks retain status unless closed for six months.
•Staff outlined enforcement options: county noise ordinance, sheriff response for nighttime, DNR civil actions for river driving, and DUI enforcement when observed.
•Staff will advertise dates and coordinate with regular trash collection/bulk pickup.
•Thrift Brothers was the low bidder; scope includes paving multiple county roads and engineering fees.
Decisions
•Bid awarded to Thrift Brothers LLC; motion passed.
•Commission approved acceptance of the $40,115 grant and authorized staff to proceed.
•Consulting agreements approved; firm engaged as county airport consultant.
•Pre-application resolution approved.
•Rezoning approved by commission vote.
•Text amendment advanced for adoption.
•Text amendment advanced; staff to return with final language.
Directions
•Commissioners requested clarification on sewer/water availability and setbacks for affected parks.
•Finalize language ensuring private family gatherings are unaffected.
•Monitor calls for service; escalate to state agencies if unauthorized waterway use continues.
•Staff to draft final ordinance and coordinate enforcement procedures with the sheriff's office.
•Staff to execute agreements and begin work on initial runway rehabilitation project planning.
•Staff to execute contract and coordinate schedule and engineering oversight.
•Staff to finalize schedule, post notices and coordinate hauler; chair to sign as required.
•Staff to prepare final ordinance language and return for adoption.
•Staff to record the zoning ordinance and update maps.
•Staff to refine cost estimates, include restrooms and return with a formal project plan if needed.
•Staff will draft and send a written notice to the venue owner and coordinate with the sheriff's office and legal counsel.
Ware County Commission held a public hearing and regular meeting on Aug. 13 to consider the county millage rate (a rollback to 11.419 mills), school board millage, a GDOT-backed rural transit grant application, purchase of tire-changing equipment for vehicle maintenance, and acquisition of a used generator for the airport. Commissioners discussed budget trends, growth and procurement details; the vehicle-equipment purchase was approved by vote.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners cited multi-year trends of rolling back the millage and commended department heads for spending restraint.
•Commissioners expressed appreciation for the board’s action.
•Commissioners noted the regional benefit and low cost to the county.
•Cost, warranty, training, and local vendor support were discussed.
•Health department offered used CAT generator for $10,000; airport staff said unit has ~400 hours.
•Manager clarified SPLOST funding sources and confirmed quotes for electrical work.
•Manager explained the grant is administered through the Southern Georgia Regional Commission and that vans would serve medical and work trips.
•Questions remain about whether a transfer switch is included and about wiring/installation costs.
•Staff described technical differences between bids and why Hunter equipment was preferred.
•Staff noted school board rolled back 0.096 mills and cited legislative changes affecting penalty thresholds.
•Staff reported a $1,185,815 net new money figure for 2026 and advised the board that a rollback was feasible.
Decisions
•Authorize application (motion recorded).
•Purchase approved and funded from SPLOST allocations.
Directions
•Airport and manager to inspect generator, confirm transfer switch status and wiring needs, and report back to commission.
•Authorize application; regional commission to apply.
•Proceed with procurement and electrical wiring as quoted.
Ware County Commission met Aug. 10, 2026 to handle routine county business including procurement decisions for IT security and recreation HVAC, a contested garbage-collection contract selection, airport consultant selections, purchase approvals for an asset-management system and E911 workstation equipment, several road and resurfacing items, and to recognize an employee of the month.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners and staff discussed Enterprise leasing options, maintenance coverage and option-to-purchase terms.
•Commissioners asked about scope of initial data entry and whether older assets would be backfilled; staff recommended starting forward from the deployment date for accuracy.
•Commissioners debated franchise fee revenue versus direct resident benefits (free quarterly disposal and Saturday hours).
•Commissioners discussed funding from SPLOST and potential lost revenue from inability to rent the gym while units are down.
•Commissioners emphasized the stress of 911 work and health benefits of ergonomic equipment.
•DOT requires separate submissions for planning vs. design and construction; staff recommended awarding both to incumbent for continuity.
•IT staff described functions, update cadence and vendor support included in a three-year renewal.
•Panel scored two firms; incumbent had project history and ongoing work.
•Quotes from multiple vendors compared; Wind Supply offered three 20-ton units with installation and a bulk discount.
•Staff described barcode tracking, maintenance scheduling and inventory features, and time needed to import past records.
•Staff described two proposals and weighted scores; vendor reps answered operational questions about local call centers, bulk pickup rules and truck-tracking technology.
•Staff presented low bid and comparative bids; a commissioner emphasized local households served (about 24).
•Vehicle maintenance staff described high-mileage units and dealer quotes.
Decisions
•Approve purchase and proceed with phased implementation.
•Approve purchase request; proceed with procurement and deployment.
•Approve three-unit replacement with vendor and fund from SPLOST.
•Approve three-year Sonic firewall renewal.
•Award contract to Ryland Environmental with amended $19.65 monthly rate and 300-pound quarterly allowance; staff to finalize contract.
•Item carried over; no final award recorded on the day.
•Select incumbent consultant for planning and design/construction services.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners met Aug. 10, 2026, and approved a series of procurement and contract actions including IT security software, road paving, a county garbage contract, airport consultant selections, departmental software, E911 equipment, and HVAC replacement for the Recreation Department; an executive session addressed real estate, litigation and personnel.
Discussion Points
•Appreciation for E911 staff; price includes dismantling and replacement of old equipment.
•Award of paving contract for two‑mile stretch of Gooding Bay Road.
•Comparison between Ryland's benefits and Republic Waste's $15,000 franchise fee.
•Comparison to earlier 15‑ton AAON unit quotes ($138,000–$141,000).
•New units are 20‑ton and control will be local rather than remote.
•Passero's prior and ongoing work with the airport was noted.
•Purchase request for firewall; no discussion recorded.
•Ryland committed to one Saturday per month for transfer station access.
•Software will increase departmental efficiency and help predict equipment life/breakdowns.
Decisions
•Approve E911 office equipment purchase; procurement must confirm exact amount and vendor.
•Approve purchase and installation; procurement to confirm figures.
•Approve purchase of Nova Solutions software.
•Approve purchase request for Sonic Security Firewall.
•Award contract to Thrift Brothers, LLC for $818,743.78; Chairman Elmer Thrift abstained.
•Select Passero & Associates for planning and for design/construction consultant services; both motions passed unanimously.
•Select Ryland Environmental as garbage collection and disposal company with a $19.65 price and quarterly 300‑lb free drop‑off benefit.
At a July 30, 2026 called meeting, the Ware County Board of Commissioners discussed the 2026 millage rate and budget pressures, voted down a rural fire defense lease/MOU with the Georgia Forestry Commission, approved a $310,206.96 change order to resurface part of 8 Mile Post Road using 2025 LAR funds, and directed staff to study traffic signal and property issues tied to an Albany Avenue grade-separation project.
Discussion Points
•Commissioner Cox toured Waycross Middle School and asked about Thigpen Road.
•Commissioner Tindall reported attending NACO and will share ideas.
•County Manager explained contractor had started on the original contract end and the engineer had agreed to swap ends but did not change the contract order in writing.
•County Manager requested direction but no vote would be taken at this meeting.
•Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Construction Cost for additional work: $310,206.96.
•Manager outlined need for interagency cooperation between county fire departments and Georgia Forestry Commission.
•Manager reported a $160,000 quote to add a left-turn signal at Augusta and Albany avenues and discussed a possible three-way stop as an alternative.
•Manager reported FY2027 General Fund budget of approximately $34,415,351 and a projected FY2026 shortfall of about $1.2 million.
•Manager said appraisals done in 2024 for the Albany Avenue grade-separation may need updating; he aims for signed property agreements by mid-August.
•Purpose cited as minimizing loss of life and property where wildland and structural fuels intermingle.
•Tax Commissioner recommended adopting the rollback rate (11.419 mills) and presented revenue estimates for 0.5- and 1.0-mill increases.
Decisions
•Change order approved and funding authorized.
•Motion to accept MOU failed on roll call.
•See vote entries above.
Directions
•Approve change order and use 2025 LAR Program funds.
•Chair instructed manager to check pricing and to investigate widening related to the bridge project.
•None recorded.
•Staff to provide additional information on millage options and reconciliation of FY2026 figures.
Ware County commissioners met July 30 to discuss the proposed 2026 millage (including rollback and possible 0.5/1.0 mill increases), schedule public hearings, and take votes on an updated memorandum of understanding with the Georgia Forestry Commission and a multi-road resurfacing project; commissioners signaled consensus to pursue a rollback rate and directed staff on hearing/advertising timelines.
Discussion Points
•Commissioners urged prompt action to have agreements in place before project procurement.
2026-07-13 Work Session, Public Hearing, & Regular Meeting
Ware County Board of Commissioners work session and regular meeting on 2026-07-13 covered a major Albany Avenue/rail grade-separation update, several procurement votes for public safety equipment and communications, a $750,000 DNR pickleball grant application, a scrap-tire amnesty grant event planned for Nov. 14, and multiple zoning text amendments and rezoning requests.
Discussion Points
•Consultant reported 22 parcels screened and two parcels with confirmed contamination.
•County will need legal descriptions/appraisals for roughly 40 parcels.
•EPD cleanup and owner eligibility for Georgia UST fund discussed as paths to closure.
•Fred Lee Jr. introduced himself and described local ties and experience.
•Grant does not reimburse employee overtime; reimburses hauling/processing costs.
•Grant reimburses up to $4 per passenger‑tire equivalent; reimbursement cap $75,000 per state fiscal year.
•Grant window dates and match requirement explained.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners held a July 13, 2026 work session covering updates on the Albany Avenue overpass, board appointments, contracts with public-defender and behavioral-health providers, several equipment and capital requests (fire trucks, EMS radios, LMIG road resurfacing, and a DNR grant for pickleball courts), and a planned tire-amnesty event; the session adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Discussion Points
•An EPD permit is not required if the County provides a letter with event details; application processing may take about 90 days.
•Commissioner Cox recommended starting with four courts.
•DNR grant portal opens Aug. 3; maximum grant $750,000 with 50/50 match.
•Engineer estimated eight courts at $2.4 million; project can be phased.
•EPD timeline governs remediation; CSX approval required for plans.
•Estimate of coverage roughly five miles given current allocation.
•Fred Lee Jr. expressed interest in filling the unexpired term.
•Lowest vehicle quote from Robbie Roberson Ford recommended.
•Monroe Communications bid $10,122 was the lowest and recommended.
•Motion to adjourn made, seconded and approved unanimously.
•Property acquisition remains a gating factor for construction schedule.
•Pump cost to County is $2,231 per unit, Georgia Forestry funds 50% of skid cost except pump.
•Sandhill Road is identified; commissioners suggested prioritizing shorter roads like Nabors Drive to maximize mileage.
•Skid units will allow rapid small-fire response without full tanker dispatch.
•System coverage gaps exist in parts of the County for EMS communications.
•Three branches of the grant program exist; an amnesty event would let residents drop tires free of charge.
•Total annual contribution $50,026; breakdown $29,515 county participation and $20,511 for jail services.
•Two contaminated sites with underground fuel tanks were found along the alignment; removal and soil rehabilitation required.
•Unison participation covers multiple regional counties; apportionment is based on population.
•Vacancy on Land Bank Authority created by William Simmons' resignation.
•Ware County allocation for 2027 LMIG is $1,344,927.82.
Decisions
•Work session adjourned at 5:20 p.m.
Directions
•Add appointment to the Regular Meeting agenda for formal consideration.
•Add contract resolution to Regular Meeting agenda for formal consideration.
•Add procurement request to Regular Meeting agenda with funding source noted.
•Add purchase request to Regular Meeting agenda for approval and confirm SPLOST funding.
•Set tentative amnesty event date for Nov. 14 to allow application processing time and report back at next meeting.
•Staff to coordinate with property owners, EPD and CSX and report updates at future meeting.
•Staff to prepare prioritized LMIG candidate road list for Regular Meeting consideration.
•Staff to recommend number of courts and phased plan and bring grant application details to Regular Meeting.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners met July 13, 2026, approving routine minutes and a slate of contracts, purchases and zoning amendments including a $750,000 DNR grant application for pickleball courts and purchases paid from 2022 SPLOST funds. All motions passed unanimously.
Discussion Points
•Amendment intended to include protective language (setbacks/controls) for neighbors.
•Amendment intended to mirror city ordinance and include setback requirements; specific distances not recorded.
•Amount ($10,122) noted; vendor is local; funding from SPLOST Public Safety funds.
•Commissioner Tindall highlighted contract amount ($50,026) and that neighboring counties also support Unison.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing July 13, 2026, to consider text amendments to the county zoning ordinance (definitions and standards for offroad motorized vehicle parks), a proposal to allow poultry in residential zones (roosters prohibited), and a rezoning request for 3895 Jamestown Road to C-2 for a soul food restaurant. Staff and one resident commenter spoke; all items were added to the regular meeting agenda and the hearing was closed by motion.
Discussion Points
•Applicant Avi Patel requested rezoning 3895 Jamestown Road from C-1 to C-2 to open a soul food restaurant.
•Commissioners briefly discussed whether property-size limits should be applied.
•Motion to close public hearing was made and seconded and passed unanimously.
•Planning Director Dustin Minchew presented definition and use-type provisions for Offroad Motorized Vehicle Park.
•Staff noted renovations to the existing building and commissioners said the restaurant would benefit the neighborhood.
•Staff proposed allowing poultry for pets or private consumption and read Section 701.2 housing regulations.
•Staff proposed minimum parcel sizes and buffers to mitigate noise and visual impacts.
Decisions
•Public hearing closed; no final ordinance or rezoning votes were taken at this hearing.
Directions
•Added the poultry text amendment to the regular meeting agenda for formal consideration.
•Added the rezoning request to the regular meeting agenda for formal action.
•Added the text amendment to the regular meeting agenda for formal consideration.
•Items heard were added to the regular meeting agenda for August 10, 2026.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting June 25, 2026, in Waycross and approved the FY2027 budget, adopted a joint Waycross–Ware County comprehensive plan, approved several purchases and a runway rehabilitation contract, and completed routine reports and commission updates.
Discussion Points
•Chairman Thrift indicated intent to review plan details later.
•Commissioner Cox asked about COLA timing; Shubert confirmed full 5% effective July 1.
•Commissioners approved the contract award.
•Discussion of drainage issues and consultation with EPD or Army Corps; use of 2014 and 2022 SPLOST building funds for courthouse pipe replacement.
•James Shubert reported the term expiration and willingness to serve; no public objections were recorded.
•Requests to prioritize striping on Zion Hill Church Road and updates on Tara Road and Folks Bennett Road.
•Shubert clarified totals and operating budget increase of $1.9 million.
•Shubert explained NFPA 10-year service-life guidance and listed requested items and totals.
•Shubert explained the five-year requirement for QLG status and grant eligibility.
•Shubert presented quotes and funding source; no objections noted.
•Shubert reviewed bidders and low-bid amount and provided funding split.
Decisions
•Budget adopted
•Contract awarded to East Coast Asphalt, LLC
•Purchase approved
•Reappointment approved
•Resolution adopted
Directions
•Staff to prioritize striping and provide project updates; consult state/federal agencies on drainage.
Ware County Commission met June 26, 2026 to approve appointments, adopt a joint county comprehensive plan, award a runway contract, approve equipment purchases, and adopt the FY2027 budget; commissioners also spent extended time on local drainage and stormwater concerns.
Discussion Points
•Budget adopted with operating fund increase and 5% COLA included; FEMA/mutual aid reimbursements to be recorded when received.
•Canals narrowed since construction (1920s/WPA era) creating reduced conveyance and standing water.
•EMA requested a utility vehicle; two quotes were presented with recommendation for Polaris Ranger.
•Fire turnout gear requires replacement due to 10-year shelf life for protective equipment.
•Need to adopt comprehensive plan to remain eligible for grants; amendments can be done post‑adoption.
•Potential funding sources discussed: FEMA for disaster reimbursement, state EPD funds tied to lead line programs, and federal Army Corps involvement for waterways permitting.
•Runway rehab contract approved to allow notice to proceed before bids expire; county local share stated.
•Short‑term mitigation: catch basin cleaning and enforcement of yard‑waste ordinances; long‑term solutions require engineering, permitting and funding.
Decisions
•Adopt Resolution 2026‑08 (FY2027 budget).
•Adopt Resolution 2026‑09 (comprehensive plan).
•Approve EMA and fire equipment purchases.
•Award contract and authorize notice to proceed for Runway 119 rehabilitation.
•Reappoint Patrick Simmons to DFC board.
Directions
•EMA, fire and procurement to process purchases and report back on deliveries and invoices.
•Finance to publish adopted FY2027 budget and track reimbursements.
•Staff to coordinate with city officials and the city engineer and pursue an engineering study; staff to investigate permitting needs with EPD and the Army Corps and review grant eligibility for lead line replacement.
•Staff to execute airport contract and issue notice to proceed; pursue aviation discretionary funds to reduce local share.
The Ware County Board of Commissioners held a public hearing June 18, 2026, to review the proposed FY2027 budget and hear department requests including library funding, staffing additions, equipment purchases, and potential fee increases. The public hearing was closed and the board set July 13, 2026, as the proposed approval date.
Discussion Points
•Advertising-fee refund returned to tax commissioner's budget
•Argument that in-house installation would reduce tire purchase costs
•HR responsibilities include personnel and employee benefits administration
•Library director requested a $10,600 increase citing Pierce County's withdrawal from the regional system.
•No specific fee amounts or adoption timeline included in minutes
•Presentation of FY2027 budget by Accounting Supervisor Beverly York
•Request for a new staff position to address rising delinquent taxes
•Request for new HR position to improve departmental efficiency
•Requests from library, tax, HR, and vehicle maintenance for increased funding or positions
•Request to use SPLOST funds to purchase a tire-changing machine
•Staff noted county fees are lower than neighboring counties and are being reviewed for potential increases
•Staff recommendation to review fee schedule due to disparities with neighboring counties
Decisions
•Public hearing closed; motion passed unanimously to close
Directions
•Include the request in minutes for consideration on July 13, 2026.
•Record presentation in minutes; schedule minutes for approval July 13, 2026
•Record request in minutes for consideration July 13, 2026
•Record request in minutes for consideration on July 13, 2026
•Staff to review fee schedules; bring proposals to commission if changes recommended
Ware County commissioners heard a presentation of the proposed FY2027 budget, discussed revenue pressures (including SPLOST/T-SPLOST allocations and possible elimination of personal property tax), and considered staff requests for added positions and capital items; adoption was set for next week.
Discussion Points
•Albany Avenue overpass budgeted $12M in SPLOST funds but projected costs cited around $16.5M.
•Budget presenter said FY2027 needs roughly $34M and budgeted a 5% COLA; revenues estimated to need a 6.62% increase over current year.
•Commissioners asked for numerical projections of net revenue and costs.
•Commissioners criticized regional T‑SPLOST sharing formula that distributes local contributions to larger regional projects.
•Commissioners expressed concern about state/federal revenue uncertainty and rising costs for public safety and capital maintenance.
•HR requested an additional staffer to manage claims, policy updates and staffing processes.
•Library requested $10,400 due to loss of regional funding and higher utility costs.
•No formal vote; staff to report funding options and monitor overrun.
•Planning staff will review fee schedules against neighboring counties and suggest incremental changes.
•Public works seeks an ~$87,000 tire machine to perform tire changes in-house and reduce ~$80,000 in external costs.
•Staff to return with numeric scenarios for millage rollback, keeping millage, and cost of adding personnel.
•Tax office requested a collections position and noted high advertising costs for tax sales; official said a new hire would pay for itself.
Decisions
•No formal adoption; budget adoption scheduled for next week
Directions
•Staff to produce fiscal scenarios showing impacts of millage choices and requested hires; email to commissioners before next meeting.
•Staff to provide cost/benefit numbers and projected additional collections for commissioners to review before adoption.
•Staff to provide savings estimates for the tire equipment, comparative fee analysis, and justification for the library request.
•Staff to track overpass cost changes and report options to cover the overage.
