Ware County’s Board of Commissioners moved efficiently through Monday’s work session and regular meeting last week, approving three key items involving roadway maintenance, infrastructure repair and airport development.
In attendance for the March 9 meetings were Chairman Elmer Thrift, Commissioners Barry Cox, Timothy Lucas and Jon Tindall. Commissioner Leonard Burse joined via telephone.
Also in attendance were County Manager James Shubert, County Clerk Melinda Brooks and Assistant County Attorney Jennifer Herzog.
• Right-of-Way mowing contract renewed: Commissioners approved a one-year extension of the right-of-way mowing pact with K & A Mowing, LLC, totaling $193,320.
The pact covers mowing and litter removal along 179 miles of Ware roads, with three cycles slated for each service.
According to the contract, it doesn’t include any arm mowing along the back edge of the right of way. The work is funded through the Single County Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST) program.
• Change Order approved for Jim Mixon and Camp Branch Roads: The board unanimously approved a $66,560 change order for storm drain and roadway repairs on Jim Mixon Road and Camp Branch Road.
It’s part of the 2023 Local Funds Phase 1 project. The work includes replacement of six cross drains and repaving on Jim Mixon Road, and pipe resealing and asphalt repair on Camp Branch Road.
The total represents about four percent of the original project cost. Funding is from the T-SPLOST account, which, after planned expenditures, will retain a projected balance of $14,732.
• Airport Land Lease approved for building private hangar: In another unanimous vote, commissioners OK’d a land lease at the Waycross-Ware County Airport for Michael and Vickie Franklin.
The agreement allows them to construct a private aircraft hangar on an 8,000-square-foot parcel. The lease rate is four cents per square foot annually, for a total yearly cost of $320.
• Public Notice issued for May 2026 advisory referendum: Commissioners also discussed and passed a nonbinding advisory referendum scheduled for the May 19 General Primary.
Voters will be asked, “Do you support a perimeter highway bypass around Waycross?”
The referendum is authorized under House Bill 1093, which states the measure is “for the benefit of the people of Ware County” and constitutes “an essential governmental function for which public funds may be expended.”
It authorizes the Board of Elections and Registration to add the ballot.
