The Ware County Commission approved a resolution last week to request local legislation authorizing a $10 technology fee on civil filings and a $10 surcharge on fines in the State, Probate, and Magistrate Courts.
The measure was part of a packed day of work April 13 for commissioners. A 3:30 p.m. work session was followed by five public hearings before the business meeting at which the resolution was passed.
All commissioners were present, including Chairman Elmer Thrift, Leonard Burse, Barry Cox, Timmy Lucas and Jon Tindall. Staff present were County Manager James Shubert, Assistant County Attorney Jennifer Herzog, and County Clerk Melinda Brooks.
The final session had a full slate of decisions, contracts, and one notable point of disagreement.
That came with the consideration of Resolution 2026-05, which was for the fee charges.
Modeled on similar measures in other state counties, the fees would generate revenue solely tfor court technology — hardware, software, imaging equipment, and other upgrades which have become key to modern court operations.
When the vote was called, Chairman Elmer Thrift offered the lone dissent. He did not explain his position, and no commissioner spoke for or against the measure beyond clarifying questions. The resolution passed 4–1.
Bailey Street Pool
The board turned next to summer preparations, approving two agreements bringing the Bailey Street Pool back to life for the 2026 season. Under the first, the YMCA will operate the pool from May 23 through August 1, opening Tuesday through Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m., and providing certified lifeguards throughout the season.
The county will pay $11,000 for the service, split into two installments, and must ensure a uniformed officer is present during all public swim hours.
A second agreement with Sully’s Pool Service & Safety Training will provide certified pool operator services — chemical management, sanitation, filtration oversight, and safety compliance — at a cost of $2,400 per month.
Together, the contracts set the stage for a fully staffed and professionally maintained summer program.
Recreation bid
Recreation operations were also the focus of another unanimous vote, this time awarding the department’s beverage contract to Coca-Cola Bottling Company.
Coke was the sole bidder, offering standard product pricing along with $26,500 in additional contributions ranging from a utility buggy donation to volunteer appreciation funds and sponsorships. The contract includes a 20 percent commission on most products.
Infrastructure
The board approved a $1.73 million contract with East Coast Asphalt, LLC, for the rehabilitation of Runway 1/19 at the Waycross–Ware County Airport.
The project is funded almost entirely by federal dollars, with the state and county each contributing 2.5 percent. East Coast Asphalt submitted the lowest of three bids, coming in more than $180,000 below the next competitor.
Commissioners also approved a borrow pit option agreement with Rusty Tatum for a one-acre site on Ammons Road, a routine action requiring no county funds.
Homestead exemption
A proposed homestead exemption for residents 75 and older — a measure which would eliminate school district taxes for qualifying seniors — was tabled.
Commissioners agreed they could not responsibly advance the bill without first hearing the school board’s position, given the direct impact on school revenue.
Roads renamed
A separate request to rename Cameron Lane was also tabled, while a citizen request to name a private road Todd Lane was approved without discussion.
LMIG road list
The board also adopted the road list for the 2026 LMIG (Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant) LRA (Local Road Administration) resurfacing program. With $1.37 million available, commissioners selected Beach Road and Lucy Moore Road for leveling and surface treatment.
The combined cost estimate of $1.59 million exceeds available funding by more than $218,000, a gap the county will address during project planning.
Rezoning
Two rezonings — one for 801 S. Augusta Avenue and another for remaining portions of parcel 051C05 029 — passed unanimously and without opposition.
Amendments to Articles III and VII of the zoning resolution were also approved after Interim Planning Director Dustin Minchew described them as housekeeping updates rather than substantive policy changes.
Beverage and wine license
A new retail malt beverage and wine package license was granted to Motibhai Nitulbhai Patel for a business at 1200 East Blackshear Avenue. The application drew no objections and required no discussion.
