(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, May 12. The meeting was delayed a week due to a scheduling conflict.)
New fire truck purchased: Commissioners approved an Int ergovernmental Agreement with the City of Blackshear for the purchase of a 2000 International single cab fire truck from the Blackshear Fire Department.
Business license fees updated: Commissioners approved updating its business license fees. Fees have not been updated since 1995. (See next week’s edition.)
New School Road bids: Commissioners approved advertising for bids for the resurfacing of New School Road. Funding source will come from the state’s 2026 local maintenance improvement grant (LMIG).
Recreation department parking lot imp rovements: Commissioners approved advertising for updated bids for Ware Street and Youmans St. Recreation Parking Lot resurfacing and striping. The project will be done using previous engineering work done by Statewide Engineering.
Power pole relocation: Commissioners approved a new relocation agreement with Georgia Power for the relocation of 14 power poles in the area of the 2023 community development block grant (CDBG) including Tornado Road, Chapel Drive, Chapel Circle and Murray Hill Road.
Fire alarm for Southeast Georgia Regional Agricultural Center and Gym: The board approved replacing the fire alarm system at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agricultural Center (formerly the NFC Building) and Gym. Commissioners decided to go with a low quote from Security & Energy Systems of $39,300 with an annual fee of $1,366.80. The only other quote was from Security Blanket at a cost of $68,653.92 with an annual $1,200 fee.
County agent and 4-H agent introduction: John Bennett was introduced as the new Pierce County Extension Coordinator and the Agricultural and Natural Resources Agent Jill Clary was introduced as the county’s new 4-H agent.
Employee benefits: Commissioners approved employee benefits for health insurance for fiscal years 20262027. It was noted the county will not have any increase in fees. Commissioners will also investigate changing its benefits year to an annual schedule instead of a fiscal year schedule.
Technology fee: The board approved a resolution to request legislation to provide a technology fee to be charged by the superior and state courts of Pierce County. The legislation will be introduced in the 2027 Georgia General Assembly. The fees will help pay for technology upgrades in the clerk’s office.
County manager report: Interim County Manager Thomas Sauls gave a lengthy, detailed report that included updates from the EMS director Daniel Royal, County Fire Chief Chris Todd and Assistant Clerk Lana Blankenship.
Invocation leader: The Rev. Steve Kegley of Patterson Baptist Church led the invocation. (See related photo.)
Pledge leader: First district commissioner and Vietnam veteran Troy Mattox led the pledge of allegiance.
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
