(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, June 2.)
In rem tax foreclosures resolution: The board approved a resolution authorizing in rem tax foreclosures to allow court-ordered sales of property to collect delinquent taxes. The county currently uses a non-judicial form of tax sales. However, in some cases the property cannot be sold due to the levy or title issues. An in rem tax foreclosure will allow the tax commissioner to file suit against the delinquent property and will simplify the tax sale process, allow the property to be sold and returned to the tax rolls within 60 days. Under the non-judicial tax sales, the process takes a full year. The fees associated with the sale are added to the price of the property and will not cost the county.
Public comment session: Blake Edwards asked commissioners to consider allowing a 10-minute open microphone public comment session at the end of every regular meeting. The idea was a topic at the recent Republican Party candidates debate. It would basically allow any citizen the opportunity to come to the microphone and address any topic before the commissioners at the end of each meeting. Chairman Neal Bennett and newly elected second district commissioner Jason Christmas and newly elected fourth district commissioner Austin Moore all endorsed the idea in principle, though Bennett did say there would need to be some “structure” to the public comment session. Edwards was also scheduled to discuss non disclosure agreements, but he did not address that item. Edwards has frequently appeared on the agenda at government meetings in Pierce, Ware and Brantley Counties leading opposition against solar farms, data centers and the proposed Waycross bypass.
State champion: Alex James was recognized as the state champion in the softball throw at the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association’s state track and field meet held recently. (See photo below.)
County manager report: Interim County Manager Thomas Sauls gave a lengthy, detailed report on his activities and meetings for the month. He also gave department reports for E-911, the sheriff’s office, magistrate court, superior court, emergency medical services, the Pierce County Volunteer Fire Department, road department, planning and codes department, board of elections and registration and the recreation department.
Invocation and Pledge leader: There were no designated invocation or pledge of allegiance leaders for the June meeting.
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
