Ware County commissioners addressed public safety upgrades, recreation planning, zoning amendments and long-term infrastructure funding during their monthly meetings for July.
The meetings consisted of a work session, followed by multiple public hearings and the regular meeting starting.
During the work session that began the day July 13, Dee Meadows, Chief of Ware County Fire and Rescue, offered public thanks for the assistance his personnel received during the recent fire operation at Deenwood Baptist Church, emphasizing how critical mutual aid is during complex incidents.
Meadows specifically recognized Blackshear Fire Chief Bucky Goble and Waycross Fire Chief Jim Blackburn, praising both departments for their rapid response, professionalism and seamless coordination with Ware County crews.
Meadows noted the successful containment of the fire was a direct result of strong regional cooperation, adding Ware County is “fortunate to have neighboring departments who step in without hesitation when our community needs them.”
During the guest presentation portion of the work session, Brad Robinson and Daniel Taylor of Practical Design Partners briefed commissioners on the ongoing planning and design work for the Albany Avenue Overpass.
Commissioners also acknowledged a letter of appreciation from Dr. Bill Young, who thanked the panel for recognizing his 60 years of service to the Lord, 32 years of which were in Ware County and surrounding areas.
Other business the commission handled included:
• Land Bank appointment: Commissioners addressed a vacancy on the Waycross–Ware County Land Bank Authority.
William Simmons, who held Post 7, recently resigned. The term runs through December 31, 2028.
Marc Hawkins, Executive Director of the Land Bank, recommended appointing Fred Lee, Jr., to complete the unexpired term.
• Indigent Defense contract: The Board considered Resolution 2026-10, authorizing Ware County to enter into a contract with the Georgia Public Defender Council for indigent defense services.
The contract covers the second half of the Council’s budget year and is a budgeted county expense.
• Behavioral Health funding: Commissioners reviewed Resolution 2026-11, approving a contract with Unison Behavioral Health.
The agreement supports mental health, developmental disability and substance abuse services across eight counties, including Ware. Ware County’s annual contribution totals $50,026, with $20,511 specifically supporting services at the Ware County Jail.
•Fire Department new trucks: The Ware County Fire Department will soon add two ¾-ton pickup trucks equipped with skid units for rapid response to brush and wildland fires.
Robbie Roberson Ford submitted the lowest bid at $120,598 for two Ford F-250s. The Georgia Forestry Commission will cover 50 percent of the skid unit cost, except for pumps, which cost the county $2,231 each.
• EMS communications upgrade: Ware County EMS will upgrade its radio communications system, improving coverage in rural areas.
Monroe Communications submitted the lowest quote at $10,122 for a digital repeater, amplifier, power supply, four Kenwood radios, programming, installation, and FCC filing.
• Pickleball complex grant: The Recreation Department briefed commissioners on the upcoming Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant cycle, whic is open August 3-October 2.
The Trembling Earth Recreation Complex master plan includes a proposed pickleball complex with eight courts, a support building and parking improvements. The estimated project cost is $2.45 million.
The maximum DNR grant is $750,000, requiring a 50 percent match.
• LMIG Road funding: Ware County’s 2027 Local Maintenance & Improvement Grant allocation totals $1,344,927.82, with a required local match of 10 percent, bringing total available funding to $1,479,420.60.
Only one project — Sandhill Road resurfacing (0.715 miles) — has been identified so far, with an estimated cost of $130,156.58.
Commissioners will need to select additional roads to fully utilize the grant.
• Zoning amendments: Three zoning matters were presented during the public hearings: ∞ Offroad Motorized Vehicle Park – A proposed amendment to Articles III and VII would define and designate Offroad Motorized Vehicle Parks as a permitted use in C-2 Highway Commercial zones and a conditional use in A Agriculture-Forestry zones.
The Planning Commission unanimously recommended approval.
∞ Poultry in Residential Zones – A second amendment would allow residents to keep poultry for private consumption or as pets.
The Planning Commission also unanimously recommended approval.
∞ Rezoning Request – A property at 3895 Jamestown Road (Parcel 036C01 034) was proposed for rezoning from C-1 Neighborhood Commercial to C-2 Highway Commercial to allow a new restaurant.
This request likewise received unanimous Planning Commission support.
Comments