Ware County commissioners reviewed a series of proposals aimed at advancing local infrastructure projects and intergovernmental partnerships during a called meeting Monday, September 22 .
Officials present for the session were Chairman Elmer Thrift, Commissioners Leonard Burse and Barry Cox, County Manager James Shubert, Assistant County Attorney Jennifer Herzog and County Clerk Melinda Brooks. Commissioners Jon Tindall and Timothy Lucas were absentt.
During the public comment portion of the meeting, Ware County Board of Elections and Registration Supervisor Carlos Nelson raised concerns about potential statewide changes to voting equipment that could significantly impact local budgets.
Nelson reported on discussions from the Blue-Ribbon Committee on Election Procedures held recently in Savannah, where three options were considered — upgrading current equipment, replacing it entirely, or switching to paper ballots.
Each option carries substantial costs, with the latter posing a heavy financial burden on counties due to the need for mass ballot printing regardless of turnout.
Currently, Georgia operates under a centralized system where the state funds election equipment. However, Nelson warned that a proposed cost-sharing mode — such as an 80/20 split — could strain county resources, especially in smaller jurisdictions.
A key driver of the change is a state law requiring the removal of QR codes from ballots by July 1, 2026, which will necessitate new equipment or a shift to absentee voting.
Nelson emphasized while election offices will adapt to any system, uniformity and cost-efficiency are critical.
He urged commissioners to engage with the Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG) to advocate for continued state funding and standardized equipment.
Nelson concluded by noting the current equipment, in use for five years, remains effective and premature replacement — typically expected after 10 to 15 years — could be driven more by political pressure than technical necessity.
Also during the public comment portion of the meeting, Ware County business man and resident Albert Toll addressed the commissioners with a passionate plea for efficiency, transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Citing overlapping services, duplicated administrative costs and fragmented leadership, the speaker argued the merging of governments of the City of Waycross and Ware County could streamline operations and better serve residents across both jurisdictions. His main concern was what he described as “dictatorial” enforcement of building codes.
“The taxpayers of Waycross and Ware County deserve a government that works smarter, not harder,” Toll stated. “We’re paying for two sets of everything — two commissions, two budgets, two bureaucracies. It’s time to consider one government that represents all of us.”
The proposal drew mixed reactions from the commissioners. While some acknowledged the potential benefits of consolidation, others expressed concern over the complexity of such a move, including legal hurdles, representation equity, and the challenge of merging departments with distinct cultures and mandates.
Chairman Thrift responded diplomatically, thanking Toll and the other citizens who spoke for their input while noting any consolidation effort would require extensive study, public engagement, and likely a referendum.
“This isn’t something we can decide overnight,” Thrift said. “But it’s a conversation worth having.”
The idea of consolidation between Waycross and Ware County has surfaced periodically over the years, often during budget season or in response to economic pressures. However, no formal steps have been taken toward unification.
The citizens’ request has sparked renewed interest in the topic, with several attendees nodding in agreement and others raising questions about how services like law enforcement, utilities and zoning would be affected.
Also, Roberts Civil Engineering, LLC submitted a proposal to coordinate with utility companies for the relocation of infrastructure that may interfere with upcoming road paving efforts. The affected roads include Wadley Road, Elmer Thrift Road, Slash Pine Road, Banks Lane, and Banks Road.
The coordination work, priced at $42,000, will be added to the existing paving contract. Approval of this proposal is expected to streamline the paving process and prevent delays due to utility conflicts.
Commissioners postponed action until their next meeting in October.
Public Works requested approval for the purchase of pipe materials to support the Ammons Road drainage improvement project. The materials include Metal Pipe – Project- specific: $24,176.94; Stock inventory (192 feet) — $6,518.40; Total: $30,695.34 Concrete Pipe – Project- specific: $32,019.44 The purchases aim to address current drainage issues and bolster inventory for future needs. The board approved the request with the directive to use metal pipe except for pipe that goes under the road for cross drainage.
ESG, acting on behalf of the City of Waycross, is applying for a Right of Way Encroachment Permit to extend a 12-inch water main into the Industrial Park. This extension would connect two water systems, enhancing service reliability and capacity for industrial development.
The board discussed alternatives, pros and cons, and other related matters, but took no further action.
Commissioners approved a request to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ware County and the University of Georgia Extension Office. The MOU, updated every five years, was last signed in 2020. Renewal will continue collaborative efforts in agricultural education, community outreach, and local development.
