(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, October 7. ) 911 dispatching problems: Sheriff Ramsey Bennett addressed commissioners about ongoing problems with dispatching 911 calls in a timely fashion if at all.
(See related story.)
Budget discussion: Commissioners briefly discussed, but took no action on the proposed 2026 budget. Commissioners have advertised a 1.872 mill tax increase (See related five year history ad.) Public hearings are scheduled for 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 23 and for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. A called meeting to set the millage is set for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29. All hearings and the called meeting will be held at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center (SEGARAC), 705 College Avenue, Blackshear.
Cryptocurrency and data mining ordinance: Commissioners approved an ordinance governing cryptocurrency and data mining.
Solar farms ordinance: Commissioners approved an ordinance governing setting standards for solar farms including solar energy systems and battery energy storage systems.
Zoning items: Commissioners approved several zoning items including: • a request by Larry Turner to rezone 2 acres on Turner Lane, Blackshear, from agriculture forestry to light industrial to manufacture tiny homes.
• a conditional use request from Vertical Bridge on Georgia Highway 32 in Mershon for a wireless communication tower.
• a request by David Bowers to rezone 4.78 acres on Chapel Drive, Blackshear from multifamily to agriculture/forestry to keep farm animals.
Ambulance equipment: Commissioners approved buying equipment for its new ambulance. Acting EMS Director Daniel Royal recommended, and the board approved, purchasing equipment for the new ambulance in the amount of $139,367.01. The new ambulance was purchased at the August commission meeting.
School tax levy: Commissioners approved a resolution by the school board setting their 2025 tax levy.
Gym use: Commissioners approved an annual, routine intergovernmental agreement with the school board for schools to use the Pierce County Gym.
Employee of the Month: Robbie Laster was named employee of the month. (See related photo).
4-H recognition: Commissioners recognized National 4-H Week. Billie Ann King, county 4H agent gave an overview of Pierce County’s 4-H program noting the organization reaches youth in grades four-12 with inschool science lessons, after school clubs, summer programs, judging teams and leadership opportunities. King highlighted Master 4-Her Paige Follette and the BB shooting sports program. Briley Harris, senior 4-H member, and Neveah Baitey addressed the gallery sharing what 4-H has meant to them. (See related
guest columns and
4-H photo.)
County manager report: County Manager Raphel Maddox reported the county’s annual audit for 2024 is now complete, but the final report has not been released. He also recognized the grand opening of the new First Southern Bank branch in Blackshear and the PCHS girls and boys cross country teams.
Pledge leader: Fourth district Commissioner David Lowman was the pledge leader for October.
Invocation leader: Third district Commissioner Randy Dixon led the invocation.
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 4, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
