The Ware County Board of Commissioners discussed/voted on agenda items during September monthly work session and meeting. There also was a public hearing.
Present were Chairman Elmer Thrift, Commissioners Leonard Burse, Barry Cox, and Jon Tindall. Commissioner Timothy Lucas was absent.
Also present was County Manager James Shubert, County Clerk Melinda Brooks, Asst. County Clerk Melissa Bennett, and Asst. County Attorney Jennifer Herzog.
• ESG Industrial Park Water Interconnection: The agenda item was postponed due to lack of information.
• Ordinance 202503: The commission approved a 1½-ton weight limit for through traffic on Winn Clay Drive, intended to reduce heavy vehicle traffic which may be contributing to roadway wear and safety concerns in this residential area.
A four-way stop was approved at the intersection of Stetson Drive and Mesa Drive. The intent is to improve traffic safety and control turning movements, particularly from Mesa Drive onto Stetson Drive, to reduce potential conflicts and improve right-of-way clarity at the intersection.
• Resolution 202520: Commissioners approved a rural public transit grant application.
“This is the 5311-grant application to GDOT (Georgia Department of Transportation) and the US Department of Transportation,” explained County Manager James Shubert. “I think we do this every year. It’s the transit that the Southern Georgia Regional Commission runs for our 18county region and it’s where citizens in the county can call and schedule and get picked up and transported to their doctor’s appointments or their events. There’s no cost to the county.”
• Resolution 202521: The board approved Roth contribution option for employees, including plan amendment.
• Veterans Day: In a show of support for military service members, the commission added Veteran’s Day to the list of Ware County’s approved holidays. County employees will now receive the day off in observance.
• Leases: Commissioners approved radio tower leases for multiple departments with a oneyear term and 10-year renewal option.
The departments approved were the Ware County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), Public Works, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Fire Department and the Sheriff’s Office.
These leases are expected to improve communication capabilities across emergency and public service operations.
• Alcohol License Approvals: The board approved alcohol licenses for 251 Plant Avenue, 1900 Alma Highway (change of ownership), and 1902 Alma Highway (package store, change of ownership).
• Borrow Pit option agreement: The commission approved a borrow pit option agreement with Mark Beeson.
• Text amendment: The board approved the request to amend the Ware County Zoning Resolution Text Article VIII to change the minimum rear setback for parcels in LI Limited Industrial from 100 feet to the same requirements as GI – General Industrial.
• Rezoning: Commissioners approved the rezoning of Parcel Numbers: “050 03 001”, “050 03 002”, “050 03 015”, “050 03 016”, & “050 03 021” from IP (Industrial Park & SDD IP – Special Development District Industrial Park District) to GI (General Industrial & SDD GI – Special Development District General Industrial) to County.
Rezoning of 2401 State Street from R90 to C3. The commission approved the request to rezone 2401 State Street (PN: “051D01 008 A”) from R-90 (Residential District) to C-3 (General Commercial District) for the purpose of renting the property for commercial uses.
The Waycross-Ware County Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve this request during its August 14, 2025, meeting.
The Board postponed the request to rezone 840 McKinley Road from R75 to R75 MH (awaiting comments from Dongray Johnson for owner clarification).
A request to close and abandon Center Street in the South Deenwood subdivision sparked an extensive legal and historical discussion.
The vote resulted in a 2–2 tie, meaning no action taken and the road remains as is. Voting aye were Chairman Elmer Thrift and Commissioner Jon Tindall. Voting nay were Commissioners Leonard Burse and Barry Cox.
Commissioners entered executive session to discuss personnel.
After voting to exit the executive session, the board voted to adjourn the meeting.
