(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, November 5. ) Ryland Environmental: Commissioners approved renewing its contract with Ryland Environmental for waste pick-up services. The five year renewal will begin January 1, 2026. (See related story).
Waycross perimeter road: Commissioners approved a resolution in support of a Waycross perimeter road that will run through portions of Pierce, Ware and Brantley Counties. (See related story).
Holiday, pay day and meeting schedules: In separate motions, commissioners approved the schedule for county holidays, pay days and regular monthly meetings for 2026.
Public defender’s office increase: Commissioners approved an increase in funding to the Waycross Judicial Circuit’s Public Defender’s Office.
Tire abatement reimbursement program: Commissioners approved participating in the government scrap tire abatement reimbursement program. Public Works Superintendent Bruce Carter said the county will receive reimbursement for disposal of illegally dumped tires that have been picked up from county road rights-ofway. The county currently has a tractor-trailer load of tires at the county shop.
Public comments: Amanda Patterson and Ala Mae Myles were on the agenda to address commissioners. Patterson criticized commissioners for violating state and federal law on its ordinances governing alcohol licenses, disorderly conduct, indigent defense and traffic enforcement. Before her five minutes of allotted time ran out, Patterson zeroed in on local ordinances prohibiting alcohol sales on Sunday. She contends the county is using religion to justify not allowing Sunday sales, something she says is illegal. During her remarks, Patterson says she is formally announcing she is testing the waters for an exploratory committee to run for U.S. Representative or U.S. Senate next year or President of the United States in 2028. Patterson routinely files dozens of open record requests with county government. County chairman Neal Bennett had to bang the gavel several times to bring Patterson back to order. Myles, a frequent speaker during public comment, asked commissioners once again to maintain Ala Mae Lane off Walkerville Road near Patterson. Myles has repeatedly asked the county to maintain the road since 2019. Commissioners have long held the road is private and is not a county road.
County manager report: County Manager Raphel Maddox defended himself against recent criticism of his performance of his oversight duties over the county budget. Several citizens faulted Maddox at last week’s budget hearing for not managing the county’s budget and expenses better in light of a proposed millage rate increase. Maddox explained items such as fuel costs, the number of prisoners at the jail and health insurance premium increases can’t be accurately predicted from year-toyear and sometimes such costs fluctuate wildly. He said he has tried very hard to control costs and manage expenses this year. He gave an overview of activity from all county departments during the month.
Employee of the Month: Lee Bazemore was named employee of the month. (See related photo).
Pledge leader Willie Roach was the pledge leader for October. (See related photo).
Invocation leader: Elder Clay Gill led the invocation.
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
