(The Pierce County Board of Commissioners discussed and/or voted on the following during their regular meeting Tuesday, December 2. )
County manager resigns: County Manager Raphel Maddox submitted his resignation to commissioners and it was accepted. The action took place following a 15 closed session to discuss personnel. (See related story in the Dec. 10edition.)
Bypass comments: Blake Edwards spoke in opposition to the proposed Waycross perimeter road (bypass). Edwards accused commissioners of secretly conspiring with Ware County to work on the bypass without considering what it would do to Pierce County citizens including condemning land and creating a four lane highway through quiet neighborhoods. Edwards’ time expired and Chairman Neal Bennett thanked him for his comments. Edwards asked for more time to present his concerns and ask questions of commissioners. Bennett said the perimeter road (bypass) project would be put to a vote in a proposed referendum next spring. Bennett said the perimeter road is not a pressing issue. Edwards pledged to speak at every meeting until the commission withdraws its support from and kills the perimeter road proposal. Susan Johnson was also on the agenda to make comments on a code violation on Lakeview Drive in Blackshear, but she was not present at the meeting and the item was struck from the agenda.
Girls Volleyball state champions: Members of the girls 8 and under volleyball team were recognized as the Georgia Parks and Recreation Association (GRPA’s) state champions this fall. (See related coverage in the Dec. 10 edition.)
Community development block grant ( CDBG): The board approved applying for a CDBG grant in the coming year. The grant will be for street and drainage improvements in the Red Oak Loop, Satilla Circle, Apple Road and Kate Lane areas. Depending on the amount of funds available, County Manager Maddox recommended Red Oak Loop and Satilla Circle be given priority for the funding.
Arington re-appointed: Brad Arington was re-appointed to the recreation advisory board.
Action Pact memorandum of unders tanding: Commissioners approved a memorandum of understanding with Action Pact. Action Pact operates the Pierce County Senior Center.
911 advisory board bylaws: The board approved updated by laws for the 911 advisory committee.
County manager report: County Manager Rachel Maddox presented an overall report on all county departments. He pointed out the county audit has been completed with no deficiencies. He also noted county revenue year-to-date is $15.6 million, about 10 percent higher than projected. Maddox’s written report said county expenditures were within budget for the month, after running 13 percent over budget the previous month.
Employee of the Month: Matt Gardner was named employee of the month.
Pledge leader: Wade Ellis NeSmith was the pledge leader for December.
Invocation leader: Pastor Keith Brown, pastor of Little Memorial Baptist Church, led the invocation.
Next meeting: The next regular commission meeting will take place at 6 p.m. Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Southeast Georgia Regional Agriculture Center in Blackshear.
