APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 4th, 2025 @ 5:30 P.M. CALL TO ORDFRAVTICOMEINVOCATIONPLEDGE The Appling County Board of Commissioners held the regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Courthouse Annex. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Randy Sellers gave the invocation and Commissioner Chad Kent led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Chad Kent; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Jakharis Jones, Daryl Edwards and Ricky Barnes. Also, present were County Manager Reid Lovett, County Attorney Tracy Brown and Finance Clerk LaFonda Solomon. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Changes were made to the agenda, adding Item G- Debris cleanup under New Business. Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the revised agenda; Commissioner Jones seconded; unanimously approved. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes from January 7h, 2025 called meeting and January 7th, 2025 regular meeting were reviewed. Commissioner Kent noted that Item F in the regular meeting minutes should be in the called meeting. Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the January 7th called meeting and regular meeting with the correction; Commissioner Barnes seconded; unanimously approved. OLD BUSINESS A. Heart of GA Board Member Appointment Chairman Burch nominated Danny Johnson to serve on the Heart of Georgia Member Board. Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve; Commissioner Kent seconded. Unanimously approved. NEW BUSINESS A. Bid Award - Guardrails for Various County Roads County Manager Lovett shared that the only bid received was from J. Hiers for $145,052.00. He recommended the bid be accepted as this is a specialty item and only know oft two companies in the area that do this type of work. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to accept the bid; Commissioner Jones seconded; unanimously approved. B. Job Description Approval- Registrar/Election Office County Manager Lovett shared that Administration is in the process of meeting with all department heads and updating. job descriptions. His plan is to present an updated revised department each month until completed. The followingj job descriptions were presented for approval: Election Supervisor Election Supervisor Assistant Administrative Assistant Registrar/Election Clerk After discussion and review, Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the revised job descriptions for the Registrar/Election Office; seconded by Commissioner Barnes; unanimously approved. C. Job Description Approval - Executive Assistant Admin Office County Manager Lovett shared that the Executive Assistant job description is a revision of the accounting technician job description. The position is currently vacant and he asked for approval ofi the job description and permission to post the job. After discussion and review, Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the revised job description; seconded by Commissioner Kent; unanimously approved. Commissioner Jones made a motion to post the job vacancy; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. D. Three-way Stop @ Prentiss Road County Manager Lovett informed the Board that it has been requested to remove two legs of the three-way stop on Prentiss Road. In the past, the Board voted to install the stop signs, SO to have it removed, the Board must vote. Commissioner Barnes gave a briefhistory of how the three-way stop originated and the changes that have occurred since the original installation. He stated many of the citizens in the district have complaints regarding the stop because the road is not designed to have a stop sign. A citizen present in the audience expressed his concern regarding the removal of the stop signs. He said the signs have been there for SO many years and if they were removed, he believes it will cause a "very bad wreck". Commissioner Jones made a motion to table the item pending further research. With no second, the motion failed. After further discussion Commissioner Barnes made a motion to begin the removal process of the stop signs; Commissioner Sellers seconded; Commissioners Sellers, Barnes, Edwards and Kent were in favor; Commissioner Jones against. E. Set Public Hearing Dates- HB 581 County Manager Lovett provided some printed handouts to the Board regarding HB 581. He informed the Board that three (3) public hearings must take place prior to March 1, 2025 to meet the legal requirements in order to have the opportunity to opt in or out of HB 581. County Manager Lovett recommended to set the dates for February 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM and a second meeting to follow @ 6:00 PM on the same day. He recommended the third meeting date of February 26, 2025 @ 5:30 PM. Lovett stated he will continue to gather information on the bill in the meantime. After discussion Commissioner Sellers made a motion to set the public hearing dates for February 20, 2025 @ 10:00 AM with the second meeting to follow @ 6:00 PM and third meeting on February 26, 2025 @ 5:30 PM; seconded by Commissioner Kent; unanimously approved. F. Appling Healthcare Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) Attorney Tracy Brown gave an overview of the IGA. The request from Appling Healthcare is for $2,500,000 with a $1,000,000.00 advance and $500,000.00 payments quarterly. To recoup the funds, the County will deduct $250,000 yearly from the annual $500,000.00 that is given to Appling Healthcare over a 10- year period. Interim CFO Robin Crosby provided a finançial update on the hospital since their last meeting with the county. She informed the Board that the hospital had aj profit of $52,000 in December and is continuing the positive trend, they just need some breathing room. Hospital Authority Board representative Lee Lewis said the hospital wants a partnership with the County. Commissioner Edwards asked if the Hospital has been promoting the Geargia Hearts program. Lewis said the hospital has hired a new marketing person and part of their job will be to go out in the community informing about the Georgia Hearts program. Commissioner Sellers voiced concerns with the time frame of repayment and asked could it be adjusted ifi the hospital showed continued profitable quarters. Appling Healthcare Attorney Matt Wilmont gave different options that could be considered and included in the IGA. After further discussion Commissioner Sellers made a motion to approve the IGA with the ten (10) year repayment plan with the clause of restructuring the plan if four (4) quarters of profitability are met; seconded by Commissioner Jones; unanimously approved. G. Debris Cleanup County Manager Lovett recalled that at the last board meeting the commissioners voted to extend the contract with Phillips and Jordan for thirty days. The thirty days have expired and there is still 150 to 200 cubic yards of debris throughout the county to be removed. He said there is 2 options to be considered (1) extend the contract for another 30 days or (2) handle the debris cleanup in house with the use of the county road department staff and equipment. FEMA will reimburse 75 percent oft the cost. Commissioner Sellers asked if taking on the cleanup process in house will affect the current road maintenance schedule. Road Superintendent Weaver said he believes it can be done but will be a slow process. Weaver stated he believes at this point; it is in the best interest to take over the cleanup process. The road department will go road by road but he emphasized it will be a slow process. County Manager Lovett added that local contractors can be hired to help with the process and FEMA will reimburse the cost up to 75 percent. Commissioner Barnes stated keeping the money local is good for the county. Commissioner Sellers made a motion to not extend the contract with Phillips and Jordan and proceed with the cleanup process in house; seconded by Commissioner Kent; unanimously approved. DEPARTMENT UPDATES County Manager Lovett shared that basketball season is in full swing. Registration is now open for Spring sports. The Recreation Complex hosted twenty-three baseball teams the previous weekend. This is great for the local businesses. Buildings and grounds are continuing to repair the county facilities damaged during the storm however, there has been set backs in obtaining bids for the repairs. The Tax Assessor informed that field workers are in the county completing property assessments but will not be entering homes. The landfill has received an influx of debris with 563 loads of material in January. The Administration office is continuing to update and revise job descriptions as well as work with FEMA to provide all necessary documentation of storm expenses and damages. County Manager Lovett thanked all the road department workers and their families for the extended work hours and time away from their loved ones during the recent snow storm. EXECUTIVE SESSION - PERSONNEL Commissioner Kent made a motion to close regular session and enter into executive session; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to close executive session and re-enter regular session; seconded by Commissioner Kent; unanimously approved. County Manager Lovett shared that discussion was held regarding Mike Deal' S employment. The additional thirty (30) days of employment have expired and recommended his employment to proceed on an as needed basis. Commissioner Barnes made a motion to approve this item; Commissioner Kent seconded; unanimously approved. County Manager Lovett shared that discussion was held regarding Yvonne Sellers' employment. He recommended that her employment proceed on an as needed basis. Commissioner Kent made a motion to approve this item; seconded by Commissioner Edwards; unanimously approved. County Manager Lovett recommended that the Board give permission for the County Manager and Attorney Brown to draft a change to the employee handbook to retroactively correct the pay structure under emergency work and disaster income. Commissioner Edwards made a motion to approve this item; seconded by Commissioner Barnes; unanimously approved. Attorney Tracy Brown shared that discussion was also held regarding the actions of the previous board in regards to the pay to Mr. Al Meadows in pursuant to termination or resignation. Attorney Brown stated it is public knowledge that Mr. Meadows came out of executive session during the October meeting stating he had lost the confidence of the board and tendered his resignation effective immediately. The board voted to accept that resignation. It is public knowledge that there was a 4-1 vote but Mr. Meadows was allowed to resign. The majority ofthe board decided that although Mr. Meadows resigned, they would pay the two months as well as vacation pay pursuant to his contract as ifhe was terminated by the board. Inadvertently this was never brought to aj public vote. Attorney Brown said "That fault lies with the Chairman and myself". Commissioner Sellers made a motion to ratify the actions of the board; seconded by Commissioner Kent; unanimously approved. PUBLIC INPUT A. Dedra Hewitt - Livestreaming Dedra Hewitt addressed the board to request an official livestream of board meetings be provided by the county as service to the public. She said she has attended meetings for several years and broadcast the meetings on her Facebook livestream for citizens who are not able to attend the meetings. She believes her service has led to positive things and allowed the public to be more informed. She requested the board to vote and approve a livestream to be provided by the county as a service to the public. Commissioner Sellers stated that he did not believe a vote could be done at this meeting. Attorney Brown stated it would need to be put on the agenda at a later meeting. County Manager Lovett stated he would do some research on the cost of livestreaming and how other counties do their livestreams. COUNTY MANAGER'S REPORT County Manager Lovett shared with the commissioners that he had included the current financial report and handouts roads as well as the hospital management reports in their packets. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Chairman Burch shared that the Administration staff has been busy with FEMA and he appreciates the work. Dedra Hewitt reminded him to announce that the FEMA office in Appling County would officially close at 6:00 PM on February 5, 2025. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned. LaFonda Solomon, Finance Clerk Leslie Burch, Chairman dafade Odanan Esol bd, APPLIPG COUWTY GCOROA APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETINGPUBLIC MEETING MINUTES February 20th, 2025 @ 10:00 AM CALLTO ORDERNTLCOMVINVOCATIONPLEDG The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on Thursday, February 20th, 2025 at 10:00 AM: in the Courthouse Annex. The meeting was held as the first ofthree Public Hearings required ifthe County chooses to "opt out" ofHouse Bill (HB) 581. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Sellers gave the invocation and Wayne Canady led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Chad Kent, Ricky Barnes, and Daryl Edwards. Also present were County Manager Reid Lovett, County Attorney Tracy Brown and County Clerk Robyn Evans. Commissioner Jakharis Jones was absent. HOUSE BILL 581 County Manager Reid Lovett expressed, to those in attendance, that HB#581 in no way replaces the current Homestead Exemption for residents in Appling County. He stated that all Georgia residents voted to allow $2,000 for the current Homestead Exemption; however, Appling County increased that allowance to a $10,000 exemption for residents. County Manager Lovett then shared the highlights ofl HB 581 with a presentation and information provided by ACCG/GMA. The presentation discussed how the Bill initiated and explained that if approved, it would implement a statewide floating homestead exemption for all local governments (counties, cities and school boards). "A floating homestead exemption is a special type ofhomestead exemption designed to offset or reduce increases in taxable value to the property. It is also referred to as a base-year or value offset exemption. Freezes are a type of floating homestead exemption, but do not have an annual inflationary adjustment. 29 The presentation gave an example ofhow the floating homestead exemption would work; increasing the value oft the exemption to offset inflation, as determined by the State Revenue Commissioner. Local governing authorities may elect to opt out of the floating homestead exemption created by HB 581, by following a procedure like the "public notification ofincrease" when a full rollback is not taken. The local government: (1). must advertise and conduct three (3) public hearings of intent to opt out and later adopt a resolution; and (2) must file resolution to Secretary of State by March 1, 2025. If procedures are not met, "opt out" is not effective. House Bill 581 makes two major changes to local sales tax: Revises the provisions ofO.C.G.A. 48-8-6 which limits the percentage of local sales tax a jurisdiction may levy and creates new local option sales tax contingent upon jurisdictions having a base year value homestead exemption. The presentation briefly explained how funds are used from the new sales tax, procedural property tax changes and policy considerations for local governments. Several members of the audience asked questions and the answers were given by County Manager Lovett utilizing the information known at this time. Chairman Burch asked the Board if they had any comments in regards to the information shared during the meeting. Commissioner Edwards stated the decision to "stay in" or "opt out" was complicated, to which Commissioner Kent agreed. Commissioner Sellers shared that he didn't want to opt out because it would overturn the vote where most people in the County favored HB 581. Commissioner Sellers stated he was not in favor of"opting out" ofthe Bill. Commissioner Kent stated he was not in favor of opting out either. A question from an audience member was asked and answered with the following: ifthe County decides to opt out now, Legislature still has the authority to mandate Counties be included in the future. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Mr. Burch thanked everyone for their attendance. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 11:10 AM. Bealr Busl Robyn Evans, County Clerk Leslie Burch, Chairman ATTEST APPEING COUNTY GEORGIA APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS CALLED MEETINGPUBLIC MIEETING MINUTES February 20th, 2025 @ 6:00 PM CALL TO ORDERANTLCOMEINVOCATIONPIEDGE The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on Thursday, February 20th, > 2025 at 6:00 PM in the Courthouse Annex. The meeting was held as the first of three Public Hearings required ifthe County chooses to "opt out" of House Bill (HB) 581. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Edwards gave the invocation and Commissioner Ricky Barnes led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Commissioners Randy Sellers, Chad Kent, Ricky Barnes, Jakharis Jones and Daryl Edwards. Also present were County Manager Reid Lovett, County Attorney Tracy Brown and County Clerk Robyn Evans. HOUSE BILL 581 County Manager Reid Lovett expressed, to those in attendance, that HB#581 in no way replaces the current Homestead Exemption for residents in Appling County. He stated that all Georgia residents voted to allow $2,000 for the current Homestead Exemption; however, Appling County increased that allowance to a $10,000 exemption for residents. Commissioner Edwards clarified to the audience, that the required notice in the Baxley News Banner was posted using a required template. He reiterated that HB 581 dos not affect the current homestead exemption in place for Appling County. County Manager Lovett then shared the highlights ofHB 581 with a presentation and information provided by ACCG/GMA. The presentation discussed how the Bill initiated and explained that if approved, it would implement a statewide floating homestead exemption for all local governments (counties, cities and school boards). "A floating homestead exemption is a special type ofhomestead exemption designed to offset or reduce increases in taxable value to the property. Iti is also referred to as a base-year or value offset exemption. Freezes are a type of floating homestead exemption, but do not have an annual inflationary adjustment. 99 The presentation gave an example ofhow the floating homestead exemption would work; increasing the value of the exemption to offset inflation, as determined by the State Revenue Commissioner. Local governing authorities may elect to opt out ofthe floating homestead exemption created by HB 581, by following a procedure like the "public notification ofi increase" when a full rollback is not taken. The local government: (1). must advertise and conduct three (3) public hearings of intent to opt out and later adopt a resolution; and (2) must file resolution to Secretary of State by March 1, 2025. If procedures are not met, "opt out" is not effective. House Bill 581 makes two major changes to local sales tax: Revises the provisions ofO.C.G.A. 48-8-6 which limits the percentage oflocal sales tax a jurisdiction may levy and creates new local option sales tax contingent upon jurisdictions having a base year value homestead exemption. The presentation briefly explained how funds are used from the new sales tax, procedural property tax changes and policy considerations for local governments. Several members ofthe audience asked questions and the answers were given by County Manager Lovett utilizing the information known at this time. Commissioner Sellers stated, "election results statewide and local, passed by the people and I don't think we need to shift that decision to the Commissioners. The people voted and I'm for the people.' 7 Several people from the audience asked questions which were answered by County Manager Lovett based on the research and knowledge presently known. CHAIRMAN'S COMMENTS Mr. Burch thanked everyone for their attendance. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:40 PM. hin $ Beolis Bund Robyn Evans, County Clerk Leslie Burch, Chairman OF ATTEST o APPLIPIG COUNY GEORGIA APPLING COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSISSIONERS CALLED MEETINGPUBLIC MEETING MINUTES February 26, 2025 @ 5:30 PM CALL TO ORDEKNELCOMEINVOCATIONPLEDGE The Appling County Board of Commissioners held a called meeting on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025 at 5:30 PM in the Courthouse Annex. The meeting was held as the third ofthree Public Hearings required ifthe County chooses to "opt out" of House Bill (HB) 581. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Leslie Burch and he welcomed all those in attendance. Commissioner Edwards gave the invocation and Commissioner Ricky Barnes led the group in the pledge. Present were Chairman Leslie Burch; Vice Chairman Chad Kent, Commissioners Randy Sellers, Ricky Barnes and Daryl Edwards. Also present were County Manager Reid Lovett and Finance Clerk LaFonda Solomon. Commissioner Jakharis Jones was absent. HOUSE BILL 581 County Manager Reid Lovett gave a recap ofHouse Bill 581 and stated it passed in Appling County by 55% and statewide by 62%. The bill locks in your homesteaded property based on the 2024 values. Every year after that, it can only increase up to the consumer price index (CPI) that the Department of Revenue tax commissioner will send to the local tax assessor. Currently there are some changes in the Senate; House Bill 92 would allow the changes to the deadline date. It is a requirement that every three years property be reassessed. It has been 30 years since the last reassessment which is why there has been an increase in values over the past two years. Now, homesteaded property will still be locked in based on the 2024 value or the CPI increase that was allowed the prior year. Homesteaded property will not increase as fast as other property or other utilities. County Manager Lovett added that "The good thing about these public hearings is that we were able to get out information about House Bill 581 that maybe some people did not know." Citizen Wayne Cannady asked if the city had made a decision. Lovett said to his knowledge, they had not. Mr. Cannady asked ifl House Bill 92 passes with the one time opt-out option, will the commissioners come back together to discuss their decision to be fair to everybody due to the reassessment. He also asked how the appeal process would work? He noted that it will take two election cycles to implement the floating local option sales tax if the county opt-out. Tax assessor Myrna Taylor answered questions from the commissioners. She stated that homesteads are locked in at the 2024 value, the system will have to track two sets of numbers, the fair market value and the lock-in value which will be used for the sales ratio calculation. She added that ifyou don'topt out and people see these significant reductions, they would have the option to appeal and reduce their taxable homestead value based on that appeal. Citizen Cannady asked again if House Bill 92 passes would the commissioners schedule another meeting. County Manager Lovett said he does not have another meeting scheduled. Commissioner Barnes added that he does not think it's going to affect our county enough to go against what our citizens voted for. County Manager Lovett stated that based on revenues, our county is different from others in that we rely heavily on utilities and this bill will not negatively affect our revenues. Chairman Burch stated that he believes this bill was written for communities that are exploding in value and will not impact our county. County Manager Lovett thanked tax assessor Myrna Taylor and tax commissioner Lacey Leggett for their due diligence in gathering information and assisting in getting this information out to the public. County Commissioner Barnes invited everyone to come out to the livestock show Monday at 3:00 at the Ag Center. ADJOURN There being no further business or discussion, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM. Rabaners - demon Rasla Bu LaFonda Solomon, Finance Clerk Leslie Burch, Chairman ATTEST . - APPLING COUNTY GEORGIA