52 Houston County Commissioners Meeting June 17, 2025 Warner Robins, Georgia The Houston County Board of Commissioners met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Houston County Annex in Warner Robins, Georgia. Chairman Perdue presided, and Commissioners Byrd, Gottwals, Robinson, and Talton were present. County Attorney Tom Hall and Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar were also present. Commissioner Byrd led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioner Gottwals gave the invocation. Brandi McGonagill, Houston County Extension Coordinator, presented updates about recent staff accomplishments. She recognized LaKeshia Levi, Jarius Sanford, Samantha Price, and Michelle Modesitt for various awards and recognitions each employee recently received for their achievements, service records, and leadership. Chairman Perdue thanked Ms. McGonagill and her staff for their work and congratulated each staff member on their achievements. He further noted the many varied and diverse services the Extension Office offers to youth and adults in Houston County. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the minutes from the June 3, 2025, meeting. Chairman Perdue gave an overview of the proposed FY26 budget. He spoke on revenues, expenditures, and the general fund reserve. Chairman Perdue opened the floor for Public Comments. As there were no comments, the meeting continued. Chairman Perdue thanked County staff, the Accounting Department, Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar, and the department heads for their work in developing the FY26 budget. Mr. Byrd read A Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for Houston County into the record: WHEREAS, the Houston County Board of Commissioners has prepared a line-item budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026; and WHEREAS, the Houston County Board of Commissioners has adhered to the provisions of O.C.G.A. Section 36-81-3, as amended; and WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on. June 3rd, 2025, and it is now in the best interest of the County that the budget be adopted, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Houston County Board of Commissioners that the annual budgetf for Houston County fort thet fiscaly year beginning. July 1, 2025, and ending. June 30, 2026, attached hereto and made a part hereof, is hereby approved and adopted in the amount of: Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 526 526 Houston-County Commisioners.Meting Continued from Page 525 General Fund $ 86,847,253 DATE Fund $ 305,396 OPIOID Fund $ 179,240 E911 Telephone Fund $ 6,459,388 Fire District Fund $ 5,832,196 Water Fund $ 12,303,705 Solid' Waste Fund $ 23,444,919 Internal Services Fund $ 16,607,533 $ 151,979,630 BE ITF FURTHER RESOLVED that during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the General Fund shall appropriate $2,379,236 from previously assigned fund balance for personnel adjustments. BE ITI FURTHER RESOLVED that during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending. June 30, 2026, the General Fund shall appropriate $2,000,000 from unassigned fund balance to fund the design and construction of an Emergency Management Agency warehouse capital improvement project. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the Fire Fund shall appropriate $286,817 of committed fund balance for fire prevention. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, the OPIOID Settlement Fund shall appropriate $179,240 of committed fund balance for education, training, and treatment of Opioid Use Disorder. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that any increase in appropriation for any department or salary line-item in excess of the approved budget shall require approval by the Board of Commissioners authorizing said funds to be expended. This 17th day of June 2025. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Mr. Talton, and carried unanimously by all to approve signing A Resolution Adopting the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget for Houston County. Mr. Byrd thanked the County employees and Department Heads for their efforts and work in developing the FY26 budget. Mr. Byrd presented a request to enter into a CAMA: system agreement. Motion by Mr. Byrd, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve signing the User Agreement with GAP Group, Inc. & WinGap, of Americus, Georgia, for Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) in the Tax Assessors Office. This agreement, in the amount of $5,000 annually, will be effective July 1, 2025. Ms. Robinson presented a request received by Public Works from the Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) to update the 1981 Memorandum of Agreement between the County and the Ocmulgee River Soil & Water Conservation District. This update adds the requirement that a Public Works representative attend the monthly meetings and report quarterly on the status of the County erosion and sediment control program. In addition, the County will continue performing the actions as the Local Issuing Authority on behalf of the GSWCC, as recommended by staff. Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District and Houston County. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 527 52; HoustonCounyCommssbaraaingrontinuediomlagas76 Chairman Perdue thanked Public Works employees Brian. Jones and Ronnie Heald for participating in the Ocmulgee River Soil and Water Conservation District. Ms. Robinson presented a request to renew three Independent Contractor Agreements with attorneys who provide legal representation for the defense of certain indigent persons pursuant to constitutional and statutory requirements, as well as the requirements of Uniform Juvenile Court Rule 8.3. Motion by Ms. Robinson, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of the FY26 Independent Contract Agreements with Glenda Harper in the amount of $16,666 per year for part-time services, with Caralyn J. Huddleston in the amount of $24,500 per year for part-time services, and Kameyan Sims in the amount of $52,500 per year for services. Chairman Perdue thanked the staff and attorneys for their work in Juvenile Court. Mr. Talton presented a request to enter an intergovernmental agreement for roundabout lighting at SR 11/ SR 49 at CR 1717/Houston Lake Road. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the signing of the Intergovernmental Lighting Agreement Between Georgia Department of Transportation and Houston County, with the following terms of agreement; GDOT will provide the materials and installation, and the County will provide the energy and maintenance for the roundabout lighting as part of the SR 11/SR 49 at CR 1717/Houston Lake Road project under P.I. no 0019838. Chairman Perdue expressed his appreciation to Public Works staff for their work and cooperation with Georgia Department of Transportation personnel on this project Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Gottwals, and carried unanimously by all to approve the following Board appointments: Planning & Zoning Board the appointment of Mr. Nash Murph to fulfill the unexpired term of Mr. Bill Schwenebeck Sr.'s, and also to serve the term of June 30, 2025, through June 29, 2029 Middle Flint Behavioral Health Board the appointment of Sheriff Matt Moulton for a term of September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2028 the reappointment of Stacy Maine for a term of September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2028 the reappointment of Gail Robinson for a term of September 15, 2025, through September 14, 2028. Mr. Talton thanked all of those appointed to the Boards for their service to the community. Chairman Perdue commented that these are non-paid positions and that those who serve take time out of their schedules to do SO. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 528 528 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 527 Mr. Gottwals presented a request to fill the vacant IT Specialist I position in the MIS department. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Talton, an carried unanimously by all to approve hiring Joshua Davis to fill the vacant IT Specialist I position at a grade 15, Step B effective June 23, 2025. Mr. Gottwals presented a request from Judge Ashford for a one-step increase within the current pay grade for Ms. Leah Waddell, Legal Secretary, to the State Court. Ms. Waddell recently earned a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Mercer University. While this degree is not ai formal requirement of her current position, it significantly enhances her skillset and overall contribution to the efficiency and effectiveness of State Court operations. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve a one- step increase for Ms. Leah Waddell. Chairman Perdue congratulated Leah for attaining her degree. He commented that the County wishes to recognize those who enhance their value through certifications or degrees related to their work and thanked her for her work and service in the State Court. Motion by Mr. Gottwals, second by Ms. Robinson, and carried unanimously by all to approve the payment of the bills totaling $4,485,811.15. Chairman Perdue closed the regular portion of the meeting and opened the floor for Public Comments. Ms. Jacqueline Rozier spoke on her views about district versus at-large voting for elected representation on the Board of Commissioners. Mr. Thomas Reynolds spoke about his views on the need for seniors in Houston County to be exempt from paying school taxes. He requested Chairman Perdue draft a letter to Houston County legislative delegation members to submit this before the Georgia General Assembly fora a' vote. He concluded his comments by recognizing various County officials and employees, including the Coroner, the Fire Chief, the Sheriff, and Planning and Zoning Director Tim Andrews, for their excellent work. Jim Taylor spoke about an upcoming Museum of Aviation fundraiser on Saturday, July 19th. The event will include the Museum's auction/raffle and Taste of Local Cuisine, which begins at 5:30 p.m. that day. He also spoke about the planned Al lab to be constructed at the Museum. Fire/HEMA Chief Chris Stoner thanked the Commissioners on behalf of all county employees hist firefighters for the merit raise that was approved earlieri in the meeting. He also announced that the County would be using a new mass notification system for weather emergencies and other hazards and that public announcements regarding this change would be made soon. With no further comments, Chairman Perdue closed the Public Comment portion of the meeting and asked for Commissioner Comments. Ms. Robinson thanked everyone for attending the meeting. She thanked Chairman Perdue, the Accounting Department, and Director of Administration Robbie Dunbar for their work on the FY26 budget. Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued on Page 529 525 Houston County Commissioners Meeting Continued from Page 528 Mr. Byrd commented on the essential services the County provides at a very low cost to the taxpayer, the strong health of the General Fund Balance, the capital investments the County is making, and the merit increase the County will be able to provide employees. He further recognized the Perry. Junior League 10 U boys for winning the state championship game and going to the World Series in Atlanta. He concluded by congratulating County Attorney Tom Hall and his wife for celebrating their 47th wedding anniversary. Mr. Talton thanked those County employees who worked on the FY26 budget. He recognized the County Extension personnel for their accomplishments and work in the community. He concluded his comments by mentioning the recent 250th anniversary of the US Army that was celebrated over the weekend. Mr. Gottwals expressed his thankfulness to be living in America, Georgia, and Houston County. He spoke about a friend living in Israel, the missile attacks that Israel is facing daily, and how it isi impacting his friend and the citizens of Israel. Chairman Perdue commented that the new trash provider will begin in July. He spoke about the need for County residents to sign up for yard waste or recycling as soon as possible to avoid a delay in those services. He commented that election day was today and that everyone needed to get out and vote. He mentioned that this past Sunday was Father's Day and the personal joy he had in being a father. He spoke about Thursday, Juneteenth, and the significance of that day in celebrating the end of slavery in America. He stated that County offices will be closed on Thursday, June 19th, in observance of the day. He commented that this. July will be the 249th anniversary of America, as Ms. Rozier stated earlier, and that today was the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, which started the American Revolution. He commented that the July Commissioners meetings would be delayed a week due to the July 4th holiday and would take place July gth in Perry at 9:00, and July 22nd in Warner Robins at 5:00. He concluded his comments by thanking all those County personnel who worked on the FY26 budget. Motion by Mr. Talton, second by Mr. Byrd, and carried unanimously by all to approve adjourning the meeting. Meeting adjourned. Robbie Dunbar Chairman Director of Administration Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner Commissioner