Emanuel County’s commissioners moved one step closer to allowing Sunday retail alcohol sales in the unincorporated areas of the county during their meeting Monday night.
The board held the first reading of an amendment to the county’s Sunday alcohol sales ordinance, drafted in response to two alcohol-related referendums on the November 4 ballot. Voters rejected liquor by the drink on Sundays but approved Sunday retail package sales. A second reading of the amendment is required and is scheduled for the commission’s December 15 meeting, when commissioners are expected to vote. If they, in fact, adopt the change, Sunday retail alcohol sales in unincorporated Emanuel County will take effect January 1, 2026.
Commissioners also updated the county’s building inspection fee schedule. The building department has been in place for about a decade, and many of its fees dated back to the original implementation. With operating costs rising, commissioners said the updates are needed to help fund the department (in an equitable way for both the users of it and taxpayers alike). The board voted to adopt the revised building inspection fee schedule as presented. Commissioner Ricky Thompson made the motion, and Vice Chairman Timmy Oliver seconded. A copy of the new schedule is available on the county website under the Building Inspection & Code Enforcement departmental page.
The board announced upcoming vacancies on two community boards: two seats on the Emanuel County Board of Elections and one seat on the library board. Residents who wish to be considered may apply online by visiting the county website, navigating to the “How Do I…?” section, and selecting “Apply for Board/Authority Volunteerism.” Applicants are strongly encouraged to include a resume and references. Applications are kept on file for one year.
As a reminder, the commission is bringing back Tire Amnesty Day this weekend. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the county transfer station on Highway 297. Tires must be off the rim and no larger than 15 inches in diameter. Participants must be Emanuel County homeowners or residents, land or property owners, or farmers and must present identification or proof of property ownership. Businesses that profit from the tire industry are not eligible. The service is free to qualifying participants.
In other action, the board voted to adopt the minutes from the November 12, 2025, workshop and the October 20, 2025, regular meeting. Vice Chairman Oliver made the motion, Commissioner John Moore seconded, and the vote was unanimous, 5–0.
The meeting adjourned without further business.
