The Emanuel County Board of Commissioners convened for their regularly scheduled monthly meeting on Monday, March 20, at 6 p.m., at the John C. Coleman Hotel in Downtown Swainsboro.
Alongside Chairman Hugh Foskey, Commissioners present for the meeting were, Vice Chairman Jim Sherrod, Desse Davis, and Timmy Oliver. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Foskey who welcomed guests and media. Commissioner Desse Davis presented the invocation and Vice Chairman Commissioner Jim Sherrod led the pledge of allegiance. Minutes from the regular Commissioners meeting that was held on February 20 as well as the special workshop meeting that was held on March 16, were presented for review by Chairman Foskey. Commissioner Davis motioned for the approval of minutes as presented and was seconded by Commissioner Sherrod with all remaining Commissioners voting unanimously.
Public Hearing
The meeting began with a public hearing to approve the alcohol license for Coleman Lake Restaurant for Kimberly Christian and Swainsboro Raceway for Jeremy Williams. Both licenses were unanimously approved by commissioners with Sherrod leading the vote and Oliver seconding.
Department Comments:
Department Head, Sheriff Jeffrey Brewer, gave a presentation of the status of the department and explained to commissioners and guests that they are currently the lowest paid department in the county.
“The County as a whole needs a salary increase,” explained Brewer. “To receive the services that other counties are receiving we need to increase the millage rate. We’re going to have to make some kind of adjustment so that we can attain and retain the people that we need.”
At the conclusion of his presentation, he requested that the board entertain the idea of adjusting the millage rate so that they can better invest in the safety of our community and the people who take care of it. Commissioner Foskey stated that he’s sure that there will be some positive adjustments made very soon.
New Business
· County Attorney Richard McNeely gave a presentation on the opioid settlement resolution class action litigation that commissioners voted to participate in some time ago. He explained that Emanuel County has been represented in this process by a firm that's located in Athens who have settled with two defendants on a 20-year deal. He further explained that a vote is needed to approve the settlement as reached between the firm and the companies liable. He provided commissioners with a proposed resolution saying that we as Emanuel County - one of the plaintiffs in that litigation - agree to the settlement with these companies. Once the settlement goes through and they receive a certain number of votes the county will then begin receiving proceeds from those companies. These companies include CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and many others.
“What has happened is that over the years it's been determined that these opioids have been pushed on citizens and they feel that these companies have some liability associated with that. The main reason the county is involved with this is because many times the county has been the one to have to pick up the tab for the many unfortunate overdoses,” explained Singletary.
Commissioner Sherrod made the first motion to approve the settlement resolution and Oliver seconded with all other votes being unanimously approved.
· County Administrator Singletary enlightened commissioners with a proposal on the purchase of two used fire engines from Statesboro Fire. One of these two units will benefit Red Oak Fire Department which is the newest fire department located on the north end of the county. The other will become a spare for Emanuel County and will also benefit the community of Nunez, who is in desperate need for a new engine. The purchase price for both engines is $90,000 and will come with all the necessary equipment as well as a Telesquirt that can reach fires at heights. Davis motioned for the approval of the purchase of these engines and Sherrod seconded with all other votes being unanimous.
. Commissioners discussed the construction management agreement for the Coleman Hotel. County Administrator Singletary presented the commissioners with a construction management contract for consideration to hire Pope Construction to be the contract manager for the Coleman Hotel. Commissioner Sherrod motioned for the approval to move forth with the estimate from Pope Construction and Commissioner Davis seconded with all other votes being unanimous.
. Commissioners discussed the action of increasing the budget for Lovins Contracting who provides roadside trash pick-up and mowing throughout the county. Their 2023 contract is offered at $120,000 per year with the benefits of a trash pick-up increase for major county roads at four times a year and an increase for rural county roads at two times a year. Commissioner Oliver motioned for the approval of this contract and Commissioner Sherrod seconded with all other votes being unanimous.
With no further discussion to entertain, the meeting was adjourned.
