<![CDATA[The Columbia County Observer]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.comhttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!gSCB!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fe9fc55de-c56f-4c59-a513-ceb9b0a41d9b_857x857.pngThe Columbia County Observerhttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.comSubstackThu, 29 Oct 2026 05:35:55 GMT<![CDATA[CCBoE 10.27.2026 School Board Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-10272026-school-board-meetinghttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-10272026-school-board-meetingWed, 28 Oct 2026 03:29:43 GMTSubscribe now

Board of Education Call To Order: 5:30pm

Invocation: West Acres Baptist Church Senior Pastor Malone Morris

Pledge of Allegiance: Euchee Creek Elementary School 4H Presidents

Approval of Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognitions

  • State Superintendent Woods Student Advisory Council 2026-2027

    • Rachel Lin, Greenbrier HS

  • Columbia County Retired Educators Association

Board Comments: Board member Katie Allen congratulated the students recognized during the meeting and thanked the retired educators for their years of service. Judy Teasley encouraged community members who support public education to join the Columbia County Retired Educators Association and mentioned an upcoming scholarship fundraiser.

Approval of Consent Items: Yay 5, No 0

  • 10/13/2026 Regular Session Meeting Minutes (clarified that version 4 was approved)

  • September Financials

  • Budget Amendment and Transfer

  • Fundraisers

  • Employee Travel

  • Program/Camp/Employee Participation Request

  • Lease/Use of Facilities

Discussion Topics and Presentations

  • Inspiring the Promise of the Columbia County School District Columbia Middle School

    • Dr. Holly Barnes, Principal: highlighted Columbia Middle School’s academic growth, positive school culture, and expanded extracurricular opportunities.

      • Received state recognition for growth in math.

      • Small-group instruction allows teachers to provide remediation and enrichment based on individual student needs.

      • Teachers collaborate to analyze student performance data and improve instruction.

      • Added 2 robotics clubs and a drone club, along with its existing cybersecurity program.

      • Fine arts, athletics, and partnerships with feeder high schools provide additional opportunities for student engagement.

    • Julie Cunningham, Teacher of the Year: emphasized dedication of Columbia Middle School’s teachers and their commitment to student success.

      • Teachers differentiate instruction, build individual relationships with students, and use performance data to monitor progress.

      • Praised the school’s supportive staff culture, noting that teachers encourage and assist one another through both professional and personal challenges.

    • Kevin Holmes, Instructional Specialist: discussed instructional strategies and emphasis on student ownership of learning.

      • Teachers incorporate hands-on activities, real-world applications, collaboration, and critical thinking into instruction.

      • Small-group instruction helps teachers address individual learning needs while encouraging independent work and academic discussion.

      • Students participate in “data chats” to evaluate their progress, establish goals, and take responsibility for their learning.

      • Teachers collaborate across experience levels to share instructional strategies and improve classroom practices.

Staff Reports

  • Science Laboratory Curriculum Update

    • Dr. Brian Campbell, Exec Director of Curriculum and Instruction

      • Introduced district’s initiative to establish common science laboratory experiences across schools as part of strategic plan.

      • Goal to ensure all students graduate with consistent lab skills and prep for college or workforce.

      • Emphasized lab safety, reliable data collection, evidence analysis, and scientific communication.

    • Jannette Thomas, Science Curriculum Specialist

      • Consistency: District establishing minimum lab experiences for each science unit while allowing teachers flexibility to incorporate additional activities.

      • AUPartnership: Chemistry and biology teachers worked with university faculty to identify lab skills students need for college success and address deficiencies observed among incoming college students.

      • Chemistry: Teacher teams developed 16 common labs covering 12 chemistry units. Implementation began during 2026–2027 school year.

      • Instructional Resources: Each lab includes teacher and student guides addressing safety, procedures, materials, data collection, analysis, and assessment.

      • Funding: Schools receive annual instructional allocations to purchase lab equipment, chemicals, and consumable supplies.

      • Expansion: Common labs for biology and fifth-grade science are being developed during SY 26–27 for implementation in SY 27–28. Middle school science labs will follow.

      • Continuous Improvement: Teacher teams will evaluate implementation and revise materials based on classroom feedback.

Board Discussion:

Katie Allen: Asked whether the common labs could be adapted for students with disabilities or those struggling with math or reading.

Jannette Thomas: Confirmed instructional supports developed for students at different ability levels, along with enrichment opportunities for advanced learners.

  • Beyond Clean

    • Cliff Sanders, Director of FMO

      • Presented district’s new custodial training initiative, designed to improve cleaning standards, employee preparation, and consistency across district facilities.

      • District established custodial training center at former Columbia Middle School facility on Columbia Road.

      • Includes simulated classrooms, restrooms, a media center, different flooring materials, and equipment training areas.

      • Newly hired custodians complete eight-hour intro course covering cleaning procedures, equipment operation, and maintenance before reporting to their assigned schools.

      • Program emphasizes professional development, consistent cleaning standards, accountability, and continuous improvement.

      • Also intended to improve employee retention by ensuring custodians understand job expectations before beginning work.

Board Discussion:

Chairman Dekle: Praised initiative and asked why district hadn’t implemented a similar program sooner.

Cliff Sanders: Explained district reorganized warehouse ops and cleared space at former Columbia Middle School to establish training center. Described different training environments and 8-hour orientation provided to new employees.

Dr. Flynt: Reported receiving positive feedback from custodians during school visits. Praised improvements in equipment repair turnaround times and explained that training program helps address employee turnover by preparing new custodians for their responsibilities before they report to schools.

Data Center Discussion

  • Dr. Flynt: Discussed concerns about impact of growing property tax revenue on state education funding. District currently receives approximately $28 million in equalization funding, with potential combined funding impacts of $28–35 million as the tax digest grows. Changes to state funding formulas could further complicate tax relief plans.

  • Katie Allen: Asked how proposed legislation would work, how excess revenue would be calculated, and whether future boards could redirect funds away from tax relief. Expressed concern that legislation allows the board to return anywhere from 0% to 100% of excess revenue to homeowners. Argued that taxpayer protections should be written into the legislation itself, even if doing so delays its passage.

  • Mr. Fletcher, Legal Counsel: Explained proposal is modeled on Fayette County legislation and would establish a 2027 base year. Revenue exceeding that base would be placed in a separate fund, with the board determining how much to apply toward homestead exemptions in subsequent years.

  • Mr. Casado: Clarified that excess revenue could be used for school operations, property tax relief, or other authorized purposes, depending on future board decisions.

  • Philip Kent: Proposed establishing a board framework prioritizing property tax relief, including the possibility of eliminating homestead property taxes. Opposed adding restrictions to the legislation, arguing that doing so could delay implementation and reduce local control.

  • Chairman Dekle: Acknowledged discussion and emphasized board’s relationship with legislative delegation. No vote was taken on the proposed legislation.

Superintendent Reports, Dr. Flynt

  • National School Bus Safety Week (October 19–23)

  • Red Ribbon Week (October 23–31). This year’s theme, “Make a Difference, Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free.”

  • Progress Reports, Nov 10

  • Veteran’s Day, Nov 11

  • American Ed Week: Nov 16-20

  • Thanksgiving Holiday, Nov 23-27

  • Early Dismissal, December 18

  • Winter Break, Dec 21 - Jan 4

  • Professional Learning Day, Jan 5

  • First Day of 2nd Semester, Jan 6

  • Report Cards, Jan 8

  • MLK Jr Holiday, Jan 18

No Executive Session

Personnel Recommendations: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 6:50pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBoC 10.20.2026 Commission Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-10202026-commission-meetinghttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-10202026-commission-meetingWed, 21 Oct 2026 01:23:50 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 6:00pm

Approval of 10/6/2026 meeting minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Consent Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Management and Internal Services Committee Commissioner Couch

    1. (H1a) December 2026 Committee Meetings

    2. (H1b) Augusta Chiller Service Agreement for Refrigeration Equipment at the Coroner’s Office

    3. (H1c) Fiscal Year 25/26 Required Budget Adjustment for Audit

    4. (H1d) Rename the existing Beehive Drive to Willingham Drive and the existing Willingham Drive to Willingham Circle, subject to variances to Columbia County Code Sections 18-236 Purpose and Administration, and 18-238 Renaming and Procedures

    5. (H1e) Renewal of Agreement with Mainline Information Systems for Unitrends Support

    6. (H1f) Authorization of Payment to Mainline Information Systems for Unitrends Appliance

    7. (H1g) Purchase of Genetec Servers from Dell for Life Cycle Replacement

    8. (H1h) Deductive Change Order 01 with R.D. Brown for the Sheriff’s Detention Dorm

  2. Development and Planning Services Committee Commissioner Melear

    1. (H2a) Alcoholic Beverage License Augusta Kitchen Company LLC dba Augusta Kitchen Co

    2. (H2b) Alcoholic Beverage License Geld Geld LLC dba Nordhavn Rustik

    3. (H2c) Alcoholic Beverage License Vault 221 LLC

    4. (H2d) Alcoholic Beverage License Fee Waiver for Vault 221 LLC

    5. (H2e) Easement Encroachment Agreement 1114 Attfield Drive, Tax Map 051A Parcel 390

Debate Agenda

  1. New Business

    1. Management and Internal Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) Memorandum of Understanding with Serenity Behavioral Health Systems for the Columbia Judicial Circuit Superior Court Accountability Courts. Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: MOU provides individual assessments and treatment services for participants referred to and accepted by the Accountability Courts.

      2. (I1a2) Independent Contractor Agreement with Serenity Behavioral Health Systems to provide MAT Consultation and Clinical Services for the Columbia Judicial Circuit Accountability Courts. Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: Agreement provides medication-assisted treatment (MAT) consultation and clinical services. Cost is $1,750 per month, based on itemized billing statements, with total compensation not to exceed $26,250 for October 1, 2026, through December 30, 2027.

      3. (I1a3) Independent Contractor Agreement with Martinez Urgent Care, Inc. to provide MAT Consultation and Clinical Services for the Columbia Judicial Circuit Accountability Courts. Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: Agreement provides MAT consultation and clinical services at Martinez Urgent Care. Cost is $1,750 per month, with total compensation not to exceed $26,250.

    2. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I1b1) Revocation Hearing of the Business License for Xingda Wellness LLC. Located at 4158 Washington Road Suite 10

        Schlachter: Business operated as Oriental Massage. In 2025, Code Enforcement issued a stop-work order after discovering the business was operating without a valid business license and employing unlicensed massage therapists. During an August 5, 2026, inspection, employees were again found without the required licenses. Several reportedly fled through the rear exit when officers entered. The Planning Commission revoked the massage operator’s license and business license. Owner requested reinstatement of the business license to operate a different type of business.

        Yuri Huang (Owner): Requested reinstatement of the existing business license and permission to change the business name to Hair Wash Salon, offering facials, hair washing, and foot baths rather than massage services. Explained that obtaining a new license would require additional time and potentially establishing a new company and tax identification number.

        Duncan: Questioned why the county should reinstate a license after repeated violations, particularly when employees reportedly attempted to flee during the second inspection.

        Huang: Acknowledged employing individuals without Georgia massage licenses. Explained that some held licenses in Texas or California but had difficulty passing Georgia’s licensing examination because of language barriers. Said customers preferred their massage techniques and that employees were attempting to obtain Georgia licenses.

        Steed: Emphasized that employees must hold the required licenses regardless of their qualifications or experience.

        Melear: Stated that ensuring employees are properly licensed is the business owner’s responsibility.

        Schlachter: Clarified that Huang was requesting reinstatement of the business license only, not the massage operator’s license. Also noted that county regulations required the owner to be present during business operations, but she was absent during both inspections.

        County Staff: Explained that business licenses are issued for specific activities and the existing massage business license could not simply be transferred to a different business classification. Huang could apply for a new license for the proposed services, with county processing generally taking approximately 10 days to two weeks.

        Schlachter: Confirmed that revocation would not prohibit Huang from applying for a new business license for non-massage services.

        Driver: Clarified that the existing revocation would remain in effect without further action, although a formal motion would establish a clearer decision date for any appeal.

        Huang: Initially sought to retain her existing business license but appeared to accept the explanation that she would need to apply for a new license. Noted that state licensing requirements could take longer than the county's estimated two-week processing period.

        Motion: Melear moved to deny the request for restoration and uphold the revocation of Xingda Wellness LLC’s business license. Yay 5, No 0

      2. (I1b2) RZ26-10-01, Rezoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial), 4391 Hereford Farm Rd, Tax Map 072A Parcel 058, 0.79 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). Approve with 30 days to remove storage containers: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Vacant parcel previously contained a residence purchased by the county for the Hereford Farm Road widening project. Applicant owns adjacent commercial property at 4398 Hereford Farm Road and intends to combine the parcels. Proposed conditions require combining the properties into one parcel to meet C-1’s minimum 100-foot road frontage requirement, upgrading the existing residential driveway for commercial access, removing outdoor storage, prohibiting use of the driveway until commercial access improvements are approved, and installing a minimum 10-foot landscape strip along Hereford Farm Road.

        Melear: Asked how long the applicant would have to remove the existing storage container.

        Schlachter: Said the applicant was already making arrangements to remove it and suggested 30 days if commissioners wanted a specific deadline.

        Melear: Amended the motion to require removal of the storage container within 30 days of approval.

      3. (I1b3) RZ26-10-03, Major S-1 (Special) Revision, 6389 Washington Road, Tax Map 024 Parcel 065, 6.93 +/- acres, and currently zoned S-1 (Special) Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Applicant requested a major S-1 revision to add a new multipurpose building. Approval includes a condition requiring the proposed building to be set back at least 15 feet from the property line. All future structures must comply with a 125-foot setback requirement.

Public Comments:

  • Susan Warren: Urged residents to comment on the Army Corps of Engineers permit application for White Oak by November 12, citing concerns about impacts to wetlands, streams, stormwater runoff, and wildlife. Raised concerns about scheduled blasting, construction noise, and lighting at Greenpoint [Pumpkin Center] data center site, and questioned a commissioner's refusal to discuss construction hours due to pending litigation. Also reported that Project Azalea, the Grovetown quarry, had applied for an air quality permit to operate 4 diesel generators continuously for up to two years while awaiting a connection the power grid.

  • Howard Johnson: Praised the county for completing the Willingham family’s road renaming request and approving medication-assisted treatment services for Accountability Court participants. Criticized the county’s use of Flock license plate readers, arguing that tracking license plates effectively tracks individuals because vehicles are registered to their owners. Disputed the county’s claim that the cameras track plates rather than people and questioned their effectiveness against vehicles without plates. Announced a peaceful “Flock Block Party” protest on October 25 and invited commissioners to observe the public response.

  • Lee Muns: Responded to personal remarks made by Chairman Duncan and Commissioner Carraway at the previous meeting, emphasizing that his concerns about data centers are policy-related, not personal. Rejected claims of inconsistency, explaining that his concerns have expanded as new information becomes available. Questioned the increase in White Oak’s proposed data center space from 8.5 million to 27 million square feet and criticized the county for approving rezoning before adequately evaluating environmental and infrastructure impacts. Called for greater transparency, meaningful public engagement, and accountability, and asked commissioners to leave his family and marriage out of policy discussions.

Chairman Duncan: Announced that Trader Joe’s had submitted an application for a construction permit in Columbia County, bringing the proposed store one step closer to development.

Adjourn: 6:38 pm

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]]><![CDATA[What Do Columbia County Residents Think About Data Centers?]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/what-do-columbia-county-residentshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/what-do-columbia-county-residentsTue, 20 Oct 2026 16:13:55 GMTDuring an October 19 appearance on The Austin Rhodes Show, Columbia County Commission Chair candidates Alison Couch and Cambrey Wood offered different perspectives on whether residents believe the potential property tax relief from data centers is worth the trade-offs.

Wood questioned whether many residents would consider the size and scope of the developments an acceptable trade-off for property tax relief. Couch disagreed, saying she had heard from many residents across Columbia County who were excited about the anticipated tax revenue and the prospect of lower property taxes.

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Both perspectives raise a larger question: What do Columbia County residents think about data center development?

I am conducting a community survey to gather residents’ opinions about existing data center projects, potential future development, expectations for property tax relief, and related concerns.

Take the survey: https://forms.gle/YwWtQ9smceNFv56a6

The anonymous survey is open to Columbia County (GA) residents through October 27, 2026, 12:00:00 PM EDT, and takes approximately 3–5 minutes to complete.

This is a voluntary, non-scientific survey. Participation is self-selected, and the results will reflect the views of respondents rather than a statistically representative sample of Columbia County residents.

Results and analysis will be published on The Columbia County Observer after the survey closes.

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]]><![CDATA[CCBoE 10.13.2026 Regular Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-10132026-regular-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-10132026-regular-meeting-notesWed, 14 Oct 2026 01:27:29 GMTSubscribe now

(Board Members: Chairman Dekle, Vice Chair/D1 Philip Kent, D2 Kristi Baker, D3 Judy Teasley, D4 Katie Allen)

  1. Call To Order: 5:30 pm

  2. Invocation: Tabernacle Baptist Church Executive Minister of Operations, Reverend Michael Woods

  3. Pledge of Allegiance: Baker Places Elementary School 4-H Presidents

  4. Approval of Agenda: Yay 4, Opposed 1 (Katie Allen)

Before vote, Allen made the following motion but there was no second: “I make a motion to amend the agenda to remove item nine, due to the fact that the resolution we will be discussing tonight was sent today at 2:44 p.m. It is not the resolution requesting local legislation that was intended to be discussed.”

Dekle: That's on the agenda for discussion, and if a resolution is presented, it all falls into that category.

  1. Special Recognitions

    1. Georgia Certified Teacher Induction Program Award

      1. Dr. Carrie Ann Cushman, Director of Professional Learning

      2. Tony Wright, Chief Human Resources Officer

    2. Georgia Department of Education John Hancock Award Schools

      1. Proficiency Award: At least 90% of students can write their names in cursive.

        1. Blue Ridge Elementary – Principal Jessica Williams

        2. Brookwood Elementary – Principal Dr. Leslie Dial

        3. Grovetown Elementary – Principal LaToya Jackson-Barnett

        4. North Columbia Elementary – Principal Tonya Gambrell

        5. North Harlem Elementary – Principal Melissa Culpepper

        6. Parkway Elementary – Principal Stephanie Winter

        7. Riverside Elementary – Principal Lynn Gardner

        8. Stallings Island Middle – Principal Vicki Tarleton

      2. Distinction Award: At least 90% of students can write their names and the preamble to the U.S. Constitution in cursive.

        1. Euchee Creek Elementary – Principal Katy Yeargain

        2. Greenbrier Elementary – Principal Ashlee Odom

        3. River Ridge Elementary – Principal Michelle Miller

        4. Stevens Creek Elementary – Principal Kelli Robertson

    3. Georgia Department of Education Title 1 Distinguished and Reward Schools

      1. Title I Distinguished Schools:

        1. Blue Ridge Elementary – Principal Jessica Williams

        2. Brookwood Elementary – Principal Dr. Leslie Dial

        3. Martinez Elementary – Principal Dr. Whitney Smith

        4. Westmont Elementary – Principal Angie Young

      2. Title I Reward School:

        1. Euchee Creek Elementary – Principal Katy Yeargain

    4. Georgia Thespian Honor Society State Officer Recipients

      1. Eli Bisel – Harlem High School

      2. Abigail Alwine – Grovetown High School

  2. Board Comments and Acknowledgments":

    Board members Kristi Baker, Judy Teasley, Philip Kent, and Katie Allen congratulated award recipients and thanked students, teachers, administrators, and families for their contributions to the district. Baker shared an anecdote about encountering Columbia County teachers at Disney World. Teasley praised the cursive writing awards and expressed surprise that the district had not previously earned teacher induction certification.

  3. Approval of Consent Items: Yay 5, No 0

    1. 9/22/2026 Work Session Meeting Minutes

    2. Fundraisers

    3. Employee Travel

    4. Program/Camp/Employee Participation Requests

    5. Lease/Use of Facilities

  4. Unified District Literacy Pan, LeAnne Greg. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  • Developed in response to HB 1193 and state literacy requirements.

  • K–12 plan formalizes many literacy initiatives already in place.

  • Focus on reading, writing, speaking, listening, vocabulary, and critical thinking across all subjects.

  • K–3 progress measured through universal screeners; grades 3–12 through Georgia Milestones and reading readiness data.

  • Students needing additional help receive targeted interventions through MTSS.

  • Literacy Coaches

    • District plans to place a full-time literacy coach in every elementary school.

    • Currently recruiting and screening applicants.

    • Four elementary schools will begin implementation in January 2027.

    • Coaches will receive professional development throughout spring 2027.

    • Full implementation scheduled for August 2027.

    • Coaches will support teachers with instructional strategies, modeling, and planning.

  • Board Discussion

    Teasley: Asked how this differs from current practices.

    Gregg: Many initiatives already in place, but previously no comprehensive written plan.

    Teasley: Is state paying for all these positions?

    Flynt: State pays a portion through QBE. District will have additional expenses. Already receiving state funding, which will remain in reserves until positions are filled.

    Teasley: How were the 4 schools selected?

    Gregg: Collaborative decision between associate superintendents and curriculum staff. Selected schools representing a range of literacy needs.

    Kent: Elementary teachers have a lot on their plates, including ESL, gifted, and special ed students. Additional literacy coaches should help?

    Gregg: Coaches will benefit both teachers and students.

    Kent: Did the state provide guidance or did the district develop its own plan?

    Gregg: HB 1193 established qualifications and job requirements for coaches. District developed its own literacy plan based on existing initiatives.

  1. Resolution Requesting Local Legislation for Homestead Exemption in Anticipation of Data Center Revenue

    (This portion is transcripted)

    Flynt: Board members, we’re at the point in the meeting where the topic is a resolution requesting local legislation for homestead exemption in anticipation of data center revenue. As you’ll recall, the last couple of meetings we’ve had some very good discussion on this. I don’t think we’re in the place where we have a final version, but we did want to have a continued discussion. You’ve seen a couple of drafts. Thank you for your input. I don’t think we’ve hit the mark quite perfectly yet, but through your input, I think we’ll be able to get there.

    I think at this time, the best next step is continued discussion as a board, which I’d be happy to participate in as well, and trying to get to that final resolution, which we would try to bring at the next meeting, assuming we get to that point.

    Dekle: I’d just like to open the floor up for any questions or discussions regarding this matter, which is a work in process.

    Kent: I’d actually like to make a motion to approve a resolution. Last meeting, we put forth what we wanted to have in a resolution. We voted unanimously to approve specific items, particularly involving how homesteaders would receive tax relief off data center revenue, and acknowledge the work that’s already been done to create pathways to achieve that goal.

    I feel like we’re in a position to do it. We discussed it quite a bit last meeting. I’d rather not see it go to another meeting. We need to move things forward. There’s work that needs to be done. There’s a base resolution that the rest of the body up here has in front of them that is a very broad resolution that just shows our intent and what our intent is for these dollars. I think it’s important for the public to know what our intent is in this regard.

    And so I make a motion that we actually do this general broad resolution, and it’s Columbia County Board of Education Resolution Expressing Its Intent to Pursue Property Tax Relief in Anticipation of Potential Additional Revenue Generated by Data Centers and Other Commercial Development.

    Motion seconded.

    Allen: One, the resolution that we requested as a board at the end of our previous meeting was not the resolution that was provided on Wednesday. It was significantly different. I had sent an email to Dr. Flynt explaining why it was different than the motion we approved, which was for a broad resolution.

    Dr. Flynt, to your credit, I appreciate that you brought back another version. However, all that did take time. The resolution in front of us tonight was sent at 2:44 p.m., Mr. Kent. That was not enough time for me to thoroughly review it.

    The resolution that was sent that essentially corrected the Wednesday one was sent Monday very quickly, considering by the time I reviewed it and was able to voice how it was entirely different from what we agreed, that was Sunday evening, very late. So again, a quick turnaround from Dr. Flynt on Monday to provide that resolution.

    However, ultimately, my issues are procedural. One, the public knows that we intend to give taxpayer money back, and I want to preserve that because I’m seeing, problematically, in some of these resolutions and the legislation that was drafted and provided to us to be our legislation, I’m seeing loopholes so clear, and those need to be explored. Those need to be closed.

    I don’t want a loophole that says we could give taxpayer money back to the citizens, but here’s all the ways we don’t have to. That is the last thing I want.

    So I want us to make sure we take the time this needs, do it right, look through this resolution, which is the first step in this process, and come back in two weeks when we’ve had time to review Mr. Kent’s updated version, which may be fine.

    But at the same time, this is so important. Also, procedurally, the item on the agenda that was published to the public 24 hours in advance of that meeting specifically states the title of the resolution that was provided to us on Wednesday, which means the item on the agenda for this meeting is not the same as the resolution that we are now being asked to approve.

    So for the purposes of discussion, I can go into the legislation, but ultimately the resolution, just from the bit that I’ve read in the time since I arrived at this meeting and got to read through it at my desk here, I’m seeing potentially some areas where it allows for this other draft legislation, which, to my understanding, Dr. Flynt, that draft legislation that you provided on Wednesday is already at Legislative Council for review, and Gary Richardson is already working to some extent with us.

    Flynt: We would do that with any adjustments or changes.

    Allen: Right. So we’re pretty serious about this legislation, and I think there’s things in there that do not protect our intent to bring taxpayer money back to citizens.

    So before we do a resolution that moves us in that direction, we need to take two weeks. Come back at the next meeting prepared to talk about this resolution that Mr. Kent has provided. Have it ensured that it matches the agenda item that the public was provided, so that we are doing things procedurally correctly, because it is a very dangerous precedent to put something on the agenda and then discuss and approve something entirely different during the agenda.

    Dekle: I would just point out that we actually voted at the last meeting to entertain a resolution.

    The substitute resolution, or the one presented by Mr. Kent, which actually, I think Superintendent Flynt sent something out last Wednesday asking for input. He didn’t receive anything from you, Ms. Allen, until Sunday night.

    Then he put together, as you acknowledge, a more general resolution, and that came out on Monday. So that was in people’s hands on Monday, and Mr. Kent worked on some revisions that he proposes.

    And so, you know, we don’t always have the advantage of all the time in the world that we would like. But I have had an opportunity to review this resolution. I think it comports with the spirit and intent of what we voted on at the last meeting. So there should be no surprises.

    And as far as the draft legislation that we’re looking at, it’s a work in process, and we’re not ready to present that. Hopefully, whatever we arrive at, we’ll be able to reach a consensus so that we can move forward in a timely manner as the General Assembly session approaches.

    Allen: Chairman Dekle, I would counter that. Yes, it came out Wednesday. Beginning Friday, all the way through Sunday, I spent, conservatively estimating, at least 10 hours researching.

    You provided draft legislation and a legal resolution to go with it. That was very consequential for this county. It takes time to research legislation, see what other counties are doing, see what problems they may have had, look at potential legal consequences, look at ways things can be abused through language, look at ways that language leaves things open to interpretation.

    It does take time. It took me 10 hours. I don’t know what time it took you, Chairman Dekle, or the fellow board members, but something like this should take time.

    Which is why even a Wednesday to a Tuesday vote, to me, is very quick. But certainly a Sunday or a Monday or 2:44 p.m. to a final vote should take time.

    Kent: We’re not planning to adopt—

    Allen: That’s what’s on the agenda.

    Dekle: This resolution does not adopt any specific request or specific legislation.

    Kent: This is specifically what you actually agreed to and voted for in the last meeting that we had. So I think we’re honoring exactly what we said we wanted.

    It’s different from what came out originally, but it was time for us to put it in a place where it all was in virtue of everything you agreed to in the last meeting.

    So it makes sense for us to move forward with this, I believe, based on that, because we have to start somewhere.

    The other items that you brought, specific to particular legislation and all the ramifications of that, those will be discussed. But you have to start with a resolution. You have to start somewhere. Otherwise, we just keep kicking the can.

    And honestly, the superintendent and the administration, they have to do some work in order to create these pathways to accomplish what our intent is.

    Unless you’re suggesting that you’re changing the intent for what the taxpayer dollars are going towards, which is homestead tax. Has that changed?

    Allen: My intent is as documented in these minutes, which is develop a resolution on potential property tax relief from data center revenue should data center revenue become available. Board member Katie Allen seconded the motion, provided that the resolution would serve as a broad intent statement.

    Okay, that could be in this resolution, but just one item in this resolution that’s very problematic is:

    “Whereas the board recognizes the importance of providing quality public education while maintaining responsible fiscal management and minimizing the property tax burden on taxpayers to the extent reasonably practicable.”

    That’s important. But when I pair that with the legislation that was presented by Dr. Flynt on Wednesday, there’s a clause in there that states that the board decides how much of that data center revenue is set aside to return back as homestead exemption credits.

    And the board has the opportunity to transfer any additional funds that they don’t return to the public back to the general fund.

    Kent: We’re not voting on that tonight.

    Allen: No, but this opens the door, and I want, from the resolution step forward, that we close the door on any of those intent loopholes by taking two weeks to ensure that the resolution that we put forward ensures that the legislation that follows it does not have openings that can be exploited in that way.

    Kent: This resolution doesn’t refer to those items that you’re mentioning, and it’s very clear. And the conversations that we had, that you do not want this to move forward, is very clear. That is not—

    And so at this time, I’d like for—do the other board members have any questions? Because I think it’s important that not just me or Katie be talking.

    Teasley: I’d like to address Ms. Allen’s concern in terms of how much money is returned.

    Hopefully, we’ll be able to return the maximum amount every year. But keep in mind that we don’t know what every year will look like.

    Let’s say we’re in a situation where teachers are furloughed, they’re having to work for no pay. Would we return everything to property owners if we can’t pay teachers?

    Let’s say that we have another year of humongous increases in insurance premiums and other unfunded state mandates. Would we return everything in the way of additional property taxes and then do without what we need for instructional purposes?

    Or do we need, as a board or any board that happens to be sitting here at any point in time, do we need to have to trust in elected officials to be able to make that decision?

    And I think we do because we don’t always know what the situation is going to be in any given year.

    Dekle: The resolution on the table tonight doesn’t address any specific legislation or anything like that. Our administration is still working on that and looking at all potential pathways.

    This, I think, merely addresses what we voted on in the last meeting.

    Allen: Just to add to that, this resolution does a lot. It opens the door to potentially looking at hiring consultants. That’s using taxpayer money.

    And I’ve been on this board long enough to know that when time and effort is put into something and it moves forward in the process, just like with the Harlem High School bonds, just like many of the votes, by the time it gets to the board, things have already been put in place to where essentially the decision has already been made.

    And the fact that nobody, that we’re not willing to wait two weeks for this, I have to wonder why.

    And the answer to me is that the legislation that was provided on Wednesday that has already been sent to Legislative Council, that Gary Richardson is already looking over, that’s essentially the final decision of the board, and these discussions and this vote is really just kind of a show.

    Teasley: I can tell you that’s not the final decision. It might be, but it won’t be because everybody on the board votes for it. It’s not mine.

    Kent: It’s a resolution, very broad. It’s very broad, and we have to start somewhere.

    Allen: So, Mr. Kent, why do we have to start tonight versus in two weeks when—

    Kent: We only have two more meetings. Yeah, because you would like to probably not start it at all because we know your position on data centers.

    Allen: This is a—

    Kent: We have to start somewhere and move forward with it. If we’re going to, this is a very broad, easy way to get the ball rolling.

    Allen: This leaves loopholes open to not do what we promise and we intend to do, which is return data center money back to taxpayers.

    Kent: Absolutely not.

    Allen: It allows for that, but it also allows for that not to happen, and that’s dangerous because—

    Kent: Would you like to read the resolution?

    Allen: You can, but I’ve already pointed out certain things that are going to have to be discussed.

    And again, Mr. Kent, why not two weeks? We’re not expecting any sort of, according to Chairman Dekle, 2029 is the year we’re expecting substantial revenue.

    Kent: You don’t know the answer to that question either, which is why we have to do a broad resolution to prepare for something that we are not—we know we’re expecting it to come, but we don’t know exactly when it’s going to come.

    Did you read somewhere that 2029 is definitive? Because I don’t think that’s true.

    Allen: Do you disagree with it? When do you expect substantial revenue?

    Kent: We don’t know, but we have to prepare for it. We know it’s imminent and it is coming. We can’t keep kicking the can.

    Allen: Chairman Dekle, can you explain why your understanding was 2029?

    Dekle: I’m just basing that on my review of the financial impact statement that was presented by the Economic Development Council.

    I think Mr. Kent’s implication is that the county might give us a portion of the money that they’ll be receiving, but we don’t have any commitment from them on that yet.

    But if it does happen, that would be great, and it would be nice to have something in place.

    I view it from the standpoint that there’s no reason to delay other than if you just want to delay it.

    As far as this resolution, they’re still working on our final proposal, so we’re not voting on that tonight.

    But this motion is on the floor, and I think we’ve really discussed it. Call the question and have a vote at this time.

    Dekle: All in favor of this resolution as presented by Mr. Kent, please raise your right hand. All opposed, please raise your right hand. Any abstentions?

    Allen: Due to three hours to review, and it not matching the agenda item.

    Dekle: Okay. So passes four-zero, one abstention, and this resolution will end up in final form and have that signed.

    Does anyone have any other questions about this item regarding the status of what the administration is working on, and our legal counsel who is here as well, as far as looking at the avenues for providing homestead taxpayer relief in the future?

    [Motion (Kent): Approve the resolution expressing the board’s intent to pursue property tax relief in anticipation of potential additional revenue from data centers and other commercial development.

    Vote: Yay 4, No 0, Abstention 1 (Allen)]

    Kent: I actually do. Dr. Flynt, do you need something from us again as a body to allow you to do your work? Because right now it’s more or less research and searching for pathways and looking for options, which you presented to us. Do you need something from us, a motion or something, that allows you to continue your work with the legislators and whoever’s sponsoring the bill? Would that make you feel comfortable if we put forth that type of motion?

    Flynt: I think this does some of that. I do think once we get to that point, we may want to consider—I don’t know that you’re going to have to, but I think you may also want to consider, once we get that final draft, although the risk there is that may change when it gets down in the General Assembly because that’s their work. We’re making a recommendation for them to do that now. Other legislation similar has passed, and that’s why we’ve been considering this direction. It also doesn’t impact, from everything we’ve seen, the five-mill share, the equalization grant, which could in one year account for close to $30 million in losses if it was all to go away or change our five-mill buy-in for the state.

    So those other areas have, while we’re still continuing to look at it, other places across the country have used some of those. I think legal could maybe share some of those as well.

    But similar to 439, this is not a constitutional amendment, but it doesn’t require the payments like 439. It increases the homestead, which is really the only way we’ve found so far that keeps that impact negligible to the school district. If not, it could be very impactful negatively on our state funding.

    Teasley: Considering we only have three meetings left this year, okay, so we’re going to be able to discuss and propose legislation next board meeting so that we can hopefully have something finalized with our local delegation, if they can present in January.

    Allen: So I would like to ask my questions tonight. Proposed legislation, this is, as you said, already in Legislative Council. Is that correct?

    Flynt: They will provide feedback along the way. So if anything changes, they’ll continue to provide feedback. I have not received any feedback on the initial submission. If we do, we’ll let you know.

    Kent: Would you like a directive from us to allow you to pursue it further, so that we’re following a process that you’re comfortable with? Because there might be some individuals on the board that may not want you to move forward with certain things without us actually telling you to do that. Would you like for us to do that? I don’t have a problem with you doing that, and I can do that if you’d like, Mr. Chairman.

    Allen: The resolution already covers that, correct?

    Kent: And if it doesn’t, I can put forward this motion, and it doesn’t have to pass, but it is on my mind, and I think it could provide some—I think it could help some board members on this panel.

    Dekle: What would the motion be?

    Kent: So I would move that the board direct the superintendent, board attorney, financial advisor, and appropriate district staff to continue the development, legal review, financial analysis, and refinement of the proposed floating homestead exemption legislation attached hereto. We don’t have to attach it, but we can. It certainly has been provided as a promising pathway toward accomplishing the property tax relief objective established in the resolution of intent that we just passed. Exhibit A is provided as the current working draft for reference, and further development is not approved by this motion as final legislation. As part of that work, the superintendent and board attorney are authorized and directed to engage with the local legislative delegation, appropriate state officials, and other necessary parties to evaluate, develop, and formulate any local or state legislation that may be required to accomplish the board’s property tax relief objective.

    This direction shall not constitute final approval of any legislation, nor shall it limit or discontinue research, evaluation, development of any other lawful pathway that may become available or more effective in providing meaningful property tax relief to qualifying owner-occupied primary homesteads in Columbia County.

    Dekle: That was a lot. Can I restate the motion? Is it that you move to direct the superintendent to continue his process?

    Kent: As long as that motion also includes the fact we will not—we’re not closing the door on other potential pathways to accomplish our goal that’s in our intent.

    Dekle: The resolution has that.

    Kent: Right.

    Dekle: Yeah, the resolution has that. But may I get a second?

    Allen: I did. I seconded it.

    Dekle: Any further discussion?

    Allen: So for discussion, essentially you took the watered-down version that you provided at 2:44 for quick passage. Now you’re verbally doing another motion for essentially permission to do everything that was pulled out of the original resolution, which was sent on Wednesday.

    Kent: No, the original—

    Allen: Everything you said is all points of—

    Kent: That’s false. The original resolution actually said we were committed to that bill.

    This second motion actually says the door is open for other opportunities, but it allows the superintendent to do his work and move forward with what is perceived as the best pathway today.

    Again, does not close the door on other possibilities. That is the huge difference in this motion.

    Allen: Can you read that again slowly, please?

    Teasley: There’s a motion and a second on the floor, right?

    Allen: Can you restate the motion?

    Teasley: It’s Mr. Dekle’s motion.

    Dekle: Motion and a second.

    The motion, I restated his motion basically in much shorter form, to direct the superintendent to continue his work with respect to finding, working on pathways or potential legislation, with the proviso that we’re not committing to that. We’re looking at all possible avenues. Something better might come along.

    Allen: So what Mr. Kent read out loud is in no way, now that it’s on the record, it’s in no way part of that restated motion?

    Teasley: We’re not committing to anything.

    Allen: As I understand it, he’s committing to this legislation that was attached as a—

    Teasley: But we’re not committing to any legislation. We’re committing right now to exploring legislation, and the best path forward is going to meet our needs.

    Kent: We’re allowing the superintendent to do his work so that we can actually come up, so he can come up with a pathway solution to meet our resolution intent.

    Without doing that, I think it puts him in a position that’s very difficult to be able to work with legislators to put forth an actual and orchestrated, architected bill that would accomplish that goal.

    Allen: So have we not already done that? Given the fact that this draft is in Legislative Council and Gary Richardson is working on it, essentially where you’re trying to give him approval for what they’ve already done?

    Kent: No, we’re not. That would sound very different.

    Allen: Can we pull this then from Legislative Council?

    Kent: This is based off an existing House Bill 1582, correct? I think that’s the number. That’s an existing bill that’s been passed into law. It’s not been created yesterday.

    Teasley: But that’s not one that this board has approved.

    Allen: Right. And I don’t want ours matching 1582 because I saw things in 1582 that we should—

    Teasley: And I understand that. But we’re not talking about legislation tonight. We’re not approving legislation right now.

    We’re asking the superintendent to continue to look for legislative possibilities that will allow us to give taxpayers relief and continue to educate students.

    Allen: So let’s clarify. The legislation you sent on Wednesday that is in Legislative Council, you will continue working on that, and the board has given approval based on this resolution to continue working towards that, in addition to other pathways.

    Kent: I think we’re moving from exploration, if you will, into actually working closely to come up with a solution. I think that’s what we’re doing here.

    Teasley: Exploration, solution. You have to explore solutions.

    Dekle: Can we call the question on the subsequent motion and ask for a vote?

    All in favor, raise your right hand. All opposed. Any abstentions?

    [Motion (Kent, restated by Dekle): Direct the superintendent to continue developing potential legislative pathways for property tax relief without committing to any particular legislation or excluding other options. Vote: Yay 4, No 0, Abstention 1 (Allen)]

    Allen: I couldn’t even tell you what the motion fully was.

    Dekle: Okay. Good, healthy discussion. Thank y’all very much. Our plan, keep working on it, and let’s go to our next item

  2. Bid Results. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Superintendent Reports

    1. SAT Scores

      1. 1105

      2. Up 17 points from last year.

      3. 74 points above the state average and 94 points above the national average.

    2. Graduation rate for 2026 was 93.75%, the district’s highest since 2011. All five high schools had graduation rates above 90%.

      • Greenbrier: 95.93%

      • Evans: 94.15%

      • Lakeside: 93.47%

      • Grovetown: 92.92%

      • Harlem: 91.99%

    3. October is National Principals Month

    4. October 2 as Custodian Appreciation Day

    5. Instructional Coaches Appreciation Day, Georgia Pre-K Week, and National School Lunch Week.

    6. PSAT scheduled for October 14 for eighth- and tenth-grade students.

    7. Report cards also scheduled for October 14.

    8. Columbia County Board of Education received the Georgia School Boards Association’s 2026 Exemplary School Board recognition.

  2. Public Participation: None

  3. Executive Session: Yay 5, No 0. 6:44-7:07 pm

    1. ExecutedAffidavit: Yay 5, No 0

    2. Personnel Sheet: Yay 5, No 0

  4. Adjourn: 7:08 pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 10.06.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-10062026-meeting-minuteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-10062026-meeting-minutesWed, 07 Oct 2026 00:31:04 GMTSubscribe now

All Commissioners present

Call To Order: 6:00pm

Approval of 9/15/2026 Meeting Minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Social Recognition, Presentation, and/or Declaration

  1. Declaration

Augusta Sailing Club Proclamation

Consent Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Community and Emergency Services Committee

    1. (H1a) Chairman’s Reappointment to the Columbia Judicial Circuit Public Defender Supervisory Panel

    2. (H1b) New Accountability Court Clinical Case Manager Position

    3. (H1c) Animal Services Donation

    4. (H1d) Georgia Department of Transportation FY2028 5311 Rural Transportation Program Application

  2. Public Works and Engineering Services Committee Commissioner Carraway

    1. (H2a) Purchase from Blanchard Equipment for 5105M Tractor and Single Wing Mower Attachment

    2. (H2b) Change Order #1 to Contract#2025-3123 with Goodwyn Mills Cawood for the Design of the Euchee Creek Greenway All Remaining Phases Project

    3. (H2c) Bid# 2026027-BID2710 and Contract #2026-3708 with Peek Pavement Marking, LLC for the 2026 SAP Striping and Signs Project

    4. (H2d) Change Order #1 to Contract #2025-3375 with UES Professional Solutions 18, LLC for Geotechnical Services on the Wrightsboro Rd Widening Project

    5. (H2e) Resolution 26-20 Concerning a Determination to Abandon and Sell a Portion of Crawford Place Lane Labeled Tract 1

    6. (H2f) Resolution 26-21 Concerning a Determination to Abandon and Sell a Portion of Crawford Place Lane Labeled Tract 2

    7. (H2g) Resolution 26-22 Concerning a Determination to Abandon and Sell a Portion of Crawford Place Lane Labeled as Tract 3

    8. (H2h) Purchase from Environmental Products Group an Envirosight RovverX Pipeline Inspection Camera for the Stormwater Operations Department

    9. (H2i) Change Order #1 to Contract # 2026-3567 with East Coast Grading, Inc. for LMIG 2026

Debate Agenda

  1. New Business

    1. Management and Internal Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) Augusta Sailing Club Proclamation: Yay 5, No 0

    2. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I1b1) RZ26-09-03, Major PRD (Planned Residential Development) Revision, off Baker Place Road, Tax Map 051 Parcels 048 and 049A, a combined 45.85 +/- acres, and currently zoned PRD (Planned Residential Development). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: 3 proposed revisions. Change portion of road previously approved as curb and gutter to ditch section matching Canterbury Farms, then transition back to curb and gutter/divided roadway entering Tillery Park. Return Area 4A to original layout after it was revised in 2024. Revise another section back to traditional townhome layout similar to original approved plan.

      2. (I1b2) RZ26-09-04, Rezoning from R-1 (Single Family Residential) to C-3 (Heavy Commercial), 5125 & 5147 Columbia Road, Tax Map 067 Parcel 104 & Tax Map 061 Parcel 018B, a combined 13.33 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-1 (Single Family Residential). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Rezoning for expansion of existing self-storage facility on adjacent C-3 property. Proposed storage buildings will be located above the wetlands. Conditions from original C-3 zoning will carry over to new property. Additional conditions require connection to sewer and prohibit storage of tractor units, tractor trailers, dump trucks, or concrete trucks at the facility.

        Steed: Asked about wetlands running through the property.

        Schlachter: Wetlands discussed. Developer will need permits to cross the creek with the road; storage buildings are positioned above the wetlands.

Public Comments

  • Lee Muns: Spoke about truthfulness, transparency, and representative government in relation to the county’s handling of data center development. Questioned when officials knew about the projects, use of NDAs, tax incentives and financial projections, job estimates, redactions of financial information, the status of a proposed data center moratorium, and whether financial safeguards will be required to ensure taxpayers are not responsible for future demolition or remediation costs if facilities are abandoned. He argued citizens should be informed and involved before major decisions are made, rather than after the fact.

    (This portion is transcribed)

    Chairman Doug Duncan: You know, I can only speak for myself. I wrote that op-ed in The Augusta Press. I mentioned when a constituent reaches the revenge stage that, you know, revenge is about inflicting damage on another person. It’s personal, it’s emotional, the primary goal is to cause suffering for the person, and it’s usually motivated by anger or resentment. And frankly, speaking for myself, as far as I’m concerned, you’re the poster child for that. I mean, what I see is you attack, and you go up there—

    Lee Muns: Mr. Chairman….

    Duncan: after I finish…

    Muns: And then if I can respond?

    Duncan: Exactly, ok. Now, you helped her [Alison Couch] get elected, my friend. You helped her get elected, and she didn’t do what you wanted her to do. So you turned on her. And I don’t know what motivates you, why it is the way it is. But that’s just what I see in your inconsistency. So go ahead.

    Muns: Doug, what motivates me is somebody’s character. I’ve had individuals sitting at this dais [looks to the right] talk about me personally, about my marriage, about my kids, about my business, about that I was out to personally attack them and run them out of their office. I’ve had people sitting at this dais up here [looks at commissioners] do the very same thing. I’ve had Mr. Carraway, meeting in his office, stand up over me and go, “Lee, I’m not gonna take all that from you,” rah, rah, rah, rah, rah. I’ve been there, Doug.

    But I’m a man of character, and I’m a Christian, and I’m gonna stand on truth. And I’ve been had by each one of y’all. I’ve been said that I’m misinformed, I don’t know what I’m talking about, I have no idea. Well, Doug, anytime you want to sit down and talk about the real issues, I’m more than open, because I am informed. I do know what’s going on. I do know about this industry. I do know about the power industry. I know a lot about a lot of things, because what I do before I open my mouth is I educate myself. Thank you.

    And yes, I worked very hard for Ms. Couch, and I hoped to see her do a job. And a lot of the people in the community have not seen her do that job, and therefore we have a right to speak out in opposition. Thank you.

    Commissioner Mike Carraway: You know what? He’s walking back to his seat. He called out my name. I’ve worked very hard over the last months not to respond to the innuendos and things that have been brought back and forth. But that meeting that he’s talking about specifically, that Mr. Skinner and I were in together, and he stated that about me. But what he is, is a vindictive man. And a lot of the things that most of y’all don’t know, maybe this crowd knows a little bit more, is that he is married to Scott’s ex-wife. And a lot of this, y’all, it matters. You can shake your head, but a lot of this is attacks because of that. And it’s really very hard to sit here, you know, meeting after meeting and let him do that. I’m not saying he’s wrong. He’s entitled to his opinion about data centers, but he’s been wrong on the facts the whole way. We have argued it was water. It was this, it was that, it was this, it was that. And it’s not turning out exactly, and he just changes what his point is. It just changes with the time. And now he’s on record saying he doesn’t have a problem with data centers. It’s not that at all. But at first it was that, because it was about water, and it was about all that. He actually called me a liar in one of our first meetings, which, you know, was absolutely uncalled for because it wasn’t correct. I just, you know, I don’t want to go back and forth with you, Mr. Muns, but it does seem vindictive from sitting here, from on and on and on, for you coming here and talking to us like you do. You have every right. We’ll always give you that right. But we don’t have to be happy about it. So that’s all I have to say.

  • Susan Warren: Corrected comments made at the previous Commission meeting about the timeline between the White Oak S-1 rezoning and adoption of the county’s Data Center District, noting the two actions occurred about six months apart rather than at consecutive meetings. She also criticized the county’s rezoning notification process, arguing that residents would rather risk showing up for a postponed meeting than miss their opportunity to participate because they were unaware of the final Commission vote.

Executive Session

  1. Property

    1. (M1a) Property A: Settlement agreement with Matthew George for $10,600 for Tax Parcel 072B 001C. County Attorney (Chris Driver) explained the county and property owner agreed on a value for property associated with the Hereford Farm Road widening project, but difficulties with the property owner’s bank prevented closing; the condemnation proceeding used the appraised value, and the additional payment reflects the difference needed to honor the previously agreed value. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

    2. (M1b) Property B: $700 payment to Deere & Company to convert an existing temporary easement to a permanent easement for the Horizon South Parkway road widening project. The permanent easement is needed because a water line was relocated into the easement area. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

    3. (M1c) Property C: Purchase and sale agreement with Metro Land Associates, LLC for $120K. 0.93-acre property is in front of the Columbia County Racquet Center and would complete the county’s ownership of that area, allowing for future expansion of the park, playground, courts, or other recreational uses. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 6:29 pm

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]]><![CDATA[Columbia County Leaders Blame Democrats for Blocking Tax Relief. Records Show the County Was Pushing a Different Plan ]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/columbia-county-leaders-blame-democratshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/columbia-county-leaders-blame-democratsMon, 05 Oct 2026 00:04:11 GMTSubscribe now

This article is cross-posted on Garden City Gossip.

By Karin Parham

EVANS, Ga. – Columbia County Commission Chairman Doug Duncan blamed Georgia House Democrats for blocking a constitutional amendment that county officials say they need to provide greater property-tax relief to homeowners. State Rep. Rob Clifton made a similar argument.

Most House Democrats did vote against the constitutional amendment that reached the House floor. County records, however, show Columbia County was pursuing a different property-tax proposal at the same time and paid lobbyists who sought Democratic support for the county’s plan while raising concerns about provisions of the broader package backed by House Speaker Jon Burns.

The county’s plan

Columbia County paid two firms to represent its interests at the Georgia Capitol: Oglethorpe Public Affairs, headed by Scott MacGregor, and Civic Forward Strategies, headed by Tom Gehl.

County records show Oglethorpe was paid $30,000 for fiscal year 2026, up from a $20,000 purchase order the year before. In July, Oglethorpe billed the county $50,000 for fiscal year 2027, and the county issued a purchase order for that amount. Civic Forward received two payments of $12,500 in January and March 2026.

County Manager Scott Johnson worked directly with both lobbyists. In response to an open-records request seeking Commission minutes showing discussion or approval of the contracts, the county said it had no responsive documents.

By December 2025, Gehl and MacGregor were working with county officials and legislative counsel on a proposal allowing local governments to return excess property-tax revenue to homeowners.

The Georgia Constitution limits an existing homeowner incentive adjustment to the equivalent of $18,000 in assessed value. Columbia County wanted the General Assembly to authorize a broader grant program and voters to amend the Constitution to remove that limit.

The proposal became HB 1156 and HR 1178, sponsored by Rep. Gary Richardson.

Seeking Democratic support

On Feb. 21, Gehl emailed Ebenezer Abolarin with the House Democratic Caucus seeking a meeting with House Minority Leader Carolyn Hugley, Minority Whip Sam Park and Rep. David Wilkerson.

“Scott MacGregor (copied) and I represent Columbia County and we are working in support of this legislation with the sponsor Rep. Gary Richardson,” Gehl wrote.

Gehl said the proposal could allow local governments to return revenue collected above their budget needs and “reduce or eliminate homestead property taxes as they are able.” He attached HB 1156 and HR 1178.

Caption: Columbia County lobbyist Tom Gehl sought a meeting with House Democratic leaders in February to discuss HB 1156 and HR 1178, the county-backed property-tax proposals.

At the same time, Burns and other House Republican leaders were advancing a broader property-tax package through HR 1114 and HB 1116. The version of HR 1114 that reached the House floor proposed gradually reducing the assessed value of homesteaded property from 40% to 10% over 10 years. It also would have removed the same $18,000 constitutional limit Columbia County was seeking to eliminate, but as part of a much broader property-tax package.

The Burns package also proposed limiting year-to-year increases in property-tax collections from non-homestead property. The Georgia Municipal Association raised concerns about the proposal. On Feb. 12, Gehl forwarded GMA’s concerns about HR 1114 and HB 1116 to Johnson and MacGregor.

The records reviewed for this story do not show Columbia County instructing legislators to vote against HR 1114. They do show the county’s paid lobbyists advocating for a separate proposal while raising concerns about provisions of the Burns package.

One amendment reaches the floor

Columbia County’s HR 1178 advanced through the House Ways and Means Committee but never received a vote by the full House. The county’s preferred, narrower constitutional amendment therefore never came before the full House.

On March 2, Gehl told Johnson and MacGregor that the House Ways and Means Committee had passed new versions of HR 1114 and HB 1116.

“The Democrats voted ‘no’ on the legislation,” Gehl wrote.

The next day, HR 1114 received 99 votes in favor and 73 against on the House floor, short of the two-thirds majority required to send a constitutional amendment to voters. The House voted 97-68 on March 4 to reconsider the measure, but HR 1114 never returned for another floor vote.

On March 6, Gehl criticized the revenue limit in HB 1116, HR 1114’s statutory companion.

“Revenue limit / ad valorem cap is bad policy and still allows no flexibility for emergencies and could impact bond ratings,” Gehl wrote.

He also warned that the proposal could result in higher millage rates on non-homestead property.

Caption: In a March 6 email, Columbia County lobbyist Tom Gehl described the revenue limit in HB 1116 as “bad policy” and raised concerns about its potential effects.

Columbia County’s original bills did not complete the legislative process. The homeowner grant language from HB 1156 was incorporated into HB 439 later in the session.

HB 439 passed both chambers and was signed into law. On the final House vote agreeing to the Senate substitute, 97 Republicans and two Democrats voted yes, while 64 Democrats voted no. The Senate approved the substitute 49-1, with all 32 Republicans and 17 Democrats voting in favor.

The law gave local governments a mechanism to create homeowner grants with voter approval, but it did not remove the constitutional $18,000 limit. Doing that still requires a constitutional amendment.

Democrats blamed

On June 24, Clifton pointed to Democratic votes when discussing the Legislature’s failure to send property-tax amendments to voters.

“Each time, Democrats voted against” the proposals, Clifton wrote in a Facebook post.

By August, Columbia County officials were discussing how to use HB 439 locally. Johnson said the county wanted to use its grant fund to eliminate the county portion of homeowners’ property-tax bills, but the $18,000 limit stood in the way.

“We’re relying on the folks in Atlanta to carry that water,” Johnson said Aug. 4.

Two weeks later, Duncan placed responsibility for the failed constitutional amendment on House Democrats.

“The Democrats in the state House blocked the constitutional amendment,” Duncan said Aug. 18. “Everything was set up and they wouldn’t let it go through because it took 60 votes so they had to participate.”

A proposed amendment to the Georgia Constitution requires approval by two-thirds of each legislative chamber. In the 180-member House, that requires 120 votes.

“We’d be done with all that if they wanted tax relief, property tax relief,” Duncan continued. “But they didn’t. That’s just the reality.”

The constitutional amendment Democrats voted against was part of Burns’ broader property-tax package and would have removed the $18,000 limit Columbia County wanted eliminated. Its companion bill, HB 1116, contained provisions that drew objections from Columbia County’s paid lobbyists. Columbia County’s narrower constitutional proposal never received a vote on the House floor.

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]]><![CDATA[Behind the Billions: How Columbia County’s Data Center Tax Deal Works]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/behind-the-billions-how-columbiahttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/behind-the-billions-how-columbiaWed, 23 Sep 2026 19:42:44 GMTCross-posted with Garden City Gossip

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EVANS, Ga. - Columbia County officials projected $12.1 billion in net public revenue from Google’s planned data center development. The 35-year forecast relies in part on investment Google has not committed to make, uses project assumptions supplied by the Economic Development Authority of Columbia County (EDACC), and was prepared by a consultant that says it did not independently verify those assumptions.

The financial arrangement also includes something county officials had previously said the project would not receive: a property-tax incentive.

“We are not going to give incentive, tax incentives to these folks to come in where the project is there to offset property taxes,” Commission Chairman Doug Duncan said during a July 2025 appearance on The Austin Rhodes Show. “End of story.”

The Memorandum of Understanding approved by EDACC on Aug. 26 includes a 25-year leasehold valuation schedule for each qualifying data center building. The schedule reduces its taxable leasehold value for the first 24 years.

That provision was not mentioned in Columbia County’s Aug. 26 news release. The release emphasized the project’s potential to generate billions of dollars in revenue and provide property-tax relief to homeowners. A copy of the MOU was not released with the announcement.

The Columbia County Observer requested the MOU through the Georgia Open Records Act on the evening of Sept. 4 and received it Sept. 8. The copy provided through the request had not been signed by Google or Kinetic Infrastructure Solutions, the company identified in the agreement. County officials later confirmed that the MOU is awaiting official approval from Google.

County Manager Scott Johnson was meanwhile publicly discussing revenue projections from the project, but the Fiscal Impact Analysis underlying those projections had not been provided. The Observer sought those records separately. EDACC provided the Fiscal Impact Analysis on Monday, Sept. 21.

What Google has committed to

The Fiscal Impact Analysis projects $12.1 billion in net revenue for Columbia County and the Columbia County School District over 35 years.

Google has committed to the project’s first $17 billion phase over the initial three years of the project. EDACC’s disclaimer accompanying the report says subsequent phases are “proposed, not confirmed.” The analysis nevertheless includes those future phases in its 35-year projections for planning purposes.

Economic Impact Group prepared the analysis using project characteristics supplied by EDACC, including capital investment, employment, wages, construction phasing and incentive terms. The firm said it did not audit, verify or independently confirm that information and made no representation about its “accuracy, completeness, validity, feasibility, or reasonableness.”

The report discloses some of the assumptions used in the model. The MOU provides others. Neither document contains all of the underlying information needed to independently reproduce the projections. The fiscal analysis, for example, provides annual property-tax projections but does not show the projected fair-market values of the buildings and equipment used to calculate them.

After receiving the analysis, the Columbia County Observer filed an Open Records Request on Sept. 21 seeking the inputs, assumptions and data supplied to Economic Impact Group, records identifying the sources of those inputs, and the contract or scope of work for the analysis.

Those records have not been provided to date.

$45 million in fees, plus property taxes

The project would generate local government revenue in two distinct ways. The first is property taxes, which are reduced during the incentive period through the leasehold valuation schedule.

The second is an annual Authority fee. The MOU requires at least $45 million annually during the first seven years.

Johnson explained during a September appearance on The Austin Rhodes Show that $5 million would remain with EDACC and $40 million would go to Columbia County. He said the additional payment was negotiated because county property-tax revenue from the project would initially fall short of the amount officials wanted for homestead property-tax relief.

The fiscal analysis projects approximately $48.9 million in Columbia County property taxes in Year 1 and $43.9 million in incentives and support, a difference of about $4.9 million. The county would also receive the separate $40 million annual payment Johnson described.

The school district does not share in that $40 million payment. For the same year, the analysis projects approximately $111 million in school property taxes and $99.8 million in incentives and support, a difference of about $11.2 million. It also projects about $4 million in school sales-tax revenue. For scale, the Columbia County School District’s FY2027 General Fund budget is approximately $435 million.

How the tax incentive works

The incentive relies on a bond-for-title arrangement.

Under the MOU, Kinetic would convey the property and improvements associated with the project to the Development Authority, which would lease them back to the company. The Columbia County Board of Tax Assessors determines the fair-market value, while the company’s leasehold interest is taxed according to a predetermined schedule.

Each qualifying building gets its own 25-year schedule. For the first five years, the leasehold factor is 10 percent. It increases over time until reaching 100 percent in Year 25. The tax reduction therefore applies for the first 24 years.

Buildings completed later start their own schedules. The Fiscal Impact Analysis models 16 buildings coming online over time, extending the overall abatement period through Year 33.

The schedule dates to 2014

The leasehold valuation system used for the Google project was not created for Google. It dates to 2014.

Minutes from the Feb. 11, 2014, meeting of the Columbia County Board of Tax Assessors show Development Authority legal counsel Douglas D. Batchelor, Columbia County Attorney Chris Driver and then-Development Authority Executive Director Robbie Bennett presenting what the minutes called “Lease Factor Rates Policies.”

The board approved the policies unanimously.

The accompanying “Columbia County Leasehold Valuation Guidelines” established a framework for economic development projects using taxable abatement bonds and leaseback agreements. One exhibit created a separate set of leasehold schedules specifically for “Technology and Data Centers.”

The guidelines did not approve an incentive for a particular project. Individual projects would still come before the Development Authority for consideration.

Exhibit B from the 2014 Columbia County Leasehold Valuation Guidelines established leasehold valuation schedules specifically for technology and data center projects.

Data centers could qualify for schedules lasting five, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years. The 25-year schedule begins with a 10 percent leasehold factor for the first five years and gradually increases to 100 percent in Year 25.

That is the same basic schedule incorporated into the current MOU.

Doug Duncan served as vice chairman of the Development Authority in 2013 and chairman in 2014. The Feb. 11, 2014, Board of Tax Assessors meeting minutes do not list him among those attending.

The 2026 Fiscal Impact Analysis says the “pre-approved data center leasehold valuation structure” was approved by the Columbia County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 4, 2014. A review of the Feb. 4 Commission meeting minutes found no reference to the Leasehold Valuation Guidelines, the data center leasehold schedule or a vote approving either. Development Authority records show the proposed lease-factor rates had been forwarded to the County Administrator and County Commission in 2013, so the Commission may have considered the policy earlier.

Behind the $12.1 billion projection

Over 35 years, the fiscal analysis projects $4.4 billion in net revenue for Columbia County and $7.7 billion for the school district after incentives and estimated public costs. The $12.1 billion projection extends well beyond Google’s committed $17 billion first phase. It incorporates additional development that EDACC describes as proposed but not confirmed.

The analysis provides annual revenue projections extending 35 years, but the underlying project inputs used to produce those figures have not been provided to the Columbia County Observer. Economic Impact Group states that those inputs were supplied by EDACC and were not independently verified by the firm.

The Observer’s Sept. 21 Open Records Request seeks those inputs, their sources and the scope of work for the analysis.

Until those records are provided, the public has these projections. However, it does not have the underlying data needed to independently reproduce or verify them.

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Source Documents:

White Oak Data Center Mou 08 25 26(2573842
251KB ∙ PDF file
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Approved Leasehold Valuation Schedules
315KB ∙ PDF file
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Google Data Center Fiscal Impact Analysis Edacc
620KB ∙ PDF file
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2014 02 11 Boa
3.87MB ∙ PDF file
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2014 02 04 Minutes
179KB ∙ PDF file
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]]><![CDATA[CCBOE 09.22.2026 Work Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-09222026-work-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-09222026-work-meeting-notesWed, 23 Sep 2026 06:27:15 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 5:30 pm

Invocation: Abilene Baptist Church Education Pastor John Sansom

Pledge of Allegiance: Greenbrier ES & Parkway ES 4-H Presidents

Approval of Amended Agenda

  • Philip Kent made a motion to add Discussion about Data Center Revenue to Agenda: Yay 4, No 1 (Katie Allen)

  • Allen moved to change Agenda Item 11 from “Bid Results” to “Building Program Bid Results”: Yay 4, No 1 ( David Dekle)

Special Recognitions

  • Army STEM Teacher Fellowships

    • David Phillips, Greenbrier Middle School

  • Georgia Art Education Association 2027 State Art Educator Award Winner

    • Tiffany Weser, Columbia Virtual Academy

  • Junior Achievement of Georgia 19 Under 19 Honoree

    • Caycee Hill, Greenbrier Middle School

  • Savannah River National Laboratory K-12 Catalyst Grant for STEM Education

    • Raley Arnold, North Columbia ES

    • Jennifer Young, Steven Creek ES

    • David Phillips, Greenbrier Middle School

  • TechNet Augusta Capture the Flag Tournament

    • Middle School Division, 3rd Place

      • Pack Hunters Team, Greenbrier Middle School

        • Isabella Goodman

        • Tarik Kalelioglu

        • Suhrudh Medan

        • Dempsey Shehorn

    • High School Division, Greenbrier High School

      • 1st Place, Hard Drive Team

        • Lucas Bew

        • Brayden Edelman

        • Chance Thompson

        • Ryan Youmands

      • 2nd Place, Zif Switch

        • Andrew Beier

        • Jackson Clung

        • Logan Mulrding, Alejandro Pascal

      • 3rd Place, Jump Drive

        • Kyan Fleming

        • Cade Mitchell

        • Benjamin Park

        • Cayden Wamsley

Board Comments:

  • Congratulated students and educators recognized for their achievements, praising their hard work, leadership, and dedication. They also thanked the families and staff who support students and highlighted the district’s STEM, cybersecurity, and career and technical education opportunities.

Approval of Consent items: Yay 5, No 0

  • 9/8/2026 Minutes

  • August Financials

  • Budget Amendment and Transpers

  • Fundraisers

  • Employee Travel

  • Program/Camp/Employee Participation Request

  • Lease/Use of Facilities

Discussion Topics and Presentations

  • Inspiring The Promise of the Columbia County School District Baker Place Elementary School, Associate Superintendent Cummings

    • Principal Sean Prouty highlighted school’s focus on strong relationships, individualized instruction, and student growth. Discussed differentiated instruction for students at all levels and Bell Ringers Club, which allows students to set individual goals and celebrate their progress. Emphasized collaboration among teachers, admin, families, and community to ensure students feel known, supported, and challenged.

  • District Writing Framework, “K–12 ACE Writing Framework”, Dr. Campbell

    • Dr. Campbell

      • Vertically aligned approach designed to provide consistent writing instruction K-12

      • Shared resources and expectations are intended to reduce learning gaps, avoid unnecessary repetition, and support sustained writing growth.

    • Leslie Phillips

      • Framework based on Georgia Milestones 3-trait writing rubric.

      • Uses consistent color coding and visual cues across grade levels to reinforce writing concepts.

      • Skills like transitions progress from basic connections in early grades to more complex analytical writing in high school.

    • Tracey Hampson

      • Conferencing, goal-setting, and reflection resources.

      • Teachers can use student goals, reflections, and conference data to differentiate whole-group, small-group, and individual instruction.

      • Resources help students identify strengths, focus on specific areas for improvement, and monitor their writing progress.

      State Recognition

      • Gained attention from the Georgia Department of Education.

      • District staff invited to present during statewide DOE webinar on October 8.

      • Georgia Public Broadcasting plans to film district teachers implementing the framework for instructional videos that will be available to teachers statewide.

Staff Reports

  • Special Education Update, LeAnne Gregg and Sharard Pritchett

    • More than 200 SPED teachers, case managers, related service providers, and administrators participated in 3rd annual Summer Institute.

    • Professional learning focused on instruction, behavior supports, compliance, legal updates, literacy, IEP development, and data-driven instruction.

    • Additional training and support are being provided to paraprofessionals, case managers, administrators, and specialized-program teachers.

    • Elementary co-teachers are receiving training in structured literacy interventions.

    • SPED department chair is now assigned to every school to provide daily support with instruction, behavior, compliance, and specialized programs.

    • District staff reported improved communication, quicker problem-solving, and greater access to school-level support.

    • Centralized teacher toolkit, weekly updates, and monthly newsletter provide consistent guidance and resources.

    • SPED support has increased approximately 22.4% over the past three fiscal years.

      (not transcribed)

    • Chairman Dekle: Asked how many students are served through special education. Pritchett said approximately 4,000.

    • Katie Allen: Asked about the IEP process when a parent requests an evaluation. Staff explained that parents can initiate a request; parental consent begins a formal comprehensive evaluation, which has a 60-day timeline, followed by a team eligibility determination.

    • Judy Teasley: Discussed the role of MTSS, noting that some students may receive additional interventions and close learning gaps without ultimately needing an IEP. She also clarified that special education eligibility criteria are established by the state, not the district.

    • Kristi Baker: Asked whether some schools might eventually need more than one special education department chair. Staff said no need has been identified yet but workloads will continue to be monitored.

    • Philip Kent: Asked whether special education staff have adequate resources and access to appropriate legal expertise. Staff said they have access to the professional and legal support they need.

    • Katie Allen: Asked about options when parents and the district disagree over eligibility. Staff said parents have procedural safeguards and formal complaint/due-process options, but the district encourages working through the case manager, principal, and district staff first.

    • Allen: Asked about disputes over IEP meeting minutes and changes to IEP supports. Staff said minutes are reviewed before meetings conclude and that changes to supports must go through the IEP meeting process.

    • Allen: Asked about special education staffing. Staff reported a fill rate above 95%, down from approximately 99% at the beginning of the school year, with paraprofessional vacancies contributing to the decline.

  • The High School Experience Update, Dr. Brian Campbell and Brooks Smith

    • Students can begin earning high school credits in middle school and later participate in CTAE, Fine Arts, Advanced Academic Pathways, AP, IB, Dual Enrollment, and Work-Based Learning.

    • District currently offers 24 CTAE pathways across 5 high schools, with industry certifications tied to workforce needs.

    • Students earned more than 1,000 industry certifications last year.

    • Work-Based Learning: 602 students participated in 2026 with 457 business partners, earning more than $3 million collectively.

    • Heavy Equipment/Construction Equipment Operator pathway: 34 students are enrolled and completing the three-course pathway in one year. 5 large equipment simulators were expected to arrive in October, and students preparing for a November 19 construction competition.

    • Advanced Placement: AP course enrollment continued to increase, reaching 8,775 course enrollments in 2026–27. Staff clarified that this represents course enrollments, not unique students.

    • SAT Prep: District launched an online SAT preparation program for seniors using Progress Learning. At the time of the meeting, 177 students were participating in math and 154 in reading/writing.

    • Public Management & Administration pathway: Enrollment increased from 114 students in 2024–25 to 317 in 2026–27. The pathway combines CTAE coursework with government, national security, economics, and other social studies credits.

    • Dual Enrollment: 802 students are participating in dual enrollment this school year. Augusta University is offering courses directly at each high school, with 184 students enrolled in those on-campus offerings during the current semester.

    • The district said its continuing goals include increasing pathway completion and the percentage of students who earn AP, dual-enrollment, CTAE, or Fine Arts credentials before graduation.

Custodial Supplement. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  • State funded a $1,000 supplement for district custodians and lead custodians, providing $185,000 based on the number of active custodians reported last fall.

  • Including employees not covered by the state allocation and FICA costs, the total cost is estimated at $214,000, requiring approximately $29,000 in district funds.

  • The supplement will be paid in two installments: one in December and one in June.

Building Bid Result. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  • Staff recommended purchasing additional furniture for Evans High School and Harlem High School from Georgia Specialty Equipment.

  • Evans High School: $132,405.80, funded through the 2022–2027 E-SPLOST cycle.

  • Harlem High School: $171,190.87, funded through 2025 bonds.

  • Total: $303,596.67.

  • Staff said the solicitation was sent to more than 15 vendors; Kent asked about vendor participation and ensuring adequate competition.

Data Center Revenue Discussion (transcribed)

Kent: If you don’t mind… [inaudible], maybe give us a little bit of an update on where we stand on data center activity, the expectation of a dollar a week. We’ve seen a financial impact report come through recently, right? It shows potential revenues. If you don’t mind, let’s share more of that. Legislation.

Flynt: So Obviously, the discussion not only with board of commissioners that we’ve heard, but with the board of education has been looking for ways to make sure any additional revenue from that area would be able to be given back to the taxpayers, specifically homesteaded properties. You’ll remember, here today, we’ll remember that at the last meeting we were discussing. Possible options. One of the areas of focus was to be pretty clear that some of the legislation that has already been passed would be very difficult for school districts because of the unique situation that school districts are in. And so, there’s a we went through some of that. But the five mil share that’s a payback to the state as well as equalization kind of clouds that issue. And there’s some very specific laws preventing what we can and can’t do with tax tax funds. So now, as as we look into that, the the school district has narrowed down three basically different avenues that we could take to provide that revenue back to homesteaded properties. After an analysis of those. I think the best that we found through discussion with legal has is one that’s been passed across the state that we’re developing for. We’re going to write a draft for that just for Columbia County. With that, we’re going to work with our local legislative delegation to have them share that with legal counsel, which is kind of a step in the process. We’re going to try to get that done. Excuse me.

Dekle: You said legal counsel. You mean legislative counsel, right?

Flynt:Yeah, legislative counsel. I’m sorry. Thank you. For, for the general assembly. We’re going to try to get ahead of that a little bit and have them go ahead and review that and provide some feedback that we might be able to bring back to y’all if there’s any concerns. We’re also going to work with local tax commissioner, tax assessors to make sure they don’t have any concerns in those areas. Once we’re finished with that, we believe that should take. A month or so. Hopefully, we’ll have a good example or a good draft of that legislation that we’ll meet with our delegation on if they have any questions. So they’ll be able to take that in January to the General Assembly. Now it is, from what we understand, local legislation, and so they’d be able to pass that. But we would have to bring that back for a local referendum of our.

Flynt: Of our constituents in the county, that would happen. Assuming that all this happened, that I just went through, that would happen in in November. Similar to what’s happening right now with the county side. Let me just ask our legal counsel if I’ve missed anything. I know you have have been looking at this closely. I don’t want to misrepresent something. All right, Mr. Casado. I know you’ve been looking closely at all this.

Casado: I think you... Yeah, that’s a good representation.

Teasley: Do we need to have this ready by the pre-legislative counsel meeting on November 12?

Flynt: I think that’s reasonable.The discussion will obviously we have a lot of other discussions with them at that time. Hopefully, this discussion will already be finished by that time.

Allen: The question: You said there were three avenues. What were those three avenues.

Flynt: Let me ask legal just to highlight the other two.

Fletcher: So, so when you’re dealing with type of things. I’d say three is kind of four would be a better way to say it. You know, the way that the county is thinking about pushing it is through the recent House Bill 439, but that is not available. School districts specifically drafted for counties and municipalities, so options available. School districts would look at either a constitutional amendment or a statewide legislation like House Bill 439. Problem that is that almost puts you two years out because that would be a statewide action. So, other than that, you’d be looking at either non-legislative opportunities. So, in the way these have done done in other areas, either with data centers or other large commercial projects, these are called pilot programs or payment taxes, and probably would not really be feasible. Here, especially with the timing of everything, has worked out. So then that kind of leads you with the more local legislation angle that would probably be your your fastest avenue to provide change for taxpayers. But I would kind of look at it. I said three when I when I spoke with Dr. Flynt. But as far as the legislation, that can really be broken down into state and local level. So it’s more like four. If that makes sense.

Allen: Just to clarify. Dr. Flynt, you are actively working on legislation right now,

Flynt: Or what we’re doing is taking current legislation that’s already been passed in the state and modifying it based on what they’ve learned over the last year, and also modifying it for use in Columbia County. After we do that, we’ll ask legislative counsel to review and then provide feedback for y’all once we hear some something back from our local delegation.

Allen: What legislation is that?

Fletcher: I mean, kind of a combination. I think it’s it’s fed. I don’t know the number. Yeah, fifteen and eighty - two. And I’ve also looked at some legislation that’s been used in other states that also kind of gives some good different options and ways we could could look at it.

Flynt: And we’re reaching out to them to see what worked and what didn’t work. There’s some areas that they found some challenges with, so we’re going to try to, you know, learn from anything that they’ve learned from.

Allen: In our meeting a couple weeks ago, we talked about how there were challenges, including possibly, probably, the need for constitutional amendment for any legislation to actually be applied. And when did you know? We also talked about it being currently. A legal challenge as far as whether the data centers are going to remain. Moving forward based on the outcome of the legal challenge. So, when did the board decide that we were going to move forward with this piece of legislation?

Flynt: I don’t. I don’t think that’s been decided. We’re we’re just currently right now working on options for you, and that’s the best option that we found. We’ll be bringing it back to you.

Allen: It sounds like it was being worked on and going to be brought back to us completed. Is this the avenue that we’re officially going as a board?

Teasley: No, I mean we would. I, I, to me, you know, this is just my opinion. Local legislation would be the best step, but it would require a constitutional amendment, and it would be written specifically for our needs. So we’ll would would draft something, and then our local legislators would take it to Atlanta, and Council there would draft something. But we could still have input until they draw.

Dekle: I would anticipate a resolution at some point in the future. Also, and at that point, that’s when we would, as a board,

Allen: Vote to move forward. So it seems that a decision was made to put resources towards doing this legislation. When, here, I mean, really, if we receive funds and use funds and distribute funds, and then the legal challenge ends up holding water. Do we not have to give those funds back to the data centers?

Flynt: What? Yeah, legislation. We’re saying. I mean, obviously, I guess they could they could make lawsuits against the legislation, but yeah, I think once we get through the process of trying to narrow this down to what will work for this school district, then we’re going to bring it back to the board so you can have more questions and and we can let some of these work.

Kent: I mean, we we put something out there, we can let it pass. The legal system does their job too, and then we do our due diligence, and we we see how this unfolds, and it’s certainly uncharted territory. So certainly, people will probably see what is uncharted territory, but we’re doing it to help out the taxpayer, which I hope that is the intention of everybody on the panel here. Then I think that really helps our cause. I’d like to ask, if you don’t mind, I don’t think we leave any stone unturned. I feel like this is great, by the way, that we’re doing that pathway. We’re looking at specific bills that have been passed. We talk about the fast path. Fast path sounds a little negative to me because I usually fast paths aren’t always the best path. But fast path could be a nice pathway for us. But passing like a constitutional amendment couldn’t that also be done at the same time? Even though that might take more time, could we potentially have multiple avenues to?

Teasley: The fast path in this case is legislation that’s already been passed.

Kent: But it’s also an easier path. I’m just saying, I’d like for us to look at multiple pathways, including yeah, we’re looking. We want to make sure we’re not playing the conservationists’ side. We’re turning over every stone here because at some point, it might be the conservationists’ good path. It could be a better option.

Dekle: Let me let me ask Mr. Fletcher just one question that might kind of inform us a little better: the path. It can only be presented to the voters in certain years. Is that right?

Fletcher: I think that’s correct. I don’t know that off the top of my head, but that is, you know, a constitutional amendment also requires statewide vote. Right.

Kent: [Inaudible] Have we hired any consultants, or are we looking to hire any consultants in the very near future to help us with this process?

Flynt: We haven’t gotten to that point. I mean, basically, we’ve been. All the local and external legislation that may be similar to this in-house, we’re just kind of drafting some of those changes based on discussions with those other districts that have done it. I do think there’s some level of discussion of that as we move forward. Right now, I think we’re just looking for some of the best options because if if we’re just talking about what’s already been passed in the county.

Flynt: Won’t really work for the school district, and so with that last discussion, we thought, okay, it’s probably best for us to look at these other routes. And I think we’re, you know, still early on.

Kent: So help that funding. I say that because I want to make sure we’re using the resources. These are big dollars here. So if not having consultants is preventing us from moving forward fast enough, I just want to please bring that to us if that is a need.

Flynt: Oh, absolutely, and we’re we’re looking at the and talking with the people who drafted the legislation in the other counties as well, and a lot of those are that that level of consultants. But we have not hired anybody to do this yet.

Allen: And just to jump in here, one, it seems that this legislation circumvents a constitutional amendment, which to me is a red flag that it’s probably going to be challenged. Two, these data centers are brought in under questionable circumstances and questionable processes. They’re being legally challenged, and I question the wisdom of spending money brought in from them before that legal challenge is resolved. And three, this it just seems that we are focusing on how quickly we can return money back to citizens prior to an election to keep a promise that was made before a way to that promise was ever created or determined. And I have going back always to processes. To me, in our haste to keep a promise about these data centers before an election of giving money back, we are now seemingly willing to do legislation that circumvents a constitutional amendment because it takes too much time. We don’t want to wait on the legislative outcome because it takes too much time. We are willing to give money back to people that might have to be returned back to the data center pending the legal outcome because we want to hurry up and get it done. It seems that when we make these kinds of decisions in haste. That we end up digging ourselves a legal hole, and I don’t think it’s wise. I think that money, if it comes to us, needs to be reserved and set aside until the legal challenge is resolved. If it takes a year, it takes a year. If it takes two or three or five, I don’t think we should be spending money hastily and jumping through all these hoops, hiring consultants, working on legislation, circumventing constitutional amendments. Those processes are there for a reason, and I think we need to honor those reasons and put the process of doing it. Correctly and accurately and legally sound, above the haste of giving back data center money tied to an election for political purposes.

Teasley: I’m not sure which election you have in mind, but I don’t think any of this is being done with an election in mind. Nor can it be done by any candidate. I don’t know which election that would be.

Allen: So we’re not trying to have this back to people by November.

Teasley: Absolutely not. That’s not the case. It won’t be done.

Flynt: Our, This would have to go to the general assembly. Start it starts in January, so I mean, it’s not even going to get passed until next calendar year.

Allen: So then, I guess I would ask why the haste?

Flynt: I don’t see any haste. We’ve just been considering legislation that will work for this purpose. We’ve had a discussion at the last meeting, and we’ve brought back some examples. I’m not. I don’t feel haste.

Teasley: You know, at some point, you have to start, and that’s what we’re talking about. Now is a start. Is to look and see what’s available. Start the conversation between us and the local delegations, and what means we would use to do this, and what would best benefit our citizens. The General Assembly meets beginning in January. It meets for forty days. It may or may not get passed this January, and until they meet and pass this, nothing happens, and nobody’s ever.

Allen: If we were, what is the status of the legal challenge to the data centers? I know I asked that question a couple weeks ago. I don’t. Is it anywhere near being resolved?

Fletcher: I, I have no idea. I haven’t looked at it.

Allen: So I would say before we put time and effort into a legislative effort, why maybe we should look at the status of that to see.

Kent: We’re not going. I don’t think we’re going to let the court system stagnate. With ideas on how to utilize the dollars, the dollars are pretty clear based on the report that came out. So I’m not—we should never let the court system step in front of us. They have their responsibility; they’re going to challenge it. Everybody knows this. This challenge we’re talking about, there will be more. I guarantee you. But I don’t think that’s going to should stop us from trying to bring money back to taxpayers. We didn’t decide; we didn’t vote on the data centers, but yet we’re tasked with the responsibility of handling the dollars that are going to be coming to us. And we need to have pathways, and that’s what we’re here to decide. We’re not here to decide, you know, anything, you know, really other than that. So we will face more challenges. There’s no doubt about that. But we don’t. That should not stop us. I want to say one other thing too.

Teasley: The dollars that we’re talking about returning taxpayers may or may not be from data centers. I mean, this could be another development in Columbia County that we’re turning money to the taxpayers. So it could be from death centers. It may be from another form of business. So.

Fletcher: And The goal of any legislation would be to provide y’all discretion and ability, you know, to make a decision each year. It wouldn’t be a finalized. I mean, the idea of this would be to find a system that would allow you to adjust based on the tax revenue that comes in for one year and how it affects next. I think that’s how it feasibly works, which really is not that different how you. Now, it’s just to give you a little additional freedom to those exemptions.

Teasley: Yeah. Another thing I may consider is the sooner we get local legislation, hopefully, the more likely it is it will still be a local issue and not state.

Allen: I think the courts are there to protect our rights. We shouldn’t look at them as a drag to doing what we want. They’re there to protect our rights, and if that takes time, that’s wisdom. Right there is how I look at it. Also, if we’re going to, legislation, I think we need to do the constitutional amendment route because that was the one. It was the route that specifically deals with this, from my understanding, from our meeting two weeks ago. And again, it’s a slow, definite process. We’re talking about doing something that, to my understanding, the state has not done before. And I do want to return money back to citizens. We all are on the same page with that. But the more we hastily bypass slow processes to meet our objectives, there’s. There’s risk to that. These processes are in place for reason. Constitutional amendment processes are in place for reason. I think there’s wisdom since we’re on no timeline now. Thank you for that information, Judy. We’re not trying to get this done. It’s not going to be done anytime soon. So to do a very new HB 1582 legislation and try something new when there is a path, albeit a maybe slower, more thoughtful process with constitutional amendment, I think that would be the best way to go. And then in the meantime, it gives. The legal challenge time to be resolved, so we’re not in a situation where we hastily return money to citizens, only to figure out how to give it back because the data centers are not moving forward, and thus have every right to claim those initial funds back.

Kent: Using the court system as the sole guiding light, I do not advise that. There are multiple processes that take place in our government. The court system is only one, so that cannot be our only path, our guiding path. I’d like if we could, because we haven’t really done this, and I really do think it’s important, and I bring it to the. Here that if we can produce a resolution of sorts of our intent regarding expected data center revenue and property tax relief, so that we can go on the record publicly to let people know what we intend to do with these dollars that are now that we’re going to come to us, we can make a motion that we produce such a resolution. Perhaps the next meeting to that really goes into everything we discussed. It talks about what Mr. Fletcher mentioned and. And Dr. Flynt mentioned that we have gone. We’ve gone through the process of investigating other possibilities and mirroring other bills, and we have potential pathways to be in that resolution to include. Again, our intent to give it back to taxpayers. I hope that we all agree on that. I think we need to say it in the resolution. And it covers everything. Again, those main topics, but everything else that we discussed. And again, I put that motion to the.

Allen: Are you motioning to do that tonight?

Kent: I’m motioning that we put the document together that includes those items, or perhaps be presented at the next meeting. I’m happy tonight if someone has that resolution produced, but if we don’t, I’d like for us to put one together, and that would be fine.

Allen: I will personally go on the record saying I support a resolution that broadly states that if and when money comes from external sources, including a data center, that we will intend to give it back to the. People as taxpayers, so that’s the resolution that you’re saying as a conceptual resolution.

Dekle: That would be the core of it. That would be the core of it. I wouldn’t. I would say that versus spending it, draft legislation and written and done in the way that it needs to be done, and you know, the resolution simply be that. Request that our local delegation present this local legislation, which will empower us to give homestead property tax relief with future revenues in accordance with the proposed legislation. And that that would that would say it all. That would say it would say exactly what we want to do, and it would be the language and how we want to do it. And it will express our intent. So.

Allen: Just to add to that, I did not have this document yesterday when I prepared for the meeting. So, for us to make a decision as a board at this time to say we want to move forward with this idea, I don’t think that’s. I think that’s hasty.

Kent: It’s still aspirationally speaking. We’re talking about if this were to come to fruition, which it looks very clear that it is going to. That this is what we would do with those dollars. That is what I propose in the resolution. Right.

Allen: I’m saying that we’re putting district time and energy towards working on this. Is this work going to pause? So is the work on 1582 going to pause for the next two weeks? Because I’m mindful.

Teasley: We need to be prepared. And if you stop doing the work that needs to be done because of the possibility of you know a legal challenge, then you would never get anywhere.

Allen: I’m asking for two weeks to have time to review this document before making a decision. I think, as a board, we should make a formal motion that we want our district employees, who are very busy, we’re constantly, you know, time, money that they’re investing into doing this. The lawyers that we’re paying as we consult with them. There’s a lot that goes into not only drafting legislation but beginning to work it through the system. As a board, I think we should make a formal motion directing that work before the labor goes. Goes on and happens as it already seems to have started, and I’m asking for two weeks so that I can have time to review this document and us have a discussion about if this is the path we want to pursue. Because there are, as Mr. Fletcher said, at least four technical pathways, none of which I feel that I’ve been fully briefed on.

Kent: That does not pertain to the resolution, in my opinion. No, we’re talking about the resolution. I’d like to ask: Do I have a second?

Dekle: I don’t want to vote to do a resolution, I haven’t... That’s not...

Kent: I’m saying to put together a resolution. I’m not voting on any resolution. Let’s vote. The motion is to put together a resolution. Yeah,

Dekle: Let’s work on one for the. I second that. But we don’t have to have a motion. Let’s work on one for the next meeting. I might have a motion that we are going to do that.

Allen: I second a motion to draft a resolution that conceptually brings any revenue to include data centers back to the citizens, back to the taxpayers. Now we have that presented to us at the next meeting for a vote. Was it a separate motion, or are you seconding his motion? I’m restating his motion as I understand it. Is that your motion as you presented?

Dekle: All right. So, if I understand correctly, the motion is to prepare a resolution with our intent as to what we want to do with revenue from basin.

Allen: Intends not not to be used as a specific pathway, just for clarity, as a broad intent of what we essentially that we’re not going to use it to pay off bonds early or go build another building. Is that you’re going with that, Mr. Ken? Okay, I would.

Dekle: All right. So, any further discussion?

Baker: We’re only voting on bringing the idea of the resolution.

Flynt: To next two weeks. We’ll draft one, and maybe I’ll share. We all can give give us feedback, and we’ll go back. We’ll try to bring it back for the next meeting. That’s all I would say. We’re still going to be working on that. We really don’t think that we will.

Teasley: Yeah,

Allen: I mean,

Dekle: And is the legislation ready?

Allen: No, okay. Because I’m going to be making a separate motion after this to delay all work on this legislation that needs to be separate from what Mr. Kent is trying to do.

Dekle: Okay. Well, let’s let’s vote on Mr. Kent’s motion on.

Allen: So now I make a motion to to halt all district efforts on House Bill 1582 legislative efforts until we’ve been briefed as a board of the meeting for all our options.

Flynt: There’s no actual House Bill 1582...

Allen: Well, what would be the proper names to classify the work the district is doing towards proposed legislation?

Teasley: Proposed legislation.

Flynt: Proposed legislation.

Allen: Okay, so I make a motion that the district pause all work towards proposed legislation until the board has been briefed at a meeting, all of our options, and make a formal decision as a board how we want to pursue the mechanics of returning money back to citizens. I know that’s a lot. Do I need to reset?

[No Second on the motion]

Dekle: So that.

Allen: Means that the work towards this new legislative process is going to continue by the district moving forward

Dekle: Yes. Okay. Any further discussion? Okay. I’ll turn it back over to Superintendent.

Superintendent Reports

Dates:

  • 10/1 Columbia County Teacher of the Year Celebration

  • 10/6 End of First Nine Weeks

  • 10/9 Student Fall Break/District Professional Learning Day

  • 10/12 Columbus Day

  • 10/14 Report Cards

  • 11/10 Progress Reports

  • 11/11 Veterans Day Holiday

  • 11/16-11/20 American Education Week

  • 11/23-11/27 Thanksgiving Holiday

  • 12/18 Early Dismissal

  • 12/21 - 1/4: Winter Break

  • 1/5 Professional Learning Day

  • 1/6 First Day of Second Semester

  • 1/8 Report Cards

Executive Session

  • 7:56 pm: Board votes to go into executive session Yay 5, No 0

  • 8:58pm: Executed Affidavit Yay 5, No 0

  • Personnel Sheet: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 8:58pm

Next Meeting: Regular Session 10/13/2026

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 09.15.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-09152026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-09152026-meeting-notesWed, 16 Sep 2026 01:10:47 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order 6:00pm

Approval of 9/1/2026 Meeting Minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Presentation and Approval of Agenda:

  • Scott Johnson said he received a request from Commissioner Carraway to put a reconsideration of the September 1 motion concerning variance VA-26-0807 on the agenda. It was added as Item I-3.

Special Recognition, Presentation, and/or Declaration

  1. Declaration Yay 5, No 0

Proclamation recognizing September 2026 as National Recovery Month

Consent Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Management and Internal Services Committee Commissioner Couch

    1. (H1a) Rental Agreement with the State Properties Commission for the Department of Revenue

    2. (H1b) FY27 Service Agreement with CSRA Alliance for Fort Gordon

    3. (H1c) Accepting the HMGP4830-0033-Columbia County Weather Radio Award from the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program

    4. (H1d) Position Reclassification in the Clerk of Court

    5. (H1e) 2026 ACCG – Group Self-Insurance Workers’ Compensation Fund Employee Safety Grant Award

    6. (H1f) Authorize Annual Maintenance Payment for ROK Technologies Services

    7. (H1g) Annual Support and License Agreement with Tyler Technologies for Enterprise Assessment & Tax Software 2026-2027

    8. (H1h) Software as a Service Agreement with Tyler Technologies for the Enterprise Assessment and Tax Implementation

    9. (H1i) Cisco Enterprise Agreement Payment Authorization 2026-2027

    10. (H1j) County Camp Tower Attachment Site License Agreement with SouthernLINC

    11. (H1k) Halali Farm Road Tower Attachment Site License Agreement with SouthernLINC

    12. (H1l) Dell VMware / VXRAIL and Evidence Equipment Lifecycle Purchase from DELL

    13. (H1m) Annual Renewal for Trimble Unity Maintain Software

  2. Development and Planning Services Committee

    1. (H2a) Resolution Number 26-23 Concerning the Corrective Quitclaim Deed, Reservation of Easement and Modification of Restriction for the Improvements on John Deere Parkway and the Corrective Quitclaim Deed

    2. (H2b) Bid# 2026029-BID3313 and Contract# 2026-3701 with JHC Corporation for the Boardwalk Replacement at Reed Creek Interpretive Center

    3. (H2c) Bid# 2026028-BID3313 and Contract# 2026-3702 with THMD Enterprises DBA HD Construction for the Reed Creek Bank Stabilization (Boardwalk) at Savannah Rapids Park

    4. H2d) Alcoholic Beverage License Biscuit Belly LLC KY dba Biscuit Belly

    5. (H2e) Easement Encroachment Agreement 872 Rollo Domino Circle, Tax Map 067 Parcel 1426

    6. (H2f) Easement Encroachment Agreement 572 Country Place Lane, Tax Map 072G Parcel 035.

    7. (H2g) Easement Encroachment Agreement 681 Whitney Shoals Road, Tax Map 060 Parcel 2103.

    8. (H2h) Easement Encroachment Agreement 533 Meldon Road, Tax Map 078 Parcel 723.

    9. (H2i) Easement Encroachment Agreement 535 Meldon Road, Tax Map 078 Parcel 722.

Debate Agenda

  1. Unfinished Business

  2. New Business

    1. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I2b1) RZ26-09-01, Conditional Use for Therapeutic Massage, 501 Blackburn Drive, Tax Map 082 Parcel 079H, 0.51 +/- acres, and currently zoned P-1 (Professional). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: P-1 Zoned Property. Conditional use for therapeutic massage. One tenant is a medical spa, and they want to add massage. Current massage therapist relocating.

        Duncan: Do they have their licenses?

        Schlachter: Yes, State and local.

      2. (I2b2) RZ26-09-02, Rezoning from R-A (Residential Agricultural) to S-1 (Special), off Old Appling Harlem Highway, Tax Map 030 Parcel 003, 49.28 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-A (Residential Agricultural). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Rezoning for proposed wedding and event venue.

        Tommy Stevenson: (owner) Several residents behind property raised concerns during the Planning Commission meeting. He believes they addressed most of those concerns and have worked to make sure neighboring residents understand what is planned for the property. Intends to build a “state-of-the-art facility.”

      3. (I2b3) VA26-09-01, Variance to Section 90-147(g)(10)(b)(2)(v) Use Provisions, 5549 Columbia Road, Tax Map 050 Parcel 002K, 2.65 +/- acres, and currently zoned C-C (Community Commercial). Postpone to 11/3/2026: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Request is for 24-hour operation of a Circle K. Several concerns raised by the public during the public hearing. Applicant working to address those concerns and requested additional time to develop a different plan before returning to the Board.

  3. Item Added at the Meeting

    1. Tax Map 078F, Parcel 063: Reconsideration of September 1 denial of variance. Reconsider: Yay 4, No 1 (Melear). Approve Revised Variance: Yay 4, No 1 (Melear)

      Jonathan Perez: (applicant) Previous variance request was denied. After denial, went to county staff and asked what he could do to address the concerns. Staff recommended submitting a request for reconsideration. Reduced proposed building from 55’ x 25’ to 49’ x 25’, allowing it to meet the required side setback. Still requesting reduction of rear setback to approximately five feet. Moving the building farther from the rear property line would reduce usable yard space for his daughters. Building is primarily for personal household storage, including tools, generator, lawn equipment, seasonal decorations and children’s toys. Open portion would be used to store his trailer. Not intended for commercial use. Said only one neighbor spoke in opposition at the Planning Commission hearing and he submitted letters from neighbors supporting the request. Acknowledged beginning the project without confirming county requirements and took responsibility for the mistake.

      Schlachter: Construction began without permits. Code Enforcement visited 6/3/2026 and issued a stop-work order. Perez subsequently applied for a building permit but could not receive one because the building was within required setbacks. If the variance is approved, Perez will still have to complete the permitting process and pay a $500 fee for beginning construction without a permit.

      Duncan: Board must first approve a motion to reconsider the September 1 decision. If reconsideration passes, the Board can vote again on the variance.

      Melear: Asked whether reducing the building to 49' x 25' means it is now completely outside the setbacks.

      Schlachter: R-3 zoning requires 10-foot side and rear setbacks. Original request sought to reduce the side setback from 10 feet to four feet, and the side setback also contains a 24-inch concrete pipe requiring an easement encroachment agreement. Revised plan eliminates the need for the side setback variance. Applicant is now requesting only a five-foot rear setback and an easement encroachment agreement for the rear easement. No utility is currently located in the rear easement.

      Melear: Asked size of the lot

      Perez: Approximately 0.27 acres.

      Melear: A house plus a 49’ x 25’ accessory building is a lot of structure on approximately a quarter-acre lot.

      Perez: (Showed commissioners additional letters from neighbors and a picture of the structure.) Reducing size brings it into compliance with the side setbacks and he is now requesting consideration only for the rear setback.

Public Comment:

  • Howard Johnson Has concerns about automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras. Said he has been protesting by holding a sign that blocks one camera’s view and has received overwhelmingly positive public response. Argued residents did not consent to being tracked by the cameras and said he will continue protesting and encouraging others to speak to the Board.

  • Karin Parham: Raised concerns about the Library Board of Trustees’ lack of documented training and financial oversight. Said no public record shows the Board adopted an FY2027 operating budget or has received required monthly financial reports. Also said matured CDs were moved to cash without public discussion or a Board vote. Asked the Commission to ensure trustees receive training and resume publicly overseeing budgets, financial reports and investment decisions.

  • Raised concerns about the proposed data center MOU and tax abatements, noting the MOU he obtained is unsigned. Questioned whether the county is giving up too much future property-tax revenue and asked for a comparison with normal taxation. Said he is not against data centers, investment or tax relief, but wants the best deal for county residents and questioned what happens if additional proposed tax-relief measures do not ultimately take effect.

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOE 09.08.2026 Regular Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-09082026-regular-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-09082026-regular-meeting-notesWed, 09 Sep 2026 04:36:55 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 5:30 pm

Invocation: Martinez Baptist Church Minister of Outreach Reverend Perry Key

Pledge of Allegiance: Evans HS JROTC

Approval of Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognitions

  1. Columbia County School District Teacher of the Yer Finalists for 2027

    1. Ashley Farmer, Brookwood ES

    2. Anna Connolly, Blue Ridge ES

    3. Heather Cottingham, Grovetown ES

    4. Taylor Norwood, Stallings Island MS

    5. Brittany Hayes, Grovetown HS

Board Comments: Congratulated the 5 Teacher of the Year finalists and praised their dedication to students. Philip Kent highlighted the district’s high teaching standards and praised the Evans High JROTC color guard, while Kristi Baker reflected on the Teacher of the Year tradition and praised the recently completed Lakeside HS renovation. Katie Allen emphasized the patience required of educators and thanked finalists for their commitment to students and families. Chairman Dekle called the finalists “cream of the crop”, congratulated them, and also recognized Lakeside staff for school’s recent ribbon cutting.

Approval of Consent Items: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Minutes of 8/25/2026, Work Session Meeting

  2. Fundraisers

  3. Employee Travel

  4. Program/Camp/Employee Participation Requests

  5. Lease/Use of Facilities

Board Policy EBB, Safety: Yay 5, No 0

Flynt: Policy revised following board input, but overall content had not changed substantially. Policy includes what is required by state law. Minor adjustment made this morning.

Parent Square Update

VanMeter: Transition from Remind to ParentSquare. Reason for switch - ParentSquare bought out Remind. Centralized communication platform for classroom, school, district, transportation and emergency messages. Parents can choose whether to receive routine notifications instantly or in daily digest. Can receive through app, text, email or web portal. Emergency notification override settings.

Toni Clyde (Greenbrier MS Principal: Piloteed last spring and described transition as largely seamless. Staff can easily post files, videos and updates, set office hours, and monitor communications in one place.

Penny Jackson (Transportation): 14,000 users joined transportation groups. Used for bus changes, delays and links to bus tracking. Families don’t have to download the app, but users must be associated with district and communications restricted by school/location.

Judy Teasley: Asked who can access the system, including whether grandparents or others could sign up.

Staff explained that access is tied to district associations and specific groups or locations.

Lakeside HS International Baccalaureate 5-Year Evaluation Agreement: Yay 5, No 0

Flynt: 5-Year evaluation to ensure continued compliance with IB standards and practices. $13,000 annual participation fee and authorize superintendent and board chair to sign a statement affirming the district’s commitment to IB requirements.

Allen: Asked whether IB program is connected to the United Nations, global governance or UN Sustainable Development Goals, noting concerns she had when researching the program several years ago.

Dr. Campbell: Not aware of that connection but acknowledged he hadn’t specifically researched it before.

Teasley: Looked it up on Google during the meeting and reported that her search indicated IB is not part of the United Nations.

Allen: Can support the agreement but raised the issue for further consideration.

Building Program Bid Result - Lakeside HS Roof. Yay 5, No 0

Flynt: District received 14 bids for replacement of the older portions of LHS roof. SRS Inc. submitted the low bid of $1.942 million, which is recommended.

Allen: Questiond why roof was not completed as part of recently finished Lakeside renovation. Project’s earlier GMP included approximately $2.326 million for roofing and asked wether that work had been completed.

Flynt: Earlier roofing work covered the new additions and other portions included in the renovation, while existing older roof was left in place because it had useful life. District got 3 more years from that roof.

Allen: Questioned whether competing the roof during the larger project ight have produced savings through economies of scale.

Dekle and Flynt: Putting additional work through CMAR would have added contractor fees and general conditions.

Kent: Discussion provided insight into the expense of the CMAR process.

Allen: Asked the district to review its process for future projects, and Flynt agreed that the current board would be involved in those discussions.

Board Discussion on Possible Property Tax Revenue from Data Centers

(I tried to get an exact transcript of this but it might not be exact because not everyone spoke in a microphone, and there was some overlap in speech)

Flynt: …the county has approved the data centers, there are estimates available for increased revenue coming from those data centers in future years. Some of the discussion around here has been how’s the best way to make sure that we credit back the taxpayers. Specifically, one of those is homeowners and the homeowner’s tax bill. So we did want to just kind of talk through this a little bit, but give the board a chance to also talk about it. One of the reasons that the county and the school district are a little bit separate on this is because of the way the state funds school districts. The county is very different. So what the county may be able to do—and from what I understand, they’re not able to do it yet, but are going to be working with the delegation to try to have something as far as a law and maybe a constitutional amendment that would be able to approve that within a year or so.

We are doing the same thing. We’re getting expert advice from people who work with school-level funding across the state of Georgia, and making recommendations on possible options that we may be able to bring to the Board of Education.

A couple of things we just wanted to mention, and Mr. Casado obviously can have even more information on this if you have questions. But equalization is tied to a minimum millage rate, and that minimum currently is at 10 mills. If you go below that, then you’re at risk where you would lose access to any equalization dollars. Currently, our equalization is $28 million.

The local fair share is also a piece that we just need to make sure that we discuss because every school district in the state of Georgia, to receive QBE dollars, has to provide the equivalent of a five-mill share back to the state, and obviously there are some things that go into that calculation and some things that are kept out.

And so those two are probably the largest areas that are different from county governments, and something that we’ll have to—not to say that we can’t do it—but just something that’s going to be extremely different for school districts. And so we’ll be learning and working with a number of folks on that, and be bringing that back to y’all.

Mr. Casado, what did I miss on that as far as just a start to this? Okay. So with that said, I thought we would open it up to the board to ask questions or to have a discussion on this area.

Dekle: Well, I think I’d like to understand equalization a little bit better. I didn’t necessarily understand that you lose it when you reach your 10-mill minimum, but equalization, as I understand it, is you have the tax digest of all the counties, and somehow they figure out the richer counties and the poorer counties, and as our tax digest increases based on the value of [inaudible], then we could lose our equalization possibly anyway. So there’s—that’s kind of—I don’t know how you can avoid that.

Flynt: But it’s something that can—it is a good point, and there is no real good way for us to anticipate where our equalization is going to fall. They do take all of the digests across the whole state for that year. We can’t necessarily estimate what everybody else is going to do, kind of like they wouldn’t be able to estimate ours.

But the bottom 50% are the school districts, out of the 180 across the state, that are eligible to receive equalization. So theoretically, as our tax digest goes up, if everybody else remains about the same, then we would slowly move towards that 50%, and eventually be where we wouldn’t receive any if it kept going in that direction.

Teasley: Is there any distinction between commercial and residential in the tax base?

Dr. Flynt: No, and that’s one of the challenges. As you know, the last couple of years there’s been a number of debates because of exemptions, and just recently they have taken out exemptions, which help because we have some large exemptions that are local, and so that has helped us not pay quite as much of that total for the five-mill share as we would have if the exemptions were included. And obviously, the largest is the 70 and above.

Kent: Mr. Fletcher, in your conversations at the state level, what do you see are possible pathways? Not putting you in a box, but it’s uncharted territory for sure. First school system. What do you see are some possible paths as far as utilizing these dollars without potentially impacting equalization in the short term? Maybe, you know, do we get to—is it my understanding that once we get to the 10 mill, do I hear that right? That we start losing favor in equalization? Like we get to that point. It’s not approaching that point?

Flynt: Right, and it used to be—it was just a couple of years ago—that number was at 14 mills, and the state, a number of school districts, were able to go lower because of the tax digest increases. And of course, we’ve been doing—we’ve been reducing our millage. We’re just under 15 now, right? [unclear] Yeah, we’re about five to go. So we have a little ways to go before we get to that point. Yeah, that’s right. But you can’t—you don’t want to go below 10, or I guess if you’ve already—if you lose it all, then it would be okay.

Kent: But do you see any green pathways? Might put you on the spot, Mr. Fletcher.

Fletcher: Well, we are looking at them. You know, y’all know Kent Pollock, you know, with Public [unclear], who does the finances for us. They have—you know, they represent several school districts. Interestingly, we’re the first one to pose this question, so they’re in the earliest stages.

You know, I think you’re obviously going to have to look at some legislation that’s going to be broad. It’s kind of a state level, like this was. It’s going to involve constitutional amendments because not only do you have the issue with the state funding formulas, because the equalization, local tax share, whatnot, House Bill 33, which is kind of hot, but you know, you’ve got unique laws that say that school funds can only be used for educational purposes.

I hate to generalize, but getting a rebate or credit—is that qualifies the educational purpose? So there are a lot of things there.

Kent: Should we get, you know, let’s say we got $10, $15 million or something out of this in a shorter term, and it’s not something we’re waiting three, four, five, seven years for—is this something where we could even accept the dollars and put it into our account and let it sit there until we can figure out a solution for it? Or is there even a possibility we can’t accept it?

Fletcher: I think it’s a possibility that you cannot accept it. I mean, we discussed that too. Obviously, you know, the kind of private revenue bonding—bonds that have been done—you know, without us being like we did with our splost bond financing. You know, it’s kind of what counties do and getting revenue coming in. But you know, it’s just another layer.

Teasley: The money that the county gets, $40 million, that we hear about—they’re fond of saying that we collect most of the property tax. Do we get, what, two-thirds of it? Two-thirds. Do we not get two-thirds of $40 million?

Fletcher: Not if we’re part of that legislation that allows us to get it, or our own legislation that we have to do. I think part of what we’re talking about, if we do something like that, how can we get it through? (unsure after this….)

Allen: Can you clarify when you say we need to pass legislation and we need to get a constitutional amendment? Those are two separate processes, are they not?

Teasley: Yes, we get one, we get the other.

Fletcher: Constitutional amendment, something has to be done on the state basis of referendum, whereas passing legislation, whether it’s local legislation—

Allen: So the constitutional amendment—please correct me if I’m wrong—the constitutional amendment has to be done in order to create a mechanism for this money to be given back to citizens in general. Correct? That’s how it was explained to me.

Fletcher: I think that’s an argument. I think that’s correct.

Allen: Okay, and that would require a two-thirds majority vote in state Congress and a ballot initiative from the people. So when we say legislation, theoretically legislation could happen, and if that constitutional amendment process is not successful, that legislation would be ineffective. Is that correct? Okay.

Again, because I hear legislation, constitutional, I’m just trying to bridge my understanding. So I guess if I’m to walk away with a—don’t hold me to this—understanding of this unique situation.

Okay. Well, and kudos to the board for having this discussion. I think this is just wonderful that we’re speaking so openly about this.

So, in my understanding, there is not currently a path for data center revenue to be returned to citizens at this moment. Okay. And then, and I’m just checking my knowledge here, it would require a constitutional amendment, two-thirds majority vote in state Congress plus the ballot question that the people have to approve, and once the Constitution is amended to even allow revenue to be returned to the citizens, then legislation would be put in place for the county and the school districts to then create a mechanism to return it to citizens.

Is that a correct understanding? As best as we—okay, correct. I’m not holding anybody to this.

Flynt: I think you stated it very well. Okay, except for the—we may want to clarify also that there is a way to lower the millage for all taxpayers. So when you’re saying citizens, we do that every year when we pass the millage and have lowered that every year. So you could feasibly go down. It just wouldn’t go to one group. It would go to the entire tax digest.

However, the money that we’re talking about that’s a little separate, which is like a bond premium, is not tax revenue. So let’s make sure we’re all talking about the same thing.

Dekle: The issue with the constitutional amendment is having like two different levels of taxation for homestead properties versus everyone else. Should be taxed equally. Whether there’s a provision for small amount exemptions for homestead, but it’s very limited. And so that—I mean, like you said, the money can be returned to all taxpayers, I think, by lowering the millage rate. But we can’t create two classes of taxation.

Dr. Flynt: And like you said, you could—you know, we went back and increased that amount of the homestead exemption, which you could feasibly do, but that would be assuming that the taxes remain constant over a long, long period of time, which—I mean, maybe a hundred years or whatever we’re talking about here.

So there’d be a concern if you went too high on an exemption that you wouldn’t—you wouldn’t be able to—you wouldn’t be able to afford that if something were to happen.

Teasley: Are we at risk of not being funded? Is that any of this? There’s not changes?

Flynt: No, I think the only discussion is—and it’s from just some estimates people have been talking about—I do think that it’s going to be a number of years before the tax digest moves into that zone.

But at the same time, that’s why they were able to get a premium up front, some money from Google to offset that a little bit, but our issue is there’s really no mechanism for the county to give us a portion of that money.

Teasley: Conceivably, it’s going to happen. The short term looks like is that the four commissioners, if this constitutional amendment—post constitutional amendment on the ballot November third—passes, they can return money to homestead or people with homestead exemption, right?

Flynt: I think I’ll leave that to somebody else to answer. But I mean, I would assume that is—that’s my understanding.

Casado: So, I think the issue we’re all kind of talking around is how does a school district, just like the county, target the tax [unclear] just to those properties that have a homestead exemption?

Teasley: We don’t have—we don’t have a way to do that. So, in the short term, the county will be able to do that if the… passes November 3rd.

Flynt: They need to get it. Now they need legislation to get it as a constitution—is the way I understand it.

Dekle: That’s House Bill 439, which just gives them the ability to reimburse a certain amount if they collect more than their budget, I believe, is somehow—

Teasley: Either way, they’re going to be able to give tax homeowners tax relief other than the millage, and that’s going to create a vast opportunity for misunderstanding because they’re not going to understand why we’re not doing it. They already don’t understand the difference in law for us to collect taxes, the different streams of revenue that the Board of Commissioners have that we don’t have, where our funding comes from, where theirs comes from.

Flynt: You did increase the homestead exemption… So, I mean, we’ve been making progress to that end. But yeah, I think we’ve got to figure out how we can—how we can do that. And I, you know, there’s a lot of discussion down in the buildings to have that.

Kent: Well, I’m confident that y’all are going to figure it out. My only criticism is I just wish that we would have had this conversation earlier. I feel like an earlier start might have been helpful in the last session at the State House around the time the county was meeting with the state legislature.

I think we personally missed the boat a little bit on that. I’m glad that we’re having the conversation now. Let’s see where we’re—

Allen: I do have a couple questions on the millage rate. If we lower the millage rate, that applies to data centers as well, right? So if you lower the millage rate, for every bit that you lower, to relieve property tax exemptions, you’re also reducing your data center revenue significantly. That—okay? And then if we lower the millage rate too much, we start getting into an area where we lose QBE. Is that correct as well?

Allen: Equalization, both less dollars from the state, regardless of how we label it.

So, and just to go back to what Ms. Teasley said, I think there’s a little bit of confusion again because now I’m hearing that the county has legislation that they are able to give a cent of revenue back to the people, regardless of the constitutional amendment.

Flynt: I think it’s best to let the county talk about the county and the board, but like let’s talk about what we can do.

Allen: Right. So even if we were to pass legislation, would we still need a constitutional amendment for that legislation to be effective, just like the counties? That’s our understanding. I just want to keep making this drive clear.

But now, this data center in Columbia County—they’re still in litigation due to questions about the process. Is that correct? They’re still in active litigation on the—

Flynt: I think the appellate level. Again, we’re just looking at estimates on possible—

Katie Allen: I’m just concerned if we’re getting revenue from the data centers on the front end, and then it turns out that there was a legal process issue, that these cases are ruled in favor of the plaintiff, then we potentially would be in a situation where the data centers would want that money back.

Flynt: So we’ve got a long way to go to even approve them now, so we don’t have a mechanism. So, I mean, I think we’ve got—that’s a long way before we even start approving an amount to rebate. There could be a lot of discussions before—

Allen: I thought it was coming quickly, but there was a portion of it coming imminently.

Flynt: That’s the—that’s kind of the bond [money] we were talking about over the next couple of years. The county’s getting—we even have to get a mechanism to if they wanted to give us some of that.

Allen: Is that not data center revenue?

Flynt: That’s—well, no, that would be probably termed more—and Larry, you maybe help with this—but more bond premium for the county, which they’d have to give us some of that. So it would not—it would not fall into a tax.

Allen: I guess my point, put in layman’s terms, if these lawsuits are successful, and the data centers have to go through the process from the start, or something happens that they’re not able to continue building in Columbia County, and we’re in a position where we’ve potentially already spent money given to us on the front end—let’s say, over the next six months—that was designed to be given on the front end.

In my mind, the data centers would have every right to reclaim that money and say, “Hey, that money was given under the understanding that we would be building data centers. Litigation happened. We’re not building data centers. You owe us that money back.” Is that a potential possibility?

Kent: I feel like we’re getting, like, deep in the forest. I don’t think there’s any way that the superintendent would be able to answer that question. No disrespect, but my personal opinion is there’s certain things in front of us that we have to figure out before we are concerned about that.

And the court has made decisions that point out certain things on that too. But I think there’s some higher priorities. In my humble opinion, we need to have pathways, options, is what we talk about. Something that’s kind of out of our control, and I don’t believe that the superintendent would answer that question. Not to answer for you—

Allen: But no, I would just counter that. And I hear what you’re saying, but my understanding is money coming soon from data centers, and to me, we’re in years of litigation.

But with money that’s not necessarily going to pay ours, to me, the litigation should be determined when—if the money comes, it can sit in a holding account. And then once the litigation has completed, and we know for sure certain revenue is coming, whether it’s five or seven years, at that point in the process for how the mechanism—because otherwise, what if we spend all this time and money for a data center that ends up not surpassing or surviving litigation?

Kent: Or we give back to taxpayers and try to come back and claw it back from the school system to live life completely wrong, right?

Superintendent Reports

  • CCSD Retirement Reception, 9/16/2026

  • CCSD Foundation Event, 9/17/2026

  • CC Teacher of the Year Celebration, 10/1/2026

  • End of First Nine Weeks, 10/6/2026

  • Student Fall Break/District Professional Learning Day, 10/9/2026

  • Columbus Day Holiday, 10/12/2026

  • Report Cards, 10/14/2026

Public Participation

  • Dr. Ronald Gilchrist: VFW student essay contest and teacher-recognition awards. Participation still low - Only 4 students from Lakeside & Evans have begun entries, with none from other High Schools. Student theme: What a Veteran Taught Me About America.

Executive Session

  • Vote to go into executive session: Yay 5, No 0

  • Vote upon exiting executive session and executing affidavit: Yay 5, No 0

  • Personnel Sheet: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 7:55 pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 09.01.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-09012026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-09012026-meeting-notesWed, 02 Sep 2026 01:14:41 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 6 pm

Approval of 8/18/2026 Meeting and executive session minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Consent Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Community and Emergency Services Committee Commissioner Steed

    1. (H1a) Animal Services Donations

    2. (H1b) Christmas Lighting Services Agreement with Megah, LLC.

  2. Public Works and Engineering Services Committee Commissioner Carraway

    1. (H2a) Purchase from MHC Kenworth a Bucket Truck for Traffic Engineering

    2. (H2b) Purchase from Pearson Peterbilt a 567 Dump Truck for Stormwater

    3. (H2c) Purchase from Alan Jay Fleet Sales Two Chevrolet Tahoes for the Fire Department

    4. (H2d) Change Order Number One with PF Moon and Company for the Clarks Hill WTP Hypochlorite System Improvements project

    5. (H2e) Purchase of a 140HP Influent Pump from Xylem Water Solutions, USA., Inc. for the Little River Plant Pump #6

    6. (H2f) Awarding 2026025-RFP5105 to Denali Water Solutions, LLC for the Water Treatment Residuals Removal and Disposal Project

    7. (H2g) Purchase of a Gas Chromatograph/Mass Spectrophotometer from Fisher Scientific Company

    8. (H2h) AT&T Encroachment Agreement at Parcel 042 156M for the Euchee Creek Harlem Interceptor Project

    9. (H2i) Resolution 26-18 Concerning a Determination to Abandon and Sell a Portion of Morris Callaway Road

    10. (H2j) Resolution 26-19 and Project Delivery Agreement (IGTIA2700551) with GDOT for the Construction of the Hereford Farm Rd Widening Project, PI 0012865

    11. (H2k) Contract #2026-3683 with East Coast Grading, Inc. for Building B & C Parking Lot Repairs/Overlay and Striping

    12. (H2l) Facility Use Agreement with UGA Extension / 4-H for the Trap Shooting Program at the Baker Place Road Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

    13. (H2m) Acceptance of Improvements at Wrights Farm Section 4B Lots 214-284

Debate Agenda

  1. Unfinished Business

    1. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) RZ26-08-02, Rezoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to S-1 (Special), 250 Legion Drive, Tax Map 079 Parcel 122A, 2.5 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). - tabled from August 18, 2026 (Glamping site) Deny: Yay 5, No 0

        Melear: Unfinished business from the previous commission meeting. Commissioners had questions then and gave the applicant time to come back with answers. She asked staff whether they had been able to work with the applicant and get those questions answered.

        Schlachter: Applicant was provided questions, but neither he nor staff received a response.

        Melear: She received a packet from another source and reviewed it that day. She asked the other commissioners whether they have any remaining questions or concerns based on the information they received, and there weren’t.

      2. (I1a2) RZ26-08-04, Rezoning from R-3 (Single Family Residential) to PRD (Planned Residential Development), 325 McCormick Road, Tax Map 077B Parcel 114, 14.1 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-3 (Single Family Residential) -tabled from August 18, 2026. Approve: Yay 3 (Melear, Steed, Duncan) No 2 (Carraway, Couch)

        Schlachter: 107 townhome units, concentrated toward the center of the property. 40-ft buffer around the site, including a fence. Lots approximately 24 ft wide × 90 ft deep. 20-foot front setbacks. Townhomes intended to have two-car garages. Additional off-street parking. Amenities include pickleball, cornhole and walking areas., 25-ft buffer along McCormick Road, with permanent plantings on berms. Gated Community.

        Melear: The proposed development looks nice. Asked what could be built there, without the Commission having another opportunity to approve it.

        Schlachter: R-3 is the smallest residential lot zoning Columbia County has, and the county no longer approves new R-3 zoning, although existing R-3 remains valid. Under the property’s current R-3 zoning, staff estimates the owner could build approximately 46–47 single-family lots without this rezoning. Differences: No required buffer, meaning houses could be built immediately adjacent to existing residential properties. No additional design standards imposed through this PRD. No required amenities. The alternative is about 46–47 homes on the smallest residential lots permitted by county code.

  2. New Business

    1. Management and Internal Services Committee

      1. (I2a1) Intergovernmental Agreement Regarding Economic Development Services and Project Related Infrastructure with the Development Authority Approve Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: The agreement establishes compensation the Development Authority will pay the county for economic-development services and project-related infrastructure. Revenue will cover development costs, freeing up county funds that can be directed to HB 439 homestead tax relief if voters approve the measure in November. County intends to establish the relief fund this year and fully fund it going forward.

    2. Development and Planning Service Committee

      1. (I2b1) VA26-08-07, Variance to Section 90-53 List of lot and structure requirements, 266 Fairfax Street, Tax Map 078F Parcel 063, 0.26 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-3 (Single Family Residential). Disapprove: Yay 4, No 1 (Couch)

        Schlachter: Accessory building already under construction without permits and did not meet required side/rear setbacks. Staff and Planning Commission recommended denial. Applicant subsequently proposed modifying the building to increase the side setback to 9'2". Several neighbors spoke in opposition at Planning Commission.

      2. (I2b2) RZ26-08-06, Conditional Use for Therapeutic Massage, 119 North Belair Road, Tax Map 073C Parcel 092, 0.44 +/- acres, and currently zoned P-1 (Professional). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Request for conditional use to operate therapeutic massage business in existing building, with two licensed massage therapists. Proposed hours 9 a.m.–7 p.m., seven days a week.

      3. (I2b3) RZ26-08-07, Rezoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to P-1 (Professional), 165 South Belair Road, Tax Map 073B Parcel 001, 0.55 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Rezone from R-2 to P-1 for professional office/real-estate-related business at corner of South Belair Road and Oakley Pirkle Road. Existing building predates current road configuration and does not meet current setbacks. Conditions included abandoning the septic system and connecting to county sewer, removing existing sheds, and relocating the driveway farther from the intersection for traffic safety. No neighbors spoke for or against the request.

      4. (I2b4) VA26-08-08, Variance to Sections 90-98 List of lot & structure requirements and 90-139 Buffers & screening, 165 South Belair Road, Tax Map 073B Parcel 001, 0.55 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Companion variance to reduce setbacks (previous) for existing building and allow drainage improvements within residential buffer to prevent stormwater runoff onto neighboring property. Also allows driveway to be relocated farther from the intersection for safety.

      5. (I2b5) RZ26-08-08, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 779 Bishops Circle, Tax Map 065 Parcel 554, 0.30 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development).Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Request to allow an ancillary dwelling on property with a 5-ft rear setback and a max 2,200 sq ft under roof. Current design includes 510 sq. ft. of living space and 472 sq. ft. of storage, with a loft that could increase the usable space. Part of the driveway crosses HOA-owned property, which owner has an agreement to use and maintain.

Public Comments

  • Susan Warren: Responded to Scott Johnson’s recent podcast on data centers. Agreed the early process was too quiet and argued residents should have been informed earlier about the scale and location of planned development. Said citizen involvement ultimately resulted in a stronger data center ordinance. Also criticized rezoning signage and pushed back on Johnson’s comments about political polarization, saying her positions don't fit neatly into a political party.

    • Carraway: County was already developing the data center ordinance when S-1 rezoning occurred and purchaser knew additional regulations were coming. Scott Johnson confirmed the ordinance was being developed throughout that period.

    • Couch: Responded to Warren’s concerns about notice, noting the county met legal advertising requirements (signage and ad with Augusta Chronicle), posted the rezoning on its website, and that she personally posted about the rezoning on her political Facebook page to inform District 4 residents.

    • Duncan: Followed up on Warren’s signage criticism and asked staff about possible changes. Mentioned Lindsey Brantley’s recommendation of changing signs. After discussion of adding hearing dates to rezoning signs, Duncan asked staff to bring options back to next committee meeting.

  • Howard Johnson: Raised concerns about Flock/automatic license plate reader cameras and privacy, noting he passes 4 cameras during his 3.5-mile drive to commission meetings. Asked the county to consider an ordinance limiting camera placement, data collection and storage, arguing that AI increasingly makes it possible to analyze and track individuals across massive datasets. He also tied the issue to data centers, arguing that collecting and analyzing so much data contributes to the demand for more data-center capacity.

    • Steed: Asked whether Johnson had researched how often the systems are audited. Johnson said he had and believed inadequate auditing was a concern, but said his larger objection was the amount of data being collected and the potential for abuse regardless of safeguards.

  • Lee Muns: Called for greater public involvement and financial transparency around the data center projects, arguing residents were brought into the process too late and ultimately helped improve the ordinance. Questioned financial claims surrounding $17 billion investment and asked the county to provide a side-by-side comparison of ordinary taxes versus exemptions, abatements and negotiated fees before voters consider tax relief in November. Said many of the financial agreements and figures are not yet finalized.

Executive Session

  1. Property

    1. (M1a) Property A: Donation of portions of 2 Canterbury Farms Association parcels for right-of-way and temporary easements needed for the Horizon South Parkway/Chamblin Road Connector project. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

    2. (M1b) Property B: Purchase of 97-acre parcel from Pollard Land Company, Inc. for $3,915,600. Property adjoins 75 acres the county purchased for new park south of I-20. County tried unsuccessfully to acquire this additional property several years ago and plans to combine the two parcels. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

    3. (M1c) Property C: Purchase of approximately 22 acres from Keith Allen Pollard for $484,000. Property off Hwy 221, backs up to County Camp Rd, and adjacent to existing Appling campus. Additional land will provide room to expand Roads & Bridges operations and other county facilities, including a future fire training facility. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 6:42pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOE 08.25.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-08252026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-08252026-meeting-notesWed, 26 Aug 2026 04:24:03 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 5:30 pm

Invocation by New Hope Worship Center Youth Pastor Dawson Cleminte

Pledge of Allegiance: Lakeside HS JROTC

Approval of Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognitions:

  1. Governor’s Honors Program Finalist and Alternate

    1. Greenbrier HS

      1. Lucas Bew - Electrical and Computational Physics

      2. Haydn Mangione - Communicative Arts

      3. Noah Torabi - Brass: French Horn

    2. Lakeside HS

      1. Marble Bradshaw - Science

      2. Saisurya Lakkimsetti - Science (Alternate)

      3. Darren Li - Engineering

      4. Stephen Liu - Music/Flute

      5. Anunya Madhavaranman - Social Studies

      6. Arnav Patel - Mathematics

  2. Georgia BioGENEius Challenge Award

    1. Saisurya Lakkimsetti - Lakeside HS

  3. GSBA Youth Advisory Council Representative

    1. Anna Claire Wall - Harlem HS

  4. National Science Bowl

    1. Lakeside HS: A Team, 1st Place in State, 5th Place Nationals’ Bracket

      1. Eliana Benevides

      2. Kareem Hassan

      3. Arnav Patel

      4. David Wang

      5. Steven Zhang

  5. National Beta Club - Schools of Merit & Distinction* 2025-2026

    1. Elementary Schools

      1. Baker Place

      2. *Blue Ridge

      3. Brookwood

      4. Euchee Creek

      5. Greenbrier

      6. Grovetown

      7. Lewiston

      8. North Columbia

      9. North Harlem

      10. Parkway

      11. Riverside

      12. River Ridge

      13. Stevens Creek

      14. *Westmont

    2. Middle Schools

      1. Columbia

      2. *Evans

      3. Harlem

      4. Lakeside

      5. Riverside

      6. Stallings Island

    3. High Schools

      1. Evans

      2. Greenbrier

      3. Harlem

      4. Lakeside

  6. National Beta Club Competition

    1. Blue Ridge ES

      1. 1st Place: Spelling - Raghav Thumsi

      2. 6th Place: Pottery - Ward Walker

      3. 10th Place: Musicology

        1. Adelie Baker

        2. BlessingMessan

        3. Happiness Messan

        4. Ward Walker

    2. Stevens Creek ES

      1. 1st Place: Social Studies Academic Competition - Vivek Raval

      2. 4th Place: Elementary Reimagine, Recreate, and Recreate Team Exhibition

        1. Navtej Farmaha

        2. Avni Makhija

        3. Ayan Patel

        4. Vivek Patel

        5. Vihaan Shah

  7. National Beta Club Convention

    1. 2nd Place mathematics - Krish Patel, Lakeside HS

  8. National Civics Bee Competition

    1. Columbia MS: Charlotte Anderson

    2. Harlem MS: Hannah Leatherwood

Board Comments:

  • Katie Allen (D4): Praised the students’ academic and intellectual achievements across science, engineering, math, civics, Beta Club and other areas. Thanked parents, teachers, administrators and district staff for supporting them. She also thanked the pastor for the invocation and said, “we’ve got to start with Jesus Christ if we want to go somewhere strong.”

  • Philip Kent (D1): Thanked the pastor and referenced the Holy Spirit in the invocation. Praised the students’ abilities but emphasized that talented students still need strong teachers to guide them toward success, and recognized the district’s teachers for their role in the students’ achievements.

  • Judy Teasley (D3): Said the district’s success comes from a combination of talented students, good teachers and supportive parents. Thanked the pastor for emphasizing gratitude and described the district as blessed to have all the necessary “ingredients” working together.

  • Kristi Baker (D2): Thanked the pastor for the invocation and said prayers from him and the community are appreciated. She noted that although board members may appear calm during meetings, they can be nervous because of the weight of their decisions and said they continue thinking and planning about district matters outside of meetings. She otherwise agreed with the preceding comments.

  • David Dekle (Chair): Focused primarily on the National Beta Convention, which he attended in Nashville with his wife. He praised Columbia County students’ performance and especially recognized the parents for the substantial work involved in getting elementary students to the national competition. He said seeing younger students alongside successful high-school students showed the district’s future potential and said student recognitions remind the board of its purpose and mission.

Approval of Consent Items: Yay 5, No 0

  1. 8/11/2026 Regular Session Meeting Minutes

  2. June and July financials

  3. Fundraisers

  4. Employee Travel

  5. Program/Camp/Employee Participation Request

  6. Lease/Use of Facilities

Discussion Topics and Presentations

Strategic Planning

  1. Vision and Mission

    1. Vision: The Columbia County School District will lead the nation in educational excellence where each student is engaged, enriched, and inspired.

    2. Mission: The Columbia County School District will provide each student challenging content in a supportive environment resulting in increased academic achievement through shared accountability.

  2. Goal Areas and Related Performance Objectives

    1. Maximum Achievement and Success for Each Student (Leanne Gregg)

      1. Understanding & Mastery of Curriculum

        District continue refining K–12 instructional guides, add exemplar teacher videos, improve assessments/semester exams, and use writing-assessment data to improve instruction. Plans include Next Gen Science resources, expanded K–12 robotics, an 8th-grade career exploration experience, standardized science labs, professional development, and additional IEP/specially designed instruction support.

      2. Increase instructional rigor

        Expand CTE offerings, including the new construction/heavy-equipment operator pathway; increase industry certifications, internships in high-skill/high-wage/high-demand fields, gifted instructional units, and middle-school outreach about CTE and fine arts. District also plans to identify and integrate “vetted and trusted” AI resources. Staff identified Gemini for students through the Google environment and Microsoft Copilot primarily for staff.

        Discussion

        Allen: Asked what the district meant by “vetted and trusted” AI resources and how students would use them.

        Gregg: District’s two vetted AI resources are Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot. Gemini is available to students through the district’s Google environment; Copilot is primarily used by teachers/staff.

        Allen: Asked whether student activity and information stored through Google Workspace, including student papers, notes and other activity, could be collected or used to train or improve AI systems.

        VanMeter: No.

        Allen: Asked whether other district software programs contain AI features.

        Staff: Said some curriculum software includes AI features. Galileo was specifically discussed, but whether its AI functionality is being used was not clearly established.

      3. Enhance academic supports

        New credit-recovery platform; expanded elementary and middle-school math interventions; EL teacher training; school-based special-ed department chairs; expanded co-teaching; individual college/career plans; use PSAT 8/9 data to identify students for AP; SAT/ACT prep with student incentives; and expanded virtual instruction through CVA for alternative-school students.

    2. Community Engagement & Support (Alex Casado)

      1. Maximize family/community involvement

        Continue developing the Columbia County School District Foundation and expanding community partners/trustees.

      2. Expand meaningful business & post secondary partnerships

        Increase internships where students use CTE certifications, high-skill/high-wage fields. Partnerships include AU dual enrollment and teacher leadership certification and Augusta Tech programs. Augusta Tech partnership will allow students to earn three course credits toward a basic heavy-equipment operator technical certificate of credit.

        Discussion

        Teasley: Asked for clarification about the Augusta University Tier I and Tier II leadership certification courses.

        Casado: Confirmed the partnership will provide leadership certification coursework through Augusta University, with district personnel teaching courses using AU resources.

      3. Improve internal/external communications

        District will explore replacing/updating its website to make it more user-friendly. The annual communications campaign is “The Promise.” District will also continue refining the new mass-communications platform piloted last year.

    3. Consistent & Supportive Culture (Steven Cummings)

      1. Ensure Safe Learning Environment

        Alert systems continue to be installed/implemented. All schools completed first intruder drill of the year and Student Behavior Threat Assessment training. Staff are monitoring locked doors and use of employee alert badges.

        Discussion

        Allen: Asked what information is being collected through the district’s school-safety monitoring tools and whether the district uses facial-recognition technology.

        Jackson: Said administrators and SROs use a mobile application to document safety and facility conditions, currently focusing on locked doors and employee alert badges. It can also document maintenance and other hazards.

        Allen: Asked what student data are collected and whether facial recognition is used.

        Jackson: Said the district is not using facial recognition through the system and is primarily collecting facility and employee-compliance information rather than student data. SROs may photograph hazards, such as an open door, but staff said they do not photograph students or teachers for this purpose.

        Kent: Asked whether the district has considered expanding camera technology to provide additional documentation when disciplinary incidents or disputes involving teachers, students or parents occur.

        Jackson: No clear commitment to expand cameras for that purpose was made during the discussion.

      2. Nurture Strong Relationships in Supportive Environment

        District implementing ACEs across schools to strengthen connections between students and trusted adults. Staff are receiving district-approved de-escalation training.

      3. Support the Overall Health of Students

        In response to HB 268, district will provide one hour of evidence-based suicide-awareness/prevention training and one hour of youth-violence-prevention training. It is expanding its 24-hour anonymous reporting system and providing counselors/families with additional resources.

        Discussion

        Allen: Asked about district procedures for parental notification when students speak with school counselors, distinguishing ordinary counseling from mental-health counseling.

        Dr. Campbell: Said parental permission is not required for ordinary counseling conversations, such as a student discussing friendships or having a difficult day. Parents are involved when mental-health or safety concerns reach a level involving potential harm. Said counseling procedures are addressed in the district’s counseling handbook.

        Allen: Asked where families can find counseling and community resources.

        Campbell: Said resources are available through school websites under community resources.

        Allen: Asked about staff training materials and whether the district is considering suicide-prevention programs other than Signs of Suicide (SOS).

        Jackson: Said Georgia recently identified three approved programs, including SOS. The district has not vetted the other two and currently plans to continue using SOS.

        Allen: Asked for the names of the other two state-approved programs.

        Jackson: Said they would provide them.

    4. Facilities & Operational Processes & Systems (Penny Jackson)

      1. Improve Operational Processes & Systems

        Improve custodial hiring/training; continue implementing transportation routing and camera systems; implement standardized school inspection checklists covering cleanliness, maintenance and safety.

      2. Identify & Plan for upcoming facility needs

        Continue maintaining the comprehensive building program and security/alert-management systems.

      3. Improve Technology Access (James VanMeter)

        Planned infrastructure refreshes rather than waiting for equipment failure; E-rate funding; wireless heat mapping; increased network capacity; disaster-recovery/business-continuity testing; and device-management measures aimed at a “distraction-free” learning environment.

        Discussion

        Kent: Asked what the district’s next major technology replacement will be and whether it is adequately budgeted.

        VanMeter: Said a roughly $2.7 million edge-switch upgrade is scheduled to begin in mid-to-late September. Said the district plans and budgets for infrastructure upgrades and competitively procures equipment while maintaining compatibility across network systems.

        Dekle: Asked about the status of replacing security cameras throughout the district.

        VanMeter: Said the district has approximately 1,600 cameras and replacement is proceeding. Some older equipment remains but is isolated so its traffic cannot leave the district network. Video storage servers/NVRs are also being replaced.

    5. Talent Optimization (Tony Wright)

      1. Attract a highly-qualified staff

        District wants to become more data-driven about which teacher-preparation programs and recruitment pipelines produce successful employees. Recruitment will expand beyond traditional education majors to undecided college students, career changers, paraprofessionals and the district's own students.

        Kent: Asked what the district is doing differently or “outside the box” to attract new employees.

        Wright: Said the district is expanding its geographic reach for some specialized positions and using internships as a recruitment pipeline, but emphasized culture, working environment, relationships, competitive salaries and communicating the district’s strengths as the primary recruitment tools.

      2. Provide professional growth opportunities & development for all employees

        District wants to become more data-driven about which teacher-preparation programs and recruitment pipelines produce successful employees. Recruitment will expand beyond traditional education majors to undecided college students, career changers, paraprofessionals and the district's own students.

      3. Retain a highly-effective workforce

        Continue reviewing compensation for market competitiveness/internal equity and better communicate total compensation, including insurance and leave. District also wants to improve retirement planning/support.

        Discussion

        Dekle: Asked how Georgia legislation allowing retired educators to return to work in high-need areas is affecting district staffing.

        Wright: Estimated approximately 3–5 fully retired educators have returned to full-time work, with additional retirees working part-time. Said current targeted areas include math and science.

        Dekle: Asked how salaries are handled when an experienced retiree and a newer teacher are candidates for the same position.

        Wright: Said principals select the best candidate and returning retirees are placed at the salary level they would have reached had they continued working. District does not pay the employee’s portion of TRS for those retirees. Said the district is also looking for ways to encourage experienced employees to remain beyond 30 years.

        Teasley: Asked whether the district offers flexible or part-time arrangements for experienced teachers who want to return but do not want a full schedule.

        Wright: Said flexibility depends on the position. Specialized positions such as speech-language services are more conducive to fractional positions than general classroom teaching.

        Teasley: Asked about telehealth and mental-health resources for employees.

        Wright: Said mental-health assistance is available through the district’s EAP and more employees are using it, although availability of providers accepting new clients remains a problem.

        Kent: Asked what the district is specifically doing to eliminate workplace barriers that cause teachers to leave.

        Wright: Said retention is strong and the most common reason employees leave is retirement, followed by spouse relocation/moves. HR follows up with employees reporting negative experiences through exit evaluations and works with departments to address problems that can be corrected.

        Allen: Asked whether the district’s annual Gallup employee survey includes comments and whether results are analyzed over multiple years to identify improving or declining trends.

        Wright: Said the standard Gallup survey consists of 12 questions used consistently from year to year. Schools and leaders receive their results and can track them over time and identify particular areas for improvement.

        Allen: Asked whether the district similarly compiles exit-survey data to identify multi-year trends in why employees leave.

        Wright: Said responses can be difficult to categorize and the district receives responses from roughly half of employees surveyed. Staff look for patterns, including recurring problems at particular locations, and follow up on concerns.

        Kent: Asked whether the district has considered making participation in the Gallup survey mandatory.

        Wright: Said employees are strongly encouraged to participate and characterized district employee-engagement results as strong.

  3. Next Five-Year Strategic Plan

    District will spend the remainder of 2026 developing process for revising the strategic plan. Beginning January 2027, district plans to solicit input from teachers, staff, students, parents, community members and the Board, along with professional organizations and educational experts. Regular updates are planned during the second semester, with a revised five-year strategic plan expected to be presented to the Board in summer 2027, tentatively July.

Staff Reports

  1. 2027-2028 School Calendar - Option A retained majority votes from stakeholders. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  2. Nuclear Science Week (Dr. Campbell)

    1. October 19-23

      Discussion

      Teasley: Clarified that Nuclear Science Week does not require teachers to add activities, change the curriculum or attend additional meetings.

      Campbell: Said nuclear-science material discussed already part of the curriculum and the recognition week does not add new curriculum requirements.

      Allen: Asked what students would be taught under Nuclear Science Week themes including “carbon-free energy” and “global leadership,” expressing concern that some themes could become politically charged.

      Campbell: Said those are themes identified by the Nuclear Science Week organization and are not automatically being adopted by the district. Any materials incorporated into instruction would go through the district’s review process.

      Allen: Said she supports teaching nuclear energy but wanted assurance that the district was not endorsing outside positions simply because they were included among the organization’s themes.

      Campbell: Confirmed that inclusion in Nuclear Science Week’s materials does not mean the district automatically endorses or incorporates them.

Building Program Bids:

  1. Furniture for Evans HS (Cost: $269,479.34). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

    Discussion

    Allen: Asked whether the additional $269,479 purchase is included within the approximately $1.8 million budget for furniture and equipment at Evans High School or represents spending beyond that amount.

    Casado: Said the purchase is included within the overall Evans High School project budget. “Additional” refers to purchasing furniture for additional/new spaces, not increasing the project’s budget.

    Kent: Asked why the district is continuing to use pricing from the January 2025 bid rather than bidding the furniture again.

    Casado: Said district bids can include provisions allowing future purchases at the approved price as long as the vendor agrees to continue honoring it. Georgia Specialty Equipment is still honoring its January 2025 pricing. Rebidding could result in higher current prices and could also create inconsistencies in furniture makes/models already purchased for the school. Said the district generally allows such pricing arrangements for no more than three years.

  2. FMO Vans (Cost per van: $51,435, Total cost: $205,740). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

Discussion

Teasley: Asked whether Akins Ford was the closest dealership offering the best price and whether a local dealership could match the pricing.

Casado: Said the state contract includes approved dealerships throughout Georgia. District staff reviewed dealerships on the contract; a geographically closer dealer did not have the vehicles available and would have required a significant wait. Akins Ford was the closest dealership with reasonable availability and offered the largest discount among the state-contract dealers contacted.

Allen: Asked for the funding source.

Casado: Said the vans are budgeted in the General Fund under FMO. Vehicle needs are included during the budget process based on fleet replacement needs and new positions requiring service vehicles.

Superintendent Reports:

  • 9/3/2026 Lakeside HS Ribbon Cutting 5:30 pm

  • 9/3/2026, Progress Reports

  • 9/4/2026, Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences

  • 9/7/2026, Labor Day

  • 9/16/2026, CCSD Retiremnt Reception

  • 9/17/2026, CCSD Annual Foundation Event

  • 10/1/2026, Columbia County Teacher of the Year Celebration

  • 10/6/2026, End of First Nine Weks

  • 10/9/2026, Fall Break/ District Professional Learning Day

  • 10/12/2026, Columbus Day

  • 10/14/2026, Report Cards

Executive Session:

  • Approval of affidavit: Yay 5, No 0

  • Personnel Sheet: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn at 8:30 pm : Yay 5, No 0

Next meeting regular session: 9/8/2026

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 08.18.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-08182026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-08182026-meeting-notesWed, 19 Aug 2026 02:43:22 GMTSubscribe now

All Commissioners Present

Call To Order: 6:00 pm

Approval of 8/4/2026 meeting minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognition, Presentation, and/or Declaration

  1. Special Recognition

    1. (G1a) Awarding of the Medal of Valor and Meritorious Service Award

      Structure fire call in April 2026. Fire crews arrived about 3 minutes after the call and were told someone was still inside. Within 1 minute, 23 seconds of arriving, firefighters entered through 2nd story window in a very hazardous environment. Firefighters suffered second- and third-degree Burns during rescue attempt, and later treated at the hospital. Although they succeeded in getting the person out and to medical care, the person did not survive. Their protective equipment is being studied because of the damage it sustained in the fire.

      • Brian Folsom, civilian neighbor, reached home first and helped young male escape without injury. Meritorious Service Award

      • Medal of Valor

        • Lt. Matt Kennedy

        • Lt. Kyle McClellan

        • Engineer Jimmy Williams

Consent Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Management and Internal Services Committee

    1. (H1a) Retirement Bridge Program Spousal Coverage and Dental Option Revision

    2. (H1b) Reimbursement to GEMA/FEMA for Helene Project Number 806591

    3. (H1c) Independent Contractor Agreement with Arthur J. Gallagher Risk Management Services, LLC. for Risk Management Consulting and Supplementary Services

    4. (H1d) ACCG Safety Incentive Discount Program: 2027 Policy Year

    5. (H1e) Cisco Equipment Lifecycle Purchase from DISYS for Water Utility Sites

    6. (H1f) Cisco Smartnet Renewal Payment Authorization 2026-2027

    7. (H1g) Cisco Equipment Lifecycle Purchase from DISYS for Sheriff’s Office

    8. (H1h) Subscription Agreement with GovAI

    9. (H1i) Annual Maintenance Payment for Conga Software

    10. (H1j) Award Bid # 2025013-BID03289 and Contract to S.D. Clifton Construction for the Pollard House Renovation

    11. (H1k) Independent Contractor Agreement with Verge Erosion Control, LLC for the Pollard House NPDES Sampling and Reporting

    12. (H1l) Independent Contractor Agreement with CSRA Testing & Engineering Co., Inc for Special Inspections and Material Testing Services at the Pollard House

  2. Development and Planning Services Committee

    1. (H2a) Purchase of a Takeuchi Mini Excavator for Facility Maintenance

    2. (H2b) Position Reclassifications in Building Standards

    3. (H2c) Easement Encroachment Agreement 828 Lillian Park Drive, Tax Map 067 Parcel 2563

    4. (H2d) Easement Encroachment Agreement for 1222 Arcilla Pointe, Tax Map 082 Parcel 444

Debate Agenda

  1. New Business

    1. Management and Internal Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) Resolution 26-17 to Establish a Millage Rate for Purposes of Computing Ad Valorem Taxes on Property in Columbia County, Georgia for Calendar Year 2026 Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: County adopting rollback rate as previously announced. County General Services/ Administrative Services: 4.491 Mills. School Tax: 14.997 Mills. Fire Special Service District (unchanged): 2.788 Mills. 4.491-mil county rate puts Columbia County among the lowest in the state.

        Duncan: Credited county officials and staff with working through budget requests to balance the budget and allow the millage rate to be rolled back.

    2. Development and Planning Services Commttee

      1. (I1b1) RZ26-08-01, Conditional Use for Therapeutic Massage, 4490 Washington Road, Tax Map 072 Parcel 060N, 2.82 +/- acres, and currently zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Approval: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Existing business owner relocating to property. Therapeutic massage requires conditional-use approval at this location. One massage therapist 8am-5pm, Tuesday through Saturday.

      2. (I1b2) VA26-08-01, Variance to Section 90-53 List of Lot and Structure Requirements, 113 Glenora Drive, Tax Map 073C Parcel 163, 0.30 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential) and Easement Encroachment Agreement. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Owner plans to construct 16x20 foot addition to home. Property is triangular shaped, causing addition to encroach into required side setback. Reduce setback to 2 feet to accommodate addition. Includes encroachment agreement.

      3. (I1b3) VA26-08-02, Variance to Section 90-55 RCO Residential Cluster Overlay District, 509 Ernestine Falls, Tax Map 061 Parcel 1434, 0.3 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential)/RCO (Residential Cluster Overlay) and Easement Encroachment Agreement. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Corner lot, so applicable setbacks are side setbacks rather than rear setback. Owner wants to construct an accessory building on existing concrete pad. Reduce the side setbacks to 1 foot. Property has grading challenges, and owners completed work to address the grade. Submitted an HOA approval letter. Includes associated encroachment agreement.

      4. (I1b4) VA26-08-03, Variance to Section 90-53 List of Lot and Structure Requirements, 711 Campana Drive, Tax Map 071 Parcel 082, 0.29 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential) and Easement Encroachment Agreement. Approval: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Owner plans to construct a pool, deck and retaining wall in northern corner of property. Placement affects by property’s topography and irregular shape. Property has a 10-foot setback. Retaining wall - 9 ft. Reduce both sides and rear setbacks from 10 feet to 5 feet. Includes encroachment agreement.

      5. VA26-08-04, Variance to Sections 90-139 Buffers & Screening and 90-98 List of Lot and Structure Requirements, 4546 Washington Road, Tax Map 072 Parcel 073Q, 0.84 +/- acres, and currently zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Approval: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Site already graded and has an existing retaining wall. 30-ft structural setback required where the property adjoins residential property. Request reducing 30-ft structural setback to 10-ft, allowing existing retaining wall to remain and proposed building to be shifted farther back on lot. 10-ft side setbacks required because adjoining properties have different commercial zoning. Request reduce 10-ft side setbacks to 3-ft. No public comments during planning meeting.

      6. (I1b6) RZ26-08-02, Rezoning from R-2 (Single Family Residential) to S-1 (Special), 250 Legion Drive, Tax Map 079 Parcel 122A, 2.5 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). Postponed: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Proposed 12-unit glamping campground. Units are enclosed dome structures on about 30x30 ft wooden decks. Plans include gravel access road and 13 parking spaces. Letters of support submitted from some neighboring property owners. Concerns raised during planning commission include flooding, wildlife, fire safety and emergency access. Campfires would not be permitted. Only entrance crosses the top of a dam. Fire access requires 20-ft wide route able to support emergency vehicles.

        Robert Tice, DMC Engineering: Existing gravel surface is not currently 20 ft wide, although distance from berm to berm is slightly more than 20 ft. Geotechnical evaluation would be performed to determine whether it can support fire vehicles. Fire also requested guardrails or lighting along access route to reduce risk of emergency vehicles leaving roadway.

        *Commissioners had questions about length of stay, security for property when nobody is there

        Frank Harris: Applicant. Property would be fenced and guests would need access codes for both property and individual sites. He lives nearby and intends to remain hands-on in managing property. Said that it was intended for short-term stays but had not established a specific limit yet.

        Carraway: Said to Harris that he seems to have good intentions but expressed concerns about “unintended consequences” if property were sold or operated by someone else.

        Harris: Has no intention of selling property and intends for it to remain in his family.

        Melear: Suggested postponing the request rather than risking denial, which would require the applicant to wait 6 months before reapplying.

        Schlachter: Agreed to send applicant and engineer list of questions so they could be addressed at next meeting.

      7. (I1b7) RZ26-08-03, Rezoning from R-3 (Single Family Residential) to P-1 (Professional) 106 Bellewood Drive, Tax Map 082A Parcel 100, 0.45 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-3 (Single Family Residential). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Applicant proposes converting existing 1040 square ft structure into an office for a tree-service business. Used as a professional office only. Adjacent property owner supported request and no one appeared in opposition at planning hearing. Companion Variance addresses required structural buffer.

      8. (I1b8) VA26-08-05, Variance to Section 90-139 Buffers & Screening, 106 Bellewood Drive, Tax Map 082A Parcel 100, 0.45 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-3 (Single Family Residential). Approval: Yay 5, No 0

      9. (I1b9) RZ26-08-04, Rezoning from R-3 (Single Family Residential) to PRD (Planned Residential Development), 325 McCormick Road, Tax Map 077B Parcel 114, 14.1 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-3 (Single Family Residential) Postpone until 9/1/2026 Meeting: Yay 5, No 0

Public Comment

  • Lee Muns: Questioned why commissioners extensively discussed the glamping proposal while asking comparatively few questions about much larger data center projects. He called for public disclosure and discussion of proposed changes to the county’s data center ordinance, a possible moratorium, and detailed calculations supporting projected tax revenue and property-tax relief. Also suggested considering millage-rate reductions as a broader form of tax relief and questioned what would happen to funds accumulated for the HB 439 program if necessary legal changes do not occur. He concluded that citizens are asking for specific calculations, documents and proposals rather than promises of future relief.

  • Cambrey Wood: Formally presented a draft model data center ordinance for the county's consideration and again called for a temporary moratorium on new data center applications while regulations are reviewed. She asked when the public would see the ordinance revisions and moratorium that Couch previously said were being developed. Wood asked the commission to place her draft on the appropriate agendas, have staff and the county attorney evaluate it alongside the county's proposed changes, and hold public workshops before adopting a revised ordinance. She said the goal was not to stop economic development but to establish rules and involve the public before additional projects are approved.

  • Susan Warren: Raised questions about data center construction and enforcement, including noise and lighting restrictions, power and water use, infrastructure, stormwater, setbacks, and the timeline for full buildout and projected tax revenue. She also asked about proposed changes to the county's data center ordinance and again raised the possibility of requiring a project surety bond.

    • Couch: Proposed ordinance amendment relates to a surety bond

    • Chairman Duncan: He reviewed the model ordinances submitted to the county and considered them “too invasive.” Also said the county was very close to having financial numbers available for review and attributed the failure of the constitutional amendment needed for the proposed property-tax relief mechanism to Democrats in the Georgia House.

Closed Executive Session: 6:48 - 8:11 pm to discuss 2 personnel items

Johnson stated that they discussed 2 personnel items during executive session and no formal action was taken during executive session

Approval of employment contract for Brian Armstrong as Right-of-way Specialist: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourned: 8:12 pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOE 08.11.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-08112026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-08112026-meeting-notesWed, 12 Aug 2026 03:48:29 GMTSubscribe now

Board Members Present: Chairman David Dekle, D1 Philip Kent, D2 Kristi Baker, D3 Judy Teasley, D4 Katie Allen

Call To Order: 5:30pm

Special Recognitions

  • Georgia High School Association

    • GHSA 5A Golf State Champions

      • Hamilton Coleman

      • Charles Elsken

      • Brighton Glodava

      • Cooper Hawkins

      • Andrew Higgins

      • Tabb Hinson

      • Qasim Khan

      • Kipp Madison

      • Grant Murray

      • Tyler Newsome

      • Sam Rogers

      • Jacob Weaver

      • Bennett Wiggins

    • GHSA 5A Girls Golf State Championship, 3rd Place, Greenbrier High School

      • Gabriella Burkett

      • Jaclyn Cressend

      • Shane Daly

      • Khera H Khera

      • Adyson Lukich

      • Madelyn Silarek

      • Avery Simpson

      • Benton Vineyard

    • GHSA 5A Girls Soccer State Champions, Greenbrier High School

      • Peyton Anderson

      • Analaura Boone

      • Arianna Boone

      • Darcy Bridwll

      • Sophie Campanaro

      • Mackenzie Canady

      • Nora Dye

      • Belle Gantt

      • Krista Gillies

      • Molly Grover

      • Talashia Harris

      • Madelyn Heckathorn

      • Addison Jernigan

      • Maura Jobes

      • Murphy Larkin

      • Kate McDonald

      • Kinley Mitchell

      • Sadie Oldham

      • Mamie Cate Pangle

      • Stephanie Schroeder

      • Aaliyah Silver

      • AdelinaStrupp

      • Aubrey Strupp

      • Alayna Tamez

      • Sarah Wahl

      • Sophie Witt

    • GHSA 5A Girls Tennis State Runner-Up, Lakeside High School

      • Victoria Bishop

      • Emily Bull

      • Elise Clemente

      • Charley Fair

      • Marlea Griffis

      • Genevieve Handel

      • Madeline Jackson

      • Hannah Liebel

      • Georgia Manolakis

      • Savanna Mills

      • Manasvi Patel

      • Siya Patel

      • Katherine Peterson

      • Lauren Smith

      • Connor Trammell

  • National Grant for Summer Fellowship

    • Crystal McDowell, Greenbrier High School

Special Recommendation

  • Director of Talent Development, HR: Dr. Kenneth L Johnson

Approval of Consent Items: Yay 5, No 0

  1. 7/21/2026 Regular Session Meeting Minutes

  2. Fundraisers

  3. Employee Travel

  4. Program/Camp/Employe Participation Requests

  5. Lease/Use of Facilities

Board Policies: Approval of items b-e: Yay 5, No 0

a. Board Policy EBB, Safety

b. Board Policy GARJ, Employee Retirement

c. Board Policy IH, Student Achievement

d. Board Policy JB, Student Attendance

e. Board Policy KG, Use of School Facilities

Dr. Flynt pulled item “a” off the list because staff still has some changes they want to make. Recommended approval of policies b-e.

Allen: What was the reason for the changes in item “b” Board Policy GARJ?

Flynt: This was changing the wording from TRS. This reflects some legislative changes as well. Some items were pulled off and moved to procedure. The law was effective 7/1/2026.

Adoption of the 2026 Tax Digest Millage Rate to the rollback rate of 14.997. Approval Yay 5, No 0

Human Resources Staffing Update, Tony Wright

  • 2,207 of 2,215 certified positions filled, a 99.6% fill rate.

  • Fewer than 10 certified vacancies, primarily in ASD and interrelated special education positions.

  • Demand for specialized positions increased by about 14%, or 42 additional positions, over last school year.

  • Non-certified positions: 1,580 of 1,600 positions are filled, a 98.7% fill rate.

  • Current recruiting priorities: 8 special ed para vacancies and 11 combined maintenance technician, HVAC technician and custodial vacancies.

  • Current vacancies not affecting student achievement and coverage plans are in place.

  • New teacher orientation and mentoring program, custodial training center, additional training days for special ed paras, district leadership academies, Augusta University’s first speech-language pathology cohort graduating December, the CTAE teacher apprenticeship pathway, and continued work on weighted staffing and a new HR information system.

Discussion

Allen: Asked about para staffing and referenced prior information suggesting the district lost about 80/ year.

Wright: Said losing 80 paraprofessionals annually would be a significant problem and estimated turnover among special education paras at under 20% per year. Said the district has roughly 78–90 ASD-specific paraprofessional positions and another 50–60 interrelated paraprofessional positions.

Proposed School Calendar Options for 2027-2028, Penny Jackson

  • School Calendar Advisory Team: parents, teachers, administrators and district personnel, began in May.

  • Each option has180 instructional days and incorporates required teacher workdays/professional development days, holidays, seasonal breaks and at least one early-release day per semester for parent conferences.

  • The district continues its practice of ending first semester before winter break and second semester before Memorial Day.

  • Calendar survey opens Aug. 12 and closes Aug. 21. District employees will receive the survey by email, and a link will be posted on the district website for public feedback.

  • Survey results and the preferred calendar option will be presented at the next board meeting for approval.

  • Graduation dates/venue remain TBD, which could affect the end-of-year schedule. One option would end school earlier but could require staff to return after post-planning for graduation.

Advanced Placement Update for 2026, Dr. Campbell

  • 30+ AP courses across its five high schools.

  • Since 2021, the number of AP exams administered has increased 59%, from 3,298 to 5,242.

  • District’s AP exam pass rate increased from 55% to 81%, the first time the district has exceeded an 80% pass rate.

  • Newer AP offerings include AP Business with Personal Finance, AP Cybersecurity and AP Cyber Networking.

  • Evans High School: Highest 3-year increase in percentage of AP exams earning a 3 or higher; increased 13 percentage points to 83%.

  • Harlem High School: Highest 3-year increase in total AP exams; increased 27%.

  • Greenbrier High School: Highest percentage of AP exams earning a 3 or higher (90%) and highest AP participation, with 40% of students taking at least one AP exam.

  • Grovetown High School: Highest 1-year increase in percentage of AP exams earning a 3 or higher; increased 6 percentage points to 82%.

  • Lakeside High School: Highest one-year increase in total AP exams; increased 20% to 1,518 exams.

  • 51% increase in dual-enrollment participation over the past 3 years, while AP participation has also continued to grow.

  • AP English and AP U.S. History are most popular AP courses. AP Psychology and AP Government more approachable entry points for students who may be hesitant about AP.

  • Uses PSAT 8/9 results and College Board’s AP Potential reports to identify students who may be capable of succeeding in AP courses.

Junior Achievement Dream Accelerator, Dr. Campbell

Dr. Campbell:

  • District developing framework to help every student graduate with a defined post-graduation pathway.

  • Framework supports Georgia’s Top State for Talent Act (HB 192). Includes career-interest inventories, aptitude assessments and individual college and career plans beginning in middle school.

  • Brand pathway initiative “What is Your E Plan?” 3 broad post-graduation options: Enroll, Employ or Enlist.

  • Students begin developing an Individual College and Career Plan (ICCP) in sixth grade, with parents able to access plan through parent portal. In HS, district would refer to the plan as the student’s E Plan.

  • Already uses Junior Achievement programming, career-interest surveys, YouScience aptitude assessments, pathway fairs, the College and Career Expo and work-based learning opportunities.

  • Proposed Dream Accelerator would be incorporated in 8th and 10th grades to provide immersive career exploration experience. Help students develop and revise plans.

  • Students receive report with career interests and goals, shared with teachers and counselors and incorporated into ongoing college/career plan.

  • Dream Accelerator installed in approximately 3,200 square feet of currently unused space adjacent to the existing JA Discovery Center.

  • District would contribute up to $1.3 million from the 2026–27 curriculum and instruction budget. Junior Achievement funding partners would contribute approximately $700,000, for an estimated total project cost of $2 million.

  • No district wide textbook adoption scheduled this year, leaving curriculum and instruction funding available for project.

  • Program serve approximately 5,000 8th and 10th grade students each year.

John Hancock – Junior Achievement of Georgia

  • Junior Achievement’s focus career exploration, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and workforce readiness, with an emphasis on experiential learning.

  • Dream Accelerator complements existing programs at Discovery Center.

  • Unlike many JA programs designed for a single grade level, Dream Accelerator can be used at multiple grade levels, allowing students to revisit career planning as they progress through school.

  • Program includes classroom prep followed by an approximately two-hour interactive experience.

  • Students move through stations focused on personal strengths, career exploration, lifestyle costs, entrepreneurship, visualization and SMART goals.

  • Program intended to help students explore possibilities rather than assign them to a particular career path.

  • JA responsible for ongoing technology support, with program content generally refreshed on a 3-year cycle.

Discussion

Allen: Raised concerns about operations, finances and potential conflicts. Noted previous difficulty recruiting volunteers for the existing JA Discovery Center and questioned adding another program requiring additional volunteers.

Hancock: Said 6 volunteers would be ideal, but program could operate with approximately 3 because interactive individual stations.

Allen: Questioned spending up to $1.3 million after the district transferred $20 million from the general fund to the building program, and adopted a budget using approximately $40 million in general fund balance. Said didn’t believe this was appropriate year for the expenditure. Raised concerns about Dr. Flynt serving on the Junior Achievement board while district considers another major investment with JA. Asked when he joined the board.

Hancock: Said Flynt joined the JA board in September 2025.

Allen: Asked for participation data from the existing Discovery Center, costs and volunteer requirements from other Dream Accelerator programs, and evidence of measurable student outcomes from both Dream Accelerator and the district’s existing JA programs.

Kent: Said he supports concept but shared Allen’s financial concerns. Said board’s aggressive building program limits its ability to take on additional spending and that he could not support project this year.

Dekle: Supported the expenditure, arguing that $1.3 million in curriculum and instruction funding would serve approximately 5,000 students per year. Compared the cost with textbook adoptions of $2–$4 million and said the program could serve approximately 35,000 students over 7 years.

Allen: Asked if district could wait a month to obtain additional information before making a decision.

Teasley: Said students who have a goal are more likely to graduate, even if they ultimately change goal. Pointed to the district’s approximately 92–93% graduation rate.

Allen: Said evidence that Dream Accelerator could produce even a 2–3% increase in graduation rates would strengthen the case for the program, but reiterated that she wanted supporting data before approving it.

Allen: Moved to table the proposal until the board received additional information. Yay 2 (Allen & Kent), No 3.

Baker: Asked what information was available from Clayton County and how widely Dream Accelerator had been implemented.

Hancock: Said Dream Accelerator originated with JA in Denver and had been replicated three times. Clayton County’s program opened in February, so long-term data are not yet available. Said JA has some info on teacher satisfaction, student experience and alignment with school strategies, but isolating the program’s effect on long-term student outcomes is difficult.

Allen: Asked whether JA had data showing how often students ultimately enter the careers they identified through Dream Accelerator.

Hancock: Said that data do not yet exist because the program is relatively new and reiterated that the goal is career exploration rather than assigning students to a specific career.

Allen: Asked how Dream Accelerator fundamentally differs from the career-interest and aptitude surveys students already take.

Campbell: Said the primary difference is the interactive experience. Students connect interests with possible careers, examine salaries and lifestyle costs, set goals and take those results back to teachers and counselors for continued planning.

Allen: Asked whether the program accounts for AI’s potential impact on careers over the next five to ten years.

Hancock: Said he did not have a specific answer but agreed it was an important consideration and said JA could examine it further.

Kent: Asked whether the district’s $1.3 million share was a realistic estimate and whether the final cost could be lower.

Hancock: Said the approximately $2 million total project cost was likely accurate within about 5–8%. He said JA would also seek philanthropic contributions, which could proportionally reduce the amount paid by both JA and the district.

Dekle: I make a motion that we approve up to $1.3 million out of the curriculum instruction budget to partner with Junior Achievement to develop a Dream Accelerator in Columbia County. Yay 3, No 2 (Allen and Kent)

Contract for Services CSRA RESA: Yay 5, No 0

Basic Membership $106,324

Vision Education $ 30,754

Orientation & Mobility $ 41,672

Total Contract $178,750

Superintendent Reports

  • Progress Reports, September 3

  • Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences, September 4

  • Labor Day Holiday, September 7

  • Columbia County School District Retirement Reception, September 16

  • Columbia County Teacher of the Year Celebration, October 1

  • End of First Nine Weeks, October 6

  • Student Fall Break/District Professional Learning Day, October 9

  • Columbus Day Holiday, October 12

  • Report Cards, October 14

Public Participation:

  • None

Executive Session: Yay 5, No 0

  • Affidavit: Yay 5, No 0

  • Personnel Sheet: Yay 5, No 0

Executive Session Procedures:

  • Motion to table executive session procedures: Yay 4, No 1 (Allen)

Adjourn: 8:25 pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 08.04.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-08042026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-08042026-meeting-notesWed, 05 Aug 2026 01:19:21 GMTSubscribe now

Commissioners Present: Chairman Doug Duncan, D1 Connie Melear, D2 Jim Steed, D3 Michael Carraway, D4 Alison Couch

Call To Order: 6 pm

Approval of 7/21/2026 Meeting Minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Consent Agenda. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Community and Emergency Services Committee

    1. (H1a) Service Agreement with Augusta Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution

    2. (H1b) Motorola P25 AIS 911 Recording System Agreement with Replay Systems, Inc.

    3. (H1c) Amendment to the Columbia County Events Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement

    4. (H1d) CSRA Mustang Club Agreement for the Mustang Club of America National Show

    5. (H1e) The Purchase of (40) Scott XD Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and (30) additional cylinders from American Safety and Firehouse

    6. (H1f) The Purchase of ProtectIR and XplorIR Bundles from 908 Devices for the Hazardous Materials Response Team

    7. (H1g) Masters Services Agreement with RapidSOS, Inc. for IAmResponding Software

    8. (H1h) Independent Contractor Agreement with Telemedicine Group for the HeartStart+ Cardiovascular & Metabolic Screening

  2. Public Works and Engineering Services Committee

    1. (H2a) The Purchase of a New Mobile Generator for Fleet Services from Nixon Power Services

    2. (H2b) Award Bid # 2026021-BID3289 and Contract to Coleman Construction, Inc. for the Construction of the Columbia County Emergency Back-up Generators

    3. (H2c) Emergency Purchase from Augusta Chiller Services Inc. for the Boiler Replacement at Patriots Park Gym

    4. (H2d) Award Bid # 2026020-BID3289 and Contract to Duckworth Development for the Renovation of Building G1 - Department of Revenue

    5. (H2e) Southern Flow Nozomi Yearly License Renewal 2026

    6. (H2f) Independent Contractor Agreement with Bluewater Engineering Services, LLC. for the Sawdust Rd to Old Louisville Rd 12” Waterline Project E&S Inspections and Monitoring

    7. (H2g) A Purchase from Gerald Jones Ford for a Half Ton Four-Wheel Truck to Replace Shop Number 2201

    8. (H2h) Adding a Cell Phone Allowance to Position Numbers 91 Manager II NE and 1616 Manager II NE

    9. (H2i) Water Utility Pump Maintenance Agreement with Goforth Williamson Inc.

    10. (H2j) Emergency Chemical Spill Cleanup by Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc

    11. (H2k) Amendment to the Project Access Improvements (PAI) Manual

    12. (H2l) Designation of the Stormwater Compliance Department Manager as a US EPA Signatory Authority & Alternative Designated Representative

    13. (H2m) Change Order Number 1 to Contract #2026-3469 with Cajenn Construction & Rehabilitation Services for the 2026 Storm Water UV Lining Projects

    14. (H2n) Contract #2026-3610 with Southern Civil Solutions for Engineering Services Related to the Ridge Crossing Storm Drain UV Lining Rehabilitation Project

    15. (H2o) Supplemental Agreement Number 1 to the Project Framework Agreement with GDOT for the Washington Rd Widening Project, PI# 0021250

    16. (H2p) Acceptance of Easements and Associated Stormwater Infrastructure from Tillery Park Homeowners Association, Inc

    17. (H2q) Acceptance of Easements and Associated Water & Sanitary Utility Infrastructure from Edgar Hughston Builders, Inc.

Debate Agenda

  • New Business

    1. Developmnt and Planning Service Committee

      1. (I1a1) VA26-07-02, Variance to Section 90-53 List of lot and Structure Requirements, 228 Applecross Drive, Tax Map 083 Parcel 046, 0.7 +/- acres, and currently zoned A-R (Apartment Residential) and Easement Encroachment Agreement. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Both Variance and an easement encroachment agreement. House located on property zoned A-R. Any house on A-R property must comply with R-3A setback requirements. Previous house burned in 2008, but original slab remains. Want to construct new house on existing slab. Small portion of the proposed house falls within required side setback.

        Melear: Previously a single-family residence?

        Schlachter: Correct

        Melear: Basically replacing what was there already?

        Schlachter: Correct

Public Comments

  • Cambrey Wood:

Response from Alison Couch (transcribed):

I do think it’s important to note that I have already requested changes to the data center ordinance in Columbia County, as well as a moratorium while we work through those changes. I only have 1 vote, but I am actively working with my fellow commissioners to garner support for that.

While I am speaking about my 1 vote, I would also like to remind everyone that I voted against 2 of the 3 data centers that were proposed for Columbia County, and my position on that has not changed. I am in favor of tax relief for our citizens and continue to work tirelessly for it. Its is my belief that we can accomplish that with what has already been approved.

  • Lee Muns on behalf of Citizens for Open Governance: Asked the Commissioners to adopt a policy requiring public approval of NDAs related to county business. He argued that while confidentiality may sometimes be appropriate, decisions to enter into NDAs should be transparent and approved in an open meeting. Proposal called for review of existing NDAs, development of permanent county rules governing their use, and reaffirmed NDA can’t be used to circumvent Georgia’s sunshine laws. Also asked about timeline for recruiting replacement for County Manager Scott Johnson.

    • Doug Duncan responded that the Board of Commissioners would recruit a replacement but did not provide a timeline for when the search would begin.

  • Blane Carter: Concerns about sharply rising property assessments, questioned how fair market values are determined and whether significant increases are being used to generate additional tax revenue. Express concern about county’s messaging on proposed property tax relief program, arguing that advertisements by [Chamber of Commerce] make benefits sound more certain that they are before voters have approved thee November Referendum. During the discussion, he questioned how the tax relief would be funded and the challenged the county manager over compensation and government spending.

  • Jeffrey Holder: Asked for clarification on how the property tax relief created by House Bill 439 would be calculated, and when homeowners could realistically expect to receive the benefit. He questioned the timeline for funding the program and sought a better understanding of how the proposed homestead exemption would work in practice. Also expressed skepticism that Data centers would have no impact on future electricity rates, suggesting that increased power demand could eventually result in higher costs for consumers despite current assurances from Georgia Power.

Executive Session

  1. Property

    1. (M1a) Property A. Approve: Yay 5, No 0 $1850 to Vickie Dye for Euchee Creek project. This was to preserve a historic tree.

Adjourn: 6:44 pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 07.21.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-07212026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-07212026-meeting-notesWed, 22 Jul 2026 13:39:05 GMTSubscribe now

Commissioners Present: Chairman Doug Duncan, D1 Connie Melear, D2 Jim Steed, D3 Mike Carraway. D4 Alison Couch was absent due to testifying at State tax committee in Atlanta.

Call To Order: 6:00 pm

Approval of 7/7/2026 Meeting Minutes: Yay 4, No 0

Consent Agenda: Yay 4, No 0

  1. Management and Internal Services Committee

    1. (H1a) Service Agreement with the Izzy Scott Foundation

    2. (H1b) Georgia Indigent Defense Services Agreement for the Public Defender’s Office

    3. (H1c) Master Services Agreement with Pictometry International for Digital Orthophotography

    4. (H1d) Implementation of Cisco Security Suite

    5. (H1e) Microsoft Enterprise Agreement 2026-2029

    6. (H1f) Allocate funding for the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office to replace the Detention Center plumbing fixtures.

    7. (H1g) Independent Contractor Agreement with WSP USA Inc. for the Special Inspections and Material Testing Services at Evans Towne Center Park and the Racquet Center

    8. (H1h) Lighting Services Agreement with Georgia Power for the Evans Towne Center Park Ice Rink and Parking Lot

  2. Development and Planning Services Committee Commissioner Melear

    1. (H2a) Purchase of Stream and Wetland Mitigation Credits from the Phinizy Swamp Mitigation Bank and Yam Grandy Mitigation Bank for the Hereford Farm Road Widening Project, PI# 0012865

    2. (H2b) Resolution 26-16 Concerning a Determination to Abandon and Sell a Portion of Morris Callaway Road

    3. (H2c) Acceptance of the 2026 LMIG Safety Action Plan Grant

    4. (H2d) Alcoholic Beverage License Mendoza’s Mexican Grill LLC

    5. (H2e) Easement Encroachment Agreement for 801 Prairie Lane, Tax Map 072P Parcel 077

    6. (H2f) Easement Encroachment Agreement 3104 Wildflower Court, Tax Map 071 Parcel 178

Debate Agenda

  1. New Business

    1. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) VA26-07-01, Variance to Section 90-53 List of lot and Structure Requirements, 618 Millstone Drive, Tax Map 077 Parcel 599, 0.70 +/- acres, and currently zoned R-2 (Single Family Residential). Approve: Yay 4, No 0

        Schlachter: (This is for a proposed standalone garage.) The property has 2 front setbacks. Letter of support from HOA.

      2. (I1a2) RZ26-07-01, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 500 Furys Ferry Road, Tax Map 078 Parcel 178, 11.16 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development). Disapprove: Yay 3, No 1 (Steed)

        Dr. Troy Acres: Asked to deny. Planning Commission voted 4-1 to deny. Concerns about traffic safety, removal of parking spaces, construction impacting existing businesses, existing conceptual plans from 2020 and 2024 do not include gas station. Had to jump through hopes for Ding Pickleball, but never complained.

        Lindsey Steinburg: Opposed. 2026 Comprehensive Plan encouraging wider variety of businesses. Economic benefits of pickleball tourism, safety concerns associated with gas stations, impacts to quality of life.

        Dr. Brandy Consololis: North August Business Owner of Splatter Place. Shared experience of prolonged construction at shopping center in Aiken County. Promised it would be done in 10 months but still ongoing at month 12. She had forced layoffs within 3 weeks of construction starting and she is 3 weeks from bankruptcy. Has lost $15K in business per month since construction started in the parking lot. Her business now has no parking and her front entrance was blocked for 2 months. Urged Commission to not put businesses through that.

      3. (I1a3) RZ26-07-02, Change of Conditions, 4800 Columbia Road, Tax Map 068 Parcel 019C, 2.44 +/- acres and currently zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Approve: Yay 4, No 0

        Schlachter: Change to allow restaurant to use Parcel. Years ago, there was a restriction placed on the parcel to not allow a restaurant. There has been infrastructure improvements nearby, so asking restriction to be removed to build a restaurant. Conditions that all planning staff has to approve and Caliper trees to remain in landscaping.

        Melear: Will this restaurant be inside the gas station and connected or two separate units?

        Schlachter: Connected to existing building but there won’t be doors that pass between the 2 businesses.

        Melear: Questions about alcohol sales at this location?

        Schlachter: Not at this time.

        Melear: Were there any comments from neighbors?

        Schlachter: One comment at planning commission that area is already “super congested” and adding restaurant will increase traffic in area.

      4. (I1a4) Agreement to Participate in the Georgia Hospital Signing System Approve: Yay 4, No 0

        Schlachter: Hospital nearing completion. In order to have signs on Interstate, we have to enter agreement with GDOT. They are responsible for signs on their roads and we’re responsible for signs on our roads.

        Melear: Pointed out that this agreement supersedes local signage ordinance but she thinks that’s an appropriate Variance.

  2. Items Added at the Meeting

    1. (I2a) Reappointments of Development Authority (Mark Herbert, Rick Tulle, Stan Shepard) with terms ending 12/31/2029. Approve: Yay 4, No 0

      Johnson: These people are all up for reappointment to the Development Authority.

      Susan Warren: Added at the meeting to give comment. Questioned whether adding the Development Authority appointments to the agenda during the meeting complied with Georgia’s Open Meetings requirements. She compared the addition to previous library agenda amendments and argued agenda additions should only occur during emergencies.

      Duncan: Acknowledged appointments overlooked earlier in the year. It should have been brought to the board in January.

      Susan Warren: Argued that public should have been properly noticed of the addition of the agenda item because it wasn’t an emergency.

      Duncan: He didn’t have a problem with it.

      Susan Warren: It’s circumventing requirements under the Open Meetings Act, similar to how it was circumvented with the Library [Guidelines] previously.

Public Comment:

  • Lindsey Brantley: Requested improvements to Rezoning process by increasing notice from 15 days to 30 days, and adding Board of Commissioners Meeting info to rezoning signs. Used Hall County as an example.

    Duncan: Directed to Schlachter, discussed concern about if the date of the meeting gets moved, it creates a problem with the sign. Interested in what Hall County does.

    Schlachter: We order the signs. After application received, signs get ordered, and typically put out on Wednesdays to meet the necessary 15-days. Here’s the concern though and happy to look into what Hall County does. Also, directed public to the website. There are 6 right now on website that won’t go in front of Planning Commission until August, so they are advertising it.

    Brantley: My complaint isn’t about the information available online. It’s about the signage. In the last 14 months, I’ve noticed people swarm the meeting on the sign but not the meeting in which the final vote is taken, like tonight. The Pickle Ball parking lot might be the exception to that. We want to see you all though (indicates towards commission) because we elect you and you make the final vote, not the volunteers. Those are volunteers on the planning commission, or are they paid employees?

    Duncan: No, they’re appointed.

    Brantley: They’re appointed by you but they’re not the ones that the decision is on…

    Melear: They are a recommending body.

    Brantley: That’s right. So I feel like the crowd needs to show up to this meeting, and not just to the planning commission meeting. That’s my issue. I know online is up to date but people respond to the signs.

    Duncan: She mentioned stickers, so maybe if there are stickers like an overlay on the sign….

    Brantley: Argued that right now it just has the planning commission date on it. If you add the commission meeting date on it and that date changes, you could slap a sticker on it and you’re not having to order a new sign.

    Melear: But if you see a date on the sign, and you show up, but it was postponed or changed, you’re going to be kinda mad, right?

    Brantley: I’m just asking for a good faith effort. A lot of people just want more time and information. And some people rely on and plan attendance based on the signs. We could go back and forth about who is responsible about knowing the process and information. I feel like an olive branch from you all to the community, especially with all the things sliding through, notifying us to the best of your ability would feel like an olive branch to us.

    Carraway: I wouldn’t be opposed to that if it can be done.

  • Lee Muns: Presented a proposed Model Data Center Ordinance and Development Framework on behalf of Citizens for Open Governance. Asked ahead of time to go over allotted 5 minutes. Spoke for about 12+ minutes.

    Adjourn

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]]><![CDATA[CCBoE 07.21.2026 Regular Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-07212026-regular-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-07212026-regular-meeting-notesWed, 22 Jul 2026 03:41:43 GMTSubscribe now

In attendance: Chairman David Dekle, Vice Chair (D1) Philip Kent, D2 Kristi Baker, D3 Judy Teasley, D4 Katie Allen, Superintendent Steven Flynt

Call To Order: 5:30pm

Invocation: Trinity Baptist Church Family Life Pastor TJ Custer

Pledge of Allegiance: Grovetown HS JROTC

Approval of Agenda:

(Not transcripted)

Dekle: There are 2 items that were inadvertently left off the agenda, and asked to amend the agenda to include:

  • The schedule for board members training, which was included in board packet

  • Bid results regarding special education outsourcing of teachers.

(After a motion and second))

Allen: What item numbers will those be now?

Dekle: We’ll make the training schedule Consent Item H, and we’ll make the bid results item 11.1, immediate following the CTAE presentation. Is that OK?

Allen: And just for clarification, those are training hours only. That’s not….

Dekle: Yes. It’s the sheet that was in your packet.

Allen: And we’re approving the training hours only, correct?

Dekle: Yes, as presented in the training packet.

Amend Agenda Vote: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognition:

a. Country Music Award Foundation Top Music Educator in the Nation

Melissa Blizzard of Stevens Creek Elementary School

Special Recommendation:

a. Rodney Holder, Assistant Principal Harlem High School

Board Comments: Board members thanked the pastor for the invocation, congratulated music teacher Melissa Blizzard on receiving a national CMA Foundation Music Teacher Award, and praised her commitment to her students. They also congratulated Rodney Holder on his promotion to assistant principal at Harlem HS, highlighting his nearly 29 years of service and leadership in the district. Several board members thanked the Grovetown HS JROTC cadets for lading the Pledge of Allegiance, praised district staff for their work preparing for the upcoming school year, and expressed confidence that CCSD would have another successful year.

Flynt: One more agenda item to add as item 7.1. Vote to submit application for Exemplary School Board to Georgia School Board Association. Yay 5, No 0

Exemplary Board Application: Yay 4, No, 0 Abstain 1 (Allen)

Flynt: Deadline falls before the next board meeting. GSBA offers 3 levels of recognition based on board governance and other criteria, and Columbia County routinely applies each year.

Allen: Questioned whether the board should seek the designation, saying she believed there were still areas where the board needed improvement and that she had previously emailed concerns about governance. She hadn’t been provided the evaluation rubric or enough information to make an informed decision.

Kent: Believes the board is moving in a positive direction, citing more open discussion and transparency. Acknowledge he wasn’t familiar with GSBA scoring criteria.

Teasley: Stakeholder feedback gathered as part of the application process had been positive, and the district applies for the recognition annually.

Consent Agenda:

a. Minutes of 6/16/2026 Regular Session Meeting, and Minutes of 7/14/2026 Special Called Meeting.

b. May Financials

c. Budget Amendment and Transfers

d. Fundraisers

e. Employee Travel

f. Program/Camp/Employee Participation Requests

g. Lease/Use of Facilities

h. Schedule for board member training

Allen: Asked to remove 6/16/2026 Meeting Minutes.

Motion to approve consent items b-h and the 7/14/2026 Special Called Meeting Minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Allen: Asked to amend the 6/16/2026 meeting minutes to state that she removed herself from part of the executive session before later abstaining from the affidavit vote. Yay 5, No 0

Board Policies (revisions to be voted on at next meeting) (To view Board Policies, check here: https://simbli.eboardsolutions.com/Policy/PolicyListing.aspx?S=36031361&ptid=amIgTZiB9plushNjl6WXhfiOQ== . Scroll down on the left-hand menu to see “Pending for Public Comment.” This will list the board policies that are currently accepting public comments.)

a. Board Policy KG, Use of School Facilities

b. Board Policy EBB, Safety: Adding state mandated Behavior Threat Assessment guidelines/protocols, safety training for subs. Each school will have behavioral threat assessment team that valuates reported threats under state guidelines, documents serious cases in Infinite Campus and coordinates with school resource officers.

c. Board Policy GARJ, Employee Retirement: Revising Return to work language for retirees to comply with TRS requirements.

d. Board Policy IH, Student Achievement: Modifying that middle school students may qualify for example exemptions

e. Board Policy JB, Student Attendance: Implementing new kindergarten and first-grade readiness requirements. State requirements to assess students for first grade readiness if they did not attend public Kindergarten.

Graduation Ceremonies for 2027

  • Ceremonies will continue to be held at Evans Towne Center Park with the Columbia County Performing Arts Centers reserved as indoor backup in case of inclement weather

  • Augusta Arena as alternate venue discussed but no guarantee it will be finished in time, but may be a viable option for 2028.

Career, Technical and Agricultural Education Pathway Update

  • Addition of Heavy Equipment Operator Pathway

Bid Result for SPED Teacher Augumentation. Approved with Restriction (see notes): Yay 5, No 0

Flynt: District issued request for proposals to ore than 10 vendors and received 29 responses. Based on cost, staffing availability, response time, Georgia experience and references, administrators recommended Blazer works.

Wright (HR): District currently anticipating needing 8-10 teachers and described the contract as a backup staffing option to fill vacancies more quickly than the district could hire on its own. He said contracted teachers would met thee district’s certification requirements and could be hired for varying lengths of time depending on need.

Allen: Questioned whether proposal was connected to a separate procurement involving the possible outsourcing of paraprofessionals. Allen said she reviewed an open procurement document referencing staffing services and believed there was overlap in the language. Sh argued that the board previously discussed studying the outsourcing concept further and that she had no received enough documentation to determine if the 2 procurement were related.

Wright: Repeatedly stated that the bid contract before the board did not involve outsourcing paraprofessionals and was limited to temporary professional staffing for positions such as special education teachers, occupational therapists and other specialized personnel. Wright said the district had no intention of outsourcing its paraprofessional Workforce and explained the proposal simply established a contract that could be used when vacancies arose.

Baker: Asked whether contracted employees would remain for the entire school year and if district could request other specialized provides if needed.

Wright: Compared to arrangement to traveling healthcare professionals, explaining that the staffing company maintains a large network of qualified personnel who can be placed more quickly than traditional hiring. Expressed concern that if they didn’t follow through with contract, there would be SPED teacher vacancies on the first day of school.

Dekle: Proposed adding a restriction that the contract could not be used to fill paraprofessional positions without returning to the board for approval.

The motion was made and voted on.

Bid for Heavy Equipment Operator Simulator for CTAE. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

Ratification of the Greenbrier HS CMAR bid award. Yay 5, No 0

  • Formally ratified it’s 7/14/2026 decision rescinding award to Carroll Daniel Construction and awarding contract to McKnight Construction.

  • Allen asked whether Turner & Townsend’s representative would be present to answer additional questions about scoring calculations.

  • Dekle state he wanted the superintendent to review the district’s program management process and provide recommendations going forward

Superintendents Report:

  • Rising 6th Grade Camp, July 23

  • New Teacher Induction, July 23, 24 and 27

  • Open House Dates for 2026-2027 SY

    • HS: July 29

    • MS: July 30

    • ES: July 30

  • Teacher Pre-Planning, July 28-31 & August 3

  • Rising 9th Grade Camp, July 30 and August 1

  • First Day of School, August 4

  • Progress Reports, September 3

  • Early Dismissal/Parent Conferences, September 4

*All Parents* Don’t forget! Online Student Registration is still ongoing. Contact the district if you didn’t get your back to school magazine in the mail.

Public Participation:

  • Jessica Fisher: Praised the board for tentatively lowering the millage rate to the rollback rate. Discouraged the board from outsourcing staff due to quality concerns.

  • Taylor Schwarzkopf: Concerns about culture of intolerance and non-acceptance of students with special needs throughout district.

Executive Session: 7:15-7:23pm

Affidavit executed: Yay 5, No 0

Personnel sheet: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn 7:25pm

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]]><![CDATA[CCBoE 07.14.2026 Special Called Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-07142026-special-called-meetinghttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboe-07142026-special-called-meetingWed, 15 Jul 2026 00:54:04 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 5:30 pm

Approval of Agenda: Yay 5, No 0

Tax Digest Millage Rate Presentation (I will link the full presentation when it gets uploaded to the district website tomorrow morning.)

CFO Alex Casado:

  • One mill is now worth approximately $9.2 million in property tax revenue.

  • The Tax Commissioner’s office calculated the rollback rate at 14.997 mills, an 8.25% reduction from the current 16.234 mills.

  • Even with the full rollback, the district would still collect about $305,000 more than last year because of growth in the tax digest.

  • The FY2027 budget assumed approximately a 3% increase in property tax revenue, which would be met with a rate of roughly 15.524 mills.

  • Casado estimated that adopting the full rollback would reduce expected revenue by about $4.7 million compared with the adopted budget, leaving the district with an estimated 19% fund balance, above the Board’s 15% policy minimum.

  • If the Board adopted the full rollback, no additional tax increase hearings would be required.

Board Discussion:

Chairman Dekle - Preferred tentatively adopted a rate above the rollback rate so that they could hold public hearings and receive additional public input, before making a full decision.

Katie Allen made a motion to tentatively adopt the full rollback rate of 14.997 mills, and Philip Kent seconded the motion. Yay: 3 (Teasley, Allen, Kent) No: (Dekle, Baker)

Allen: Last year we adopted the full rollback rate and still collected approximately $2.7 million more in property tax revenue because of growth in the tax digest.

Casado: If we have growth in the digest which outweighs exemption applications, then the revenue will grow.

Allen: Why would we come to taxpayers for more money when we just transferred $20 million from the General Fund to the Building Fund? Adopting the full rollback would require roughly another $4.7 million to come from the General Fund, and the General Fund is large enough to absorb that.

Casado: This would move the General Fund from about 20% of operating expenses to 19%. According to the board’s rules, we can’t go below 15% but 19-20% is a healthy fund balance level.

Baker: What do we use the General Fund for?

Casado: You can think of it as the savings account. There is some lag between now and when we collect property taxes, when we draw down the General Fund. The balance tends to increase/decrease in waves with revenues.

Because the Board tentatively adopted the rollback rate, the district will not be required to hold the three public hearings that would have been necessary if a higher millage rate had been proposed.

Executive Session

Following executive session, Chairman David Dekle made a statement that after the June 16 meeting, a contractor had objected to the scoring used to select the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Greenbrier High School additions and renovations. An investigation determined that the district's outside program manager, Turner & Townsend, had used a different scoring methodology than the one previously used for the Harlem High School CMAR selection. Had the correct methodology been used, McKnight Construction would have received the highest score instead of Carroll Daniel Construction.

Katie Allen raised a point of order, noting the issue was not on the published agenda. Judy Teasley then moved to amend the agenda to add the item.

Allen: The affected contractors have not been notified and she questioned the need to take action tonight rather than waiting until the regularly scheduled meeting next week. She also noted that discussion on amending the agenda should occur before a vote under Robert’s Rules of Order. Chairman Dekle paused the meeting, confirmed that a motion to amend the agenda is debatable, and allowed discussion before the Board voted.

The Board voted 4-1 to amend the agenda, with Allen opposed.

Beatty: Turner & Townsend discovered the scoring error after the June 16 meeting and reported it to district staff. The corrected calculations showed McKnight Construction should have received the award and, in response to a question from Kent, said additional review of the scoring process would likely help prevent similar errors in the future..

Allen requested copies of the scoring matrices for the Harlem, Greenbrier, Evans, and Lakeside projects.

The Board then voted 5-0 to rescind the award to Carroll Daniel Construction and award the Greenbrier High School CMAR contract to McKnight Construction.

Adjourn: Yay 5, No 0

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]]><![CDATA[CCBOC 07.07.2026 Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-07072026-meeting-noteshttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboc-07072026-meeting-notesWed, 08 Jul 2026 03:06:56 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 6:01pm

Approval of 6/16/2026 Commission Minutes and 6/16/2026 Executive Session Minutes: Yay 5, No 0

Special Recognition/Presentation:

  • Columbia County Fire Rescue 2026 Boot Drive Check Represntation to Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation and Columbia County Community Connection: approximately $28,000

Consent Agenda. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  1. Community and Emergency Services Committee

    1. (H1a) Columbia Judicial Circuit Independent Contractor Agreement with CSRA Probation Services, Inc.

    2. (H1b) Rental Agreement with State Properties Commission for the Department of Community Supervision

    3. (H1c) Acceptance of the FY2025 Emergency Management Performance Grant

    4. (H1d) FY27 Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Grant for the State Accountability Court Program

    5. (H1e) Animal Services Donations

    6. (H1f) Senior Center Donation

    7. (H1g) Service Agreement with the Columbia County Ballet for Ballet in the Park Event

    8. (H1h) Service Agreements with Columbia County Community Connections and the Southeastern Firefighters Burn Foundation from the 2026 Fire Rescue Boot Drive Proceeds

  2. Development and Planning Services Committee

    1. (H2a) Alcoholic Beverage License Griffin’s Steakhouse LLC

  3. Public Works and Engineering Services Committee

    1. (H3a) Implementation of FM Live Fuel Point Hardware and Software with FuelMaster

    2. (H3b) Professional Services Contract with Booker + Vick Architects for the Columbia County Roads and Bridges Administration Office

    3. (H3c) Change Order Number One with Blair Construction for Water System Improvements Cleaning Phase I

    4. (H3d) Purchase of Water Meters for FY26/27 from Sensus, Inc

    5. (H3e) Award 2026019-BID5100 to Blair Construction for the Hunter’s Ridge Lift Station Replacement

    6. (H3f) Independent Contractor Agreement with Hydrologics, Inc. for a Zero Discharge Flushing Program

    7. (H3g) Resolution 26-11 to Increase the Speed Limit and Reclassify Kelarie Way to a Minor Collector Road

    8. (H3h) Lighting Services Agreements with Georgia Power to Upgrade Street Lighting at Various Locations - Phase IV

    9. (H3i) Non-Residential Gas Extension Contract with Atlanta Gas Light (AGL) to serve the installation of a Backup Generator for the Traffic Signal at the intersection of River Watch Pkwy and Baston Rd

    10. (H3j) Contract# 2025-3325, Change Order 1 for TIA 2, Group 6 Resurfacing with Reeves Construction

    11. (H3k) Facility Use Agreement with the Clarks Hill Beekeepers Association for use of the Baker Place Road Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

    12. (H3l) Contract# 2026-3609 with Surveying and Mapping, LLC for Prior Rights Research for the Hereford Farm Rd Widening Project, PI# 012865

    13. (H3m) 2026 Annual Renewal of Columbia County’s Title VI Plan relating to Federal Assistance for Transportation Programs and Activities

Debate Agenda

  1. Unfinished Business

    1. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I1a1) Resolution 26-14 Amending Fee Schedule for Development Services - Second Reading Approve: Yay 5, No 0

  2. New Business

    1. Management and Internal Services Committee

      1. (I2a1) Resolution 26-15: Requesting and Directing the Board of Elections to Call and Conduct a Referendum Pursuant to House Bill 439 Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Johnson: HB 439 part of county’s effort to reduce, and eventually eliminate, county homestead property taxes. Previously increased homestead exemption from $2000 to $10,000. This allows voters to consider exemption up to $18,000 (max allowed without constitutional amendment). County intends to use rollback rate for 2027 millage rate. (Meaning, lower millage rate enough to offset higher property assessments and avoid net increase from reassessments. County has reduced millage rate in 10 of past 11 years except COVID year when it stayed the same.

    2. Development and Planning Services Committee

      1. (I2b1) Alcoholic Beverage License Jones Creek Golf Course LLC Approve: Yay 5, No 0

      2. (I2b2) VA26-06-01, Variance to Section 90-135 Signs, 4015 Gateway Blvd, Tax Map 068 Parcel 1667, 1.71 +/- acres, and currently zoned C-2 (General Commercial). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Increased Applebee’s Signage. 89 square feet of awning signs. Wall sign on west elevation. Wall sign on east elevation that exceed normal maximum. In response to commission questions: No complaints from other businesses and would not create precedent for other businesses seeking larger signs.

      3. (I2b3) RZ26-06-01, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 1868 Champions Circle, Tax Map 065 Parcel 251, 0.83 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Reduce setback from 50 feet to 25 feet for a pool.

      4. (I2b4) RZ26-06-02, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 3982 Hammonds Ferry Court, Tax Map 077H Parcel 369, 0.399 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development) and Easement Encroachment. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Change setback from 10 ft to 2 ft so homeowner can put in a pool.

        Neighbor: Objected because he said that excavation that close to the property line could damage the critical root zone of the mature trees on his property, which is behind this property. He cited an arborist report and said the issue might not show up immediately, but trees could decline or die within 1-3 years. He was concerned about who would be responsible for tree removal or if the trees caused other property damage.

        (Chris Driver, board’s attorney, briefly addressed liability issues, but ultimately advised that this would be a civil matter and he couldn’t give legal advice.)

        Owner: Responded that the pool would not be two feet from the property line along the entire fence. The pool would likely be at least 5 feet from property line.

        (Neighbor and homeowner then briefly discussed responsibility for future tree damage/removal. They were going to work together.)

      5. (I2b5) RZ26-06-03, Major S-1 (Special) Revision, 460 Furys Ferry Road, Tax Map 082 Parcel 076A, 2.27 +/- acres, and currently zoned S-1 (Special). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Zoned for S-1 for a daycare. Daycare owner decided to sell property and new owner wants to use it as a medical office treating children. No comments from nearby property owners.

      6. (I2b6) RZ26-06-04, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 401 Bartram Trail Club Drive, Tax Map 060 Parcel 1695, 20.57 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development). Disapprove: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Proposed single-family residential development on property currently designated C-2 Commercial.

        After the vote, Eric Beddingfield: He said that staff and the planning committee recommended approval. (He seemed surprised)

        Commissioner Melear: Explained that while staff and the planning committee make recommendations, the final approval comes from the Board of Commissioners, and they disapproved.

      7. (I2b7) RZ26-06-05, Major PUD (Planned Unit Development) Revision, 785 Jones Creek, Tax Map 078 Parcel 057U, 0.78 +/- acres, and currently zoned PUD (Planned Unit Development). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Existing amenities predate the current setback requirements. HOA wants to expand the building, they need to establish new setbacks for pool area. (Commissioner Melear had a lot of questions about the project in regards to parking of construction equipment, fencing requirements, etc.)

        Tripp Nanney (On behalf of HOA): Replacing 35+ year old pool house. Add ADA-compliant restrooms and pool entrances, enlarge pump room, address flooding/plumbing problems.

        Homeowner of nearby property: Satisfied with revised plans provided HOA follows through with no 2nd story balcony overlooking his property, add an appropriate privacy fence, and landscape buffering.

        Schlachter: Confirmed that required fence and landscaping would have to be installed before certificate of occupancy could be issued.

      8. (I2b8) RZ26-06-06, Change of Conditions, 4434 Columbia Road, Tax Map 073G Parcel 082, 0.86 +/- acres, and currently zoned P-1 (Professional). Approve: Yay 5, No 0

        Schlachter: Remove a condition imposed in 2015 that limited the Parcel to only one massage business. This will allow more than one massage therapy business to operate on the property.

    3. Public Works and Engineering Services Committee

      1. (I2c1) Contract #2026-3538 with Eleven-X to Purchase their Smart Parking System eXactpark) for the Parking Deck and Parking Lots around the Performing Arts Center. Approve: Yay 4, No 1 (Connie Melear)

        One-time capital cost $323,265.99. Annual cost $37,230.48. System will show how many parking spaces are available in the area (including parking deck, but not limited to the parking deck.) Help people find parking during large events and better use existing parking before spending money on additional parking. Staff was able to reduce annual cost and had app included in one-time purchase. Steed stated it could help with safety because people can drive right to their parking spot.

Public Comments

  • Helen Willingham: On behalf of Willingham Estate. Discuss adding access to county water, road paving, name of road was changed from Willingham Dr to Beehive Dr and would like to switch it back. Commissioners Carraway and Steed will meet with descendents and county officials.

  • Timothy Alrich: Discussed property tax options

  • Morgan Evans: Requested a traffic safety study be conducted of the intersection on William Few between the Kroger and McDonalds. Schlachter responded that the county had already begun looking into it after Ms. Evans contacted them. There have been 28 accidents in 3 years, including 10 with injuries. He discussed different possibilities but it needs to be studied more to look at all possibilities of routing traffic in the area.

  • Susan Warren: Data Centers

Executive Session

  1. Property

    1. (M1a) Acceptance of a temporary construction Easement (175 square feet) from Evans Enterprise of Augusta, LLC for Washington Road Corridor Traffic Improvement Project. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

    2. (M1b) Acceptance of a temporary construction Easement (435 square feet) from CAlvin Toliver for Horizon South Parkway/Chandler Rd Connector Project. Approve: Yay 5, No 0

Adjourn: 7:16pm.

The next scheduled meeting is Tuesday 7/21/2026 at 6:00pm in the Auditorium of Building A at the Evans Government Center.

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]]><![CDATA[CCBoElections 06.22.2026 Certification & Regular Meeting Notes]]>https://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboelections-06222026-certificationhttps://www.gacolumbiacountyobserver.com/p/ccboelections-06222026-certificationTue, 23 Jun 2026 01:45:30 GMTSubscribe now

Call To Order: 4:03pm

Reading & Approval of Agenda: Yay 3, No 0

New Business

  • Recess at 4:05pm until 5:00pm to allow for deadline of provisional ballot curation

  • 5:06 pm Reconvened

    • 6/16/2026, General Primary/Nonpartisan General Election Runoff

      • Provisional Ballots:

        • 4 Election Day

          • 2 accepted (wrong precinct)

          • 2 rejected (voters registered in different counties. workers helped to register in CC for future elections)

      • Absentee Ballots

        • 806 applications, 1 uncured

        • 622 returned + 4 (scanned today) =626

    • Certification of Election Results of 6/16/2026 General Primary/Nonpartisan General Election Runoff: Yay 3, No 0

    • Audit of 6/16/2026 General Primary/Nonpartisan General Election Runoff

      • Friday 6/26/2026: Bldg G3: Both parties already submitted names

    • Recount of PSC District 3 Republican Race

      • Recertify results of the PSC District 3 election: Yay 3, No 0

        • 1 vote difference due to voter review panel difference.

        • Part of statewide recount

Next Meeting: 7/21/2026: 10:30am Evans Main Office (G3)

Adjournment: 5:27pm

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