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
Community and Emergency Services Committee
(H1a) Service Agreement with Augusta Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution
(H1b) Motorola P25 AIS 911 Recording System Agreement with Replay Systems, Inc.
(H1c) Amendment to the Columbia County Events Sponsorship and Advertising Agreement
(H1d) CSRA Mustang Club Agreement for the Mustang Club of America National Show
(H1e) The Purchase of (40) Scott XD Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and (30) additional cylinders from American Safety and Firehouse
(H1f) The Purchase of ProtectIR and XplorIR Bundles from 908 Devices for the Hazardous Materials Response Team
(H1g) Masters Services Agreement with RapidSOS, Inc. for IAmResponding Software
(H1h) Independent Contractor Agreement with Telemedicine Group for the HeartStart+ Cardiovascular & Metabolic Screening
Public Works and Engineering Services Committee
(H2a) The Purchase of a New Mobile Generator for Fleet Services from Nixon Power Services
(H2b) Award Bid # 2026021-BID3289 and Contract to Coleman Construction, Inc. for the Construction of the Columbia County Emergency Back-up Generators
(H2c) Emergency Purchase from Augusta Chiller Services Inc. for the Boiler Replacement at Patriots Park Gym
(H2d) Award Bid # 2026020-BID3289 and Contract to Duckworth Development for the Renovation of Building G1 - Department of Revenue
(H2e) Southern Flow Nozomi Yearly License Renewal 2026
(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
(H2g) A Purchase from Gerald Jones Ford for a Half Ton Four-Wheel Truck to Replace Shop Number 2201
(H2h) Adding a Cell Phone Allowance to Position Numbers 91 Manager II NE and 1616 Manager II NE
(H2i) Water Utility Pump Maintenance Agreement with Goforth Williamson Inc.
(H2j) Emergency Chemical Spill Cleanup by Clean Harbors Environmental Services, Inc
(H2k) Amendment to the Project Access Improvements (PAI) Manual
(H2l) Designation of the Stormwater Compliance Department Manager as a US EPA Signatory Authority & Alternative Designated Representative
(H2m) Change Order Number 1 to Contract #2026-3469 with Cajenn Construction & Rehabilitation Services for the 2026 Storm Water UV Lining Projects
(H2n) Contract #2026-3610 with Southern Civil Solutions for Engineering Services Related to the Ridge Crossing Storm Drain UV Lining Rehabilitation Project
(H2o) Supplemental Agreement Number 1 to the Project Framework Agreement with GDOT for the Washington Rd Widening Project, PI# 0021250
(H2p) Acceptance of Easements and Associated Stormwater Infrastructure from Tillery Park Homeowners Association, Inc
(H2q) Acceptance of Easements and Associated Water & Sanitary Utility Infrastructure from Edgar Hughston Builders, Inc.
Debate Agenda
New Business
Developmnt and Planning Service Committee
(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
Property
(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