The June meeting of the Emanuel County Board of Commissioners was held Tuesday, June 16, in the main courtroom of the Emanuel County Courthouse. All commissioners were in attendance as well as County Administrator Guy Singletary, and County Clerk Halei Lamb. The public was also well represented with a crowd of nearly one hundred attendees present. Chairman Jim Sherrod called the meeting to order. An invocation was offered by Rev. Brad McKenzie, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the Public Comments agenda, five individuals addressed the Board. Ted Jones spoke regarding Data Centers and the potential negative effects of such operations. Mr. Jones urged commissioners to consider some protective measures to provide scrutiny and control of these type businesses that may wish to locate in Emanuel County.
The next issue was brought by Ashley Love who voiced concerns regarding staffing, pay, additional equipment needed and workload issues relative to the EMS department at Emanuel Medical Center.
Next, Jessie Meadows came before the Board to discuss concerns of property owners who may be impacted by construction of new high-level power transmission lines through Emanuel County. Meadows asked the Board to monitor and represent the interests of property owners as this project develops.
Tot Free came before the Board to express her concern and those of others concerning recent action by the county tax assessor’s office in property tax evaluation. Mrs. Free cited this situation as “sticker shock” and another serious threat to family farms and the timber industry in Emanuel County.
Frank Wimberly brought the final appeal to the Board and reiterated his opposition to Data Centers and the threats imposed by operation of these businesses. This concluded the Public Comments agenda and the Board moved into regular order.
The minutes of former meetings including workshops of June 9, and May 26, and the regular meeting of May 18, were all approved unanimously.
Under new business, the Board discussed the need for a third EMS truck for Emanuel Medical Center. Additional discussion on the subject of EMS issues took place. Unanimous action was taken on approval to acquire a new EMS truck.
Next, under new business, was the adoption of a Moratorium to provide a 12-month period during which no permitting or approval or development of high intensity energy demand facilities can be allowed in Emanuel County. The action received unanimous approval.
In continuing new business, the board voted to accept a low bid on “Deep patching projects” throughout the county. The action was unanimously approved. Also, unanimous approval was granted for the appointment of Anson Walden and Dr. Sydney McRae to the county Board of Health.
In final action, Administrator Singletary informed the Board that the implementation of the final phase of construction at the Coleman County Office Building was at hand. With the project at a point where funding and scheduling were right on track, a unanimous vote for the final phase of the project was approved.
This concluded the agenda for the evening and the meeting was adjourned.
