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Photo by Billy Freeman
On the evening of Nov. 14, the Hart County Board of Commissioners had a notably brief meeting, concluding in about an hour. Notable topics of discussion included land development, as well as efforts to improve road safety and mental health among Georgians.
After the prayer and pledge, commission chairman Marshall Sayer called the meeting to order. He thanked voters for voting in general, but especially those who were in favor of SPLOST. He also implored Hart County citizens to show up to the polls more often, saying, “We need to do better. I’d encourage you, next election, to get out and vote.”
Commissioners Michael Bennett and Joey Dorsey echoed these sentiments, with Dorsey noting how SPLOST will aid in financing the jail, highlighting public safety matters, and reminding citizens to have reflective 911 signs at their driveways. Commissioner Frankie Teasley thanked veterans and public safety; similarly, Commissioner Jeff Brown thanked veterans for inviting the Board to participate in the parade last Saturday.
The Board then commenced discussion and voting on a number of matters. Dorsey mentioned setbacks on several roads, saying that it should be measure it from the center of the road versus from the center of the driveway, further standardizing the setback.
Sayer’s call for a vote on land development, with an amendment that they consider the setbacks from the center of the road on all roads with right-of-ways, was met with 5-0 approval.
The Commissioners also adopted the recommendation from the Recreation Advisory Board concerning basketball uniforms. They received the bids for the uniforms at their last meeting, Oct. 24. The uniforms are to be supplied from Go Sports in Clarkesville, GA with jerseys at $20 apiece.
The Board also approved Hart County Sheriff Mike Cleveland’s request that two of his new hires receive credit for their previous work experience. The following item concerned the state of Georgia’s work to improve mental health services, urging the state government to increase funding for the issue. This, too, was approved by the Board.
Another item on the agenda concerned an intergovernmental agreement between the Board of Commissioners, Board of Education, and tax commissioner. The three parties desired that the tax commissioner should disburse the money it collects on behalf of the Boards to them once per month instead of twice. This, too, received a 5-0 vote.
Another topic addressed the intersection at Bowman Highway, Bio Church Rd., and Clay Brown Rd. The intersection had been the site of many accidents, including fatalities, before the current 4-way stop was put in. However, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) requested a roundabout be added to the intersection, with the County to assist with cost. The Board concluded that other intersections need a roundabout more, with 911 records showing no data that the Bowman Hwy./Bio Church Rd./Clay Brown Rd. intersection has been the location of wrecks since the 4-way stop was added there.
The next meeting of the Hart County BOC is scheduled for Nov. 28.