Elbert County Board of Commissioners

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Official Minutes

Elbert County Board of Commissioners

Minutes of Called Meeting

Minutes of Public Hearing
Elbert County Board of Commissioners
September 14, 2026
 

  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Avery McGarity to rezone from A (Agricultural) to RR (Rural Residential) on Bowman Hwy., Dewy Rose, Ga. This request is to allow for the parcel to be split out and two (2) tracts to be sold. Map and parcel 012 102. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 7-0 vote. There were no public comments.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Tarpon Towers for a Conditional Use permit for a Telecommunications Tower to be built at 1482 Tobe Wells Road, Elberton, Ga. Map and parcel 039 056. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 5-2 vote. Several residents in the area spoke against this stating it will be an eyesore, and will decrease property values, concerns of possible cancer-causing properties. Most said it should be in a more inconspicuous area. Mr. Chuck Almond, EMS Director stated there was a need for it in that area.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Booker Land Holdings for a Conditional Use permit to allow for a Sporting Clay Gun Club to be on the property of Knotts Landing Drive, Elberton, Ga. Map and parcel 009 001. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 5-2 vote. The spokesman for Booker Land Holdings stated the applicant has been proactive when applying for the permit, has satisfied all conditions, and has gone out of his way to address concerns. It will be limited to shotgun use and no alcohol on site. Employees will go through safety training. Mr. Malcolm Faust, pastor of Rock Springs CME Church is concerned of the noise and also of lead getting into the stream. Several other residents were also concerned of the same issues. Mr. Knott spoke in favor, saying it would be good for the community.


Minutes
Elbert County Board of Commissioners
September 14, 2026

 
  1. Chairman Lee Vaughn called the meeting to order.  Present were Commissioner David Hunt, Commissioner Casey Freeman, Commissioner Chris Alexander, Commissioner Mike Scoggins, Commissioner Freddie Jones, County Administrator Allen Hulme, CFO Macie Witcher, County Attorney Bill Daughtry, County Clerk Tamara Butler, guests and media.
 
  1. After the pledge to the United States flag the invocation was given by Mr. Daughtry
 
  1. Adoption of the Agenda. Chairman Vaughn asked for a motion to amend the agenda to add 15a) Discussion and consideration of the FY2028 DOT Grant Application. Commissioner Freeman made the motion to approve the agenda as amended. Commissioner Alexander seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Adoption of the Minutes of August 10, 2026. Commissioner Hunt made a motion to approve the minutes of August 10, 2026. Commissioner Scoggins seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Public Comments on Agenda Items. Several people spoke in support of the hospital. Ms. Leanne Layne, EMH Hospital Authority Chairwoman, Dr. Dan McAvoy, Mr. Tim Harper, Mr. Jimmy Lewis, President of Hometown Health, Dr. Russell Pruitt, Mrs. Sandy Adams of FHF Club, Brian Hamilton, Mr. John Clark.  All said how important the hospital is for our community.  Mrs. Robin Smith said the hospital needs a better business plan; the county cannot keep pouring money into it and putting the burden on the taxpayers.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Avery McGarity to rezone from A (Agricultural) to RR (Rural Residential) on Bowman Hwy., Dewy Rose, Ga. This request is to allow for the parcel to be split out and two (2) tracts to be sold. Map and parcel 012 102. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 7-0 vote. Commissioner Alexander made a motion to approve this rezone request. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Tarpon Towers for a Conditional Use permit for a Telecommunications Tower to be built at 1482 Tobe Wells Road, Elberton, Ga. Map and parcel 039 056. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 5-2 vote. Commissioner Scoggins made a motion to approve this Conditional Use permit. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion. The motion passed 4-1, with Commissioner Jones opposing.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Booker Land Holdings for a Conditional Use permit to allow for a Sporting Clay Gun Club to be on the property of Knotts Landing Drive, Elberton, Ga. Map and parcel 009 001. Planning and Zoning recommended approval by a 5-2 vote. Commissioner Freeman made a motion to table this item for one (1) month. Commissioner Scoggins seconded the motion. The motion to table this request passed by a 5-0 vote.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration to move the October Board of Commissioners meeting from Monday October 12th to Tuesday October 13th, 2026 due to the Columbus Day holiday. Commissioner Hunt made a motion to approve changing the October meeting date. Commissioner Scoggins seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a monument at the Jim Ree Museum. Mr. Hulme stated that Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy White asked for a memorial slab which is 3 x 3-1/2 feet to be placed at the Jim Ree Museum in honor of Reverand Dr. William Henry Heard. Commissioner Jones made a motion to approve. Commissioner Alexander seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request from Elbert Memorial Hospital for $250,000 in funding to support hospital operations through the remainder of this calendar year. Commissioner Alexander asked what is the plan. Will this be a recurring request every year without being given anything from the hospital as to how the funds will be spent. He said we are not advocating for it to close, but to show the board a plan on how it will survive without having to put the burden on the taxpayers. He went on to say that millions of dollars have been given to the hospital over the years, but there has to be changes made. Ms. Leanne Pitts replied they are open to suggestions and discussions about the hospital’s future and how to sustain it. Commissioner Freeman asked Ms. Pitts how long it will take the hospital board to come up with a viable plan that will help save the hospital.  What are some specific objectives that will help alleviate the financial problems of the hospital. He stated that all the board is asking is for accountability of how the money is being spent and that it is not too much to ask from the hospital board. Ms. Pitts reiterated that the hospital needs the approval of the $250,000 tonight. Commissioner Scoggins stated the hospital board didn’t ask for money when the Hartwell Clinic was built, or for the $90,000 set of plans for the hospital renovation, or when the CEO received a $30,000 salary increase, but is now asking for $250,000 immediately.
Commissioner Jones stated that he supports the hospital, but all of the burden should not be on the taxpayers.  Commissioner Jones made the motion to approve giving the hospital $250,000 at this time. There was not a second; therefore, the motion died. Commissioner Freeman made a motion to table this until after more discussions and some things ironed out and a plan can get started. Commissioner Jones seconded this motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a Resolution Reappointing Nancy Bessinger, Pamela Jo Phelps and Jaamal Rambert to the Board of Elections and Registration for additional 4-year terms to expire June 30, 2030. Commissioner Freeman made a motion to approve the reappointments of Nancy Bessinger, Pamela Jo Phelps and Jaamal Rambert to the Board of Elections. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration of a request by Mrs. Mary Clark for financial support for the 2027 MLK, Jr. Unity Celebration.  Commissioner Scoggins made the motion to approve the amount of $2,500 to help fund the MLK, Jr. Unity Celebration; with the funds to come from Hotel/Motel tax. Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration to surplus the following:
 
    1. 1996 F-350 Ford Chassis 7.3 (58,000 miles), and request for the proceeds to go toward EMS/Water Response Team
 
    1. Remove and surplus ambulance patient compartment/box, ID#19UF24384R

Commissioner Alexander made a motion to approve to surplus the 1996 Ford F-350 Chassis and the ambulance patient compartment/box. Commissioner Hunt seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.
 
  1. Discussion and consideration to purchase a new ambulance (sole vendor item), 12-18 month delivery time, from Emergency Vehicle Sales, Elberton, Ga. Commissioner Alexander made a motion to approve the purchase of a new 2027 Ford F350 Traumahawk ambulance in the amount of $240,550 from SPLOST funds. Commissioner Freeman seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.


15a) Discussion and consideration of the FY2028 DOT Grant Application. This is an annual grant for
Elbert Transit. The total grant amount is $384,475 with 50% being federally funded and a 50%      local share. Commissioner Scoggins made a motion to approve the FY2028 DOT Grant Application. Commissioner Jones seconded the motion. The motion passed 5-0.

 
  1. Finance Report. Ms. Witcher reported that the General Fund was under budget through August. General Fund revenues were $421,549 more than this time in FY2026. SPLOST has a cash balance of $1,904,064 and T-SPLOST has a cash balance of $4,486,750. Property Tax Relief Sales Tax fund has a balance of $554,030. Hotel/Motel Tax fund has a balance of $27,914 for local projects.
 
  1. Adjournment. Commissioner Scoggins made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Commissioner Hunt. The motion passed unanimously.