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By Sarah Brown – Managing Editor

The Crisp County Commission convened on September 10, 2024, at the Crisp County Government Center under the leadership of Chairman James R. Dowdy, III. The meeting commenced with an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Clark Harrell.

The agenda was amended to include a Power Purchase Agreement, which was unanimously approved. Sheriff Billy Hancock reported a rise in contacts, warnings, and citations, with a total of 674 interactions, including 476 citations. He announced the official contract with Crisp Academy for a School Resource Officer (SRO) and introduced new Animal Services Officer Jason Browne, sworn in on September 9, 2024. Hancock also addressed recent threats in schools, drawing parallels to past trends and emphasizing the importance of a safe learning environment. Sheriff Hancock said, “If they don’t have a safe comfortable environment they aren’t going to learn.”

Commissioner Felton raised concerns about increased police monitoring at 24th and Pecan during football games to ensure stadium security.

In new business, the Commission approved several items unanimously:

1. Ordinance 2024-014: Rezoning of Laporte Holdings on Greer Street.
2. Ordinance 2024-015: Rezoning 162 acres from RR to Industrial for Stella Jones.
3. Resolution 2024-013: 5311 Transit Program Funding Application.
4. 2023 Sale Ratio Appeal.
5. 2024 Property Tax Digest and 5-Year History.
6. Animal Control Contract Update with the City of Cordele.
7. Power Purchase Agreement.

County Administrator addressed the ongoing trash issues, noting plans to open bids for trash pick-up services.

The meeting concluded with adjournment.