County Commission meets

[EDITOR’S NOTE: We were unable to attend last Tuesday’s meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission. Following is a report derived from the unofficial minutes of the meeting.]
Last week’s business at the September meeting of the Jeff Davis County Commission began with public comments.
Karen Edge asked if the commissioners had received a summary report from the Jeff Davis Service Center, a report that lists the programs. She encouraged the commissioners to get the information and also commented on having a dental clinic in the county.
Denise Hall asked that Amanda Thomas Road be paved. Amanda Thomas Road connects Barney and McEachin Landing roads. Administrator Keith Carter said the county may be able to use Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds and Commissioner James Benjamin said the commissioners would look into it.
Rhonda Walsh asked if the county received revenues from utilities as the City of Hazlehurst does. Carter explained that the utilities pay property taxes based on values with the Tax Appraiser’s office.
Road Superintendent Robert Lewis opened sealed bids on a mini-excavator. Tidewater Equipment’s low bid of $55,510 was accepted in a 4-0 vote as Commissioner Brad Crews abstained because he is employed by Tidewater Equipment.
The commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the addition of Pierce County to the Southeast Georgia Regional Development uthority. The authority now consists of Jeff Davis, Appling and Bacon counties.
County Clerk Sherri Lytle explained that a pauper burial application was received. After speaking with the coroner it was determined that there is family of the deceased that can pay for it. The coroner denied it and the commissioners voted to deny it also.
Commissioner Benjamin discussed the problem of citizens hauling trash in pickup trucks and trash flying over the roads. He said, “We should require citizens to use a tarp on their pickup trucks or trailers when hauling trash off.”
The commissioners went into closed session to discuss real estate but no action was taken after the meeting was reopened.