Hobbs chosen to chair county commission

The disagreements between the Jeff Davis County Commissioners over who should be in positions of leadership continue.
Each year, in the first meeting of the year, the group disagrees about who should be the chairman and vice-chairman.
In last week’s meeting, 2022 Chairman Ricky Crosby called for a motion on the chairman and James Benjamin moved to appoint Crosby. Crosby then seconded the motion but his motion failed on a 2-3 vote, as Vann Wooten, new member James Emory Tate and Hank Hobbs opposed the motion.
Then Tate moved to appoint Hobbs chairman, Wooten seconded and it carried 3-2 along the same line of voting.
Then Chairman Hobbs moved to name Wooten as vice-chair and Tate seconded the motion. Hobbs’ motion passed on a 4-1 vote with Crosby opposing.
During the public comments section of the meeting, citizen William Wasmund addressed the board and asked for an update on the motion made in October, 2021, “to begin the process to exempt citizens 67 years of age and older from paying school tax on their residence and up to one acre of land.”
The commissioners appointed Rick Crosby as ex-officio member of the Health Department Board and Library Board, Vann Wooten to the Hospital Board and “Tri-County Board,” James Emory Tate to the Recreation Department Board, Hank Hobbs to the Joint Development Authority Board, and Wooten and Tate to the insurance committee.
County Attorney Andy Ramay shared with the Board that a motion needed to be made to accept the General Release from McCarthy Building Companies, INC. regarding the damage to McCall Road.
The commissioners approved a motion to accept the General Release and allow Chairman Hank Hobbs to sign it.
County Administrator Heather Scott shared with the Board that there was a bid opening Dec. 13 and that Georgia Asphalt Producers, INC. won the bid.
The commissioners approved a motion to accept the 2023 Holiday Schedule as presented by Scott.
Commissioner Benjamin shared with the board his concerns regarding the fence by the splash pad.
Chairman Hobbs stated that the community needs to be updated and the fees needed to be reviewed for the Land Use Ordinance.
He also shared his concerns with the Semi Truck using County maintained roads and asked for an update on the shelter at Burketts Ferry Landing.
David DeSousa addressed the board with his concerns of the Land Use Ordinance.
The commissioners approved hiring a road department employee and approved the transfer of an employee to the Sheriff’s Department for the Probation Community Program.