Long County commissioners approve probate fee increases, hold jail startup funds and correct zoning; family conveyance granted

Chairman James Craft presided as the Long County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 16 approved several administrative measures affecting court fees, county budgeting and property records.

Hon. Teresa Odum, the county’s Probate and Magistrate Judge, asked the board to raise magistrate filing fees by $10 per filing, add a $5 postage charge per filing and charge $0.25 per page for filings exceeding five pages because postage remains a major office expense. She also recommended increasing certified-mail fees to $15 and restricted‑mail fees to $20. Commissioner Gerald Blocker moved to approve the changes, Commissioner John Reddish seconded, and the motion carried 4-0.

The board also approved a 2026 budget amendment to reserve $125,000 from a loan provided by the Long County Development Authority. County Manager Chuck Scragg said the funds will be restricted in the General Fund for startup expenses for the Long County Jail in January 2026. Commissioner Blocker made the motion to place the funds on hold; Commissioner Jeremy Hall seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Code Enforcement Officer Jeffrey Laymon informed the board of a clerical zoning error for Parcel #056 A 021 at 1218 Elim Church Rd NE, which was recorded as rural residential (RR) despite being adjacent to a C‑2 commercial parcel and hosting a commercial building constructed in 2025. Commissioner Hall moved to direct the Tax Assessor and Clerk of Superior Court to correct the zoning records; Commissioner Blocker seconded and the motion passed 4-0.

The board approved a Family Conveyance request from Tina and Eric Phillips to transfer 1 acre at 1909 George Swindell Rd to their son. Mr. Phillips told the board he had Health Department and Code Enforcement approval; County Manager Scragg confirmed the request met the Family Conveyance Ordinance requirements. Commissioner Blocker moved to approve the conveyance, Commissioner Hall seconded, and the vote was 4-0 in favor.

Other routine items included an update that surplus properties are being offered via blind bid and will be listed on GovDeals.com if bids do not meet reserves after Oct. 1, 2025, and a motion to table several agenda items pending further information.

The board voted unanimously to enter and later exit executive session, and then adjourned. The minutes from this meeting were adopted Oct. 2, 2025.