Ben Hill County reports 4‑H van purchase, transit transfer; announces $2.4 million EDA grant for road work

At the July 5 Ben Hill County Commissioners meeting, County Manager Michael Dinnerman said the county purchased a 2019 van from Fitzgerald Ford for the 4‑H program; the van will be traded in when the new fleet of vans arrives. Ag Extension Agent Holly Hickey sent a thank‑you note for the purchase, the minutes say.

Dinnerman also reported that Ben Hill Transit transitioned to the South Georgia Regional Commission on July 1 and that the same phone number can be used to schedule services. He said the county’s transit operator (RMS) is working with the South Georgia Regional Commission to make the transition smooth and noted that anyone age 60 and older can ride the transit free of charge.

In Commissioners’ remarks, Chairman Steve Taylor announced a July 22 ribbon cutting at 10:00 a.m. for the new Fitzgerald High School College and Career Academy.

Dinnerman told the commission the county was awarded a $2.4 million grant from the Economic Development Administration for improvements to Edward Road and Perry House Road and that the county is waiting on a letter to proceed. A Zoom EDA kickoff meeting was scheduled for July 7 at 1:00 p.m., he said.

Chairman Taylor also relayed that the Southern Regional Commission requested the county adopt a Broadband Ordinance to become a "ready community" eligible for future broadband funding; Taylor said the county attorney will review the ordinance before any action. County Manager Dinnerman informed the commission that the ACCG Board of Managers decided to add ACCG annual membership dues with NACO dues to maintain each county’s NACO membership.

Next steps: staff will follow up on the EDA letter and kickoff meeting; the county attorney will review the proposed Broadband Ordinance before staff proceeds with any formal adoption process.