Ben Hill County commission hears support for Christian Recovery Center, appoints DLS board member and adopts budget amendment

Ben Hill County Commissioners met at 6 p.m. on Feb. 7, 2023, at the Ben Hill County Courthouse Annex and held a public hearing on a special exception for a proposed substance abuse and recovery center, followed by routine reports, an appointment to the DLS Board and adoption of a budget amendment resolution.

Building & Zoning Inspector Jake Hughes told the board that the proposed use is suitable for the site, is at a reasonable distance from adjacent properties, should not adversely affect surrounding property usability and would require a special exception to conform to the county's land-use plan. The board recorded no opposing public comments during the hearing.

Program Director Ronald Byers of the Christian Recovery Center urged commissioners to allow the facility to continue operating at its current location and emphasized the lives the program is changing and the need for the service in the area. Program Manager Greg Ray said Fitzgerald is facing a local drug problem and described the center’s services, noting the program also shelters people experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness and that the center coordinates with local employers and law enforcement. Allen Conger, who identified himself as an employer and provided a packet describing the center’s services and goals, said his businesses have hired men who attend the center.

The hearing record shows no opposing speakers; the board closed the public hearing and returned to the regular agenda.

Tax Commissioner Barry Foster reported that the county's property tax sale is scheduled for April 4 and the mobile-home tax sale for May 2. He told the board his office handled 23,205 vehicle transactions and 10,700 property transactions and fields roughly 12,000 calls annually.

Volunteer Fire Department President Allen Conger and Chief Michael Jay reported an improvement in the county’s ISO rating from 6 to 5 following a PPC inspection. DLS Director Keith Morris gave a parks and recreation update, saying basketball season is ending and registrations for baseball, T-ball and softball are underway. County Manager Michael Dinnerman reported that the audit is complete, described the county as financially healthy, and provided updates on the Ed Ward Road project, a roundabout project and incoming school flashing lights.

On appointments, Vice-Chair Hope Harmon nominated Eric Lewis to the DLS Board to replace Jeremy Cox. The motion to appoint Lewis was seconded by Commissioner Daniel Cowan and passed unanimously by the five commissioners recorded as voting.

Chief Financial Officer Darlow Maxwell presented a proposed 2022 budget amendment described as a net zero-dollar reclassification among departments. Commissioner John Mooney moved to adopt Resolution 2022-07; Commissioner Daniel Cowan seconded, and the motion passed with the five commissioners recorded as voting in favor.

The board recessed into an executive session for legal matters from 6:45 p.m. to 7:06 p.m.; it returned to open session by motion and subsequently adjourned. The minutes list no additional commissioner remarks.

Minutes and official actions recorded by the county clerk show the hearing took place and the two formal votes (DLS appointment and adoption of Resolution 2022-07) were approved; the public record does not show a recorded final decision on the special exception within these minutes.