Coffee County approves SPLOST-funded vehicle purchases, boosts library funding and raises commercial dumpster rates

The Coffee County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved several budget and procurement measures at its Feb. 2, 2026, regular meeting.

County Administrator Wesley Vickers presented bids for a Road Department dump truck and for five 2026 Ford Explorer sheriff patrol vehicles. Vickers recommended the low bid for a 2026 Western Star with an Allison transmission from Tom Nehl for $188,758.00 and recommended purchasing five patrol vehicles from local vendor Anderson Ford for a combined $223,750.00. Vice‑Chairman Ted O’Steen called for motions; the board approved both purchases with unanimous votes. The administrator said both purchases will be paid from SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) funds.

The board also approved an annual 5% increase in county funding to the Satilla Regional Library, raising its allocation from $68,600.00 to $72,030.00. County staff said the library had not received an increase in eight years; Commissioner Johnny Wayne Jowers moved to approve the increase and the motion passed unanimously.

Separately, commissioners approved a rise in commercial dumpster fees to reflect higher contractor costs. The board adopted new commercial rates that will take effect April 1, 2026: 4‑yard dumpsters will increase from $95.00 to $100.00, 6‑yard dumpsters from $125.00 to $150.00 and 8‑yard dumpsters from $150.00 to $200.00. No residential rate changes were approved.

All votes on these items were unanimous among the four commissioners present — Vice‑Chairman Ted O’Steen, Commissioners Jimmy Kitchens, George McIver Sr. and Johnny Wayne Jowers — with Chairman AJ Dovers absent. The board completed the listed procurement and funding actions during the morning session and moved on to planning and zoning matters.

The approvals direct county SPLOST dollars to vehicle acquisitions intended for road and public safety operations, increase library operating support, and shift more commercial waste costs to customers. The board did not schedule additional hearings related to these items.